I remember years ago, a stranger tapped me on the shoulder to warn me that I'd left my purse in the cart while deciding between one cut of chicken versus another.
She spoke in somewhat broken English, and was apologetic in addition to worried. I thanked her and have been vigilant ever since.
Today, it took all my willpower not to take on that stranger's role. This young lady in front of me had not only wandered away from her purse, but left it open, and her wallet exposed. She did drift back, but she was lucky she had an honest person in back of her.
I used to see that so often when I worked in a supermarket and having the uniform on I felt comfortable reminding them. These days I want to, but in my scruffy old house clothes I wonder if they might think I am homeless and watching their purses for an opportunity. I think supermarkets should put a warning over their PA systems a few times a day, just a simple "be aware, keep your purse with you at all times, do not leave it unattended in the trolley"
ReplyDeleteYou'd think we'd learn, after all those warnings in airports and other travel venues.
DeleteWhat a world we live in, eh? That we have these issues.
ReplyDeleteI would certainly have alerted her to the danger she was exposing herself to. I have always had a tendency to be careless like that, and I would have really appreciated someone telling me what I was about to lose. Thank you for this reminder to be vigilant, especially these days when so many people are hurting.
ReplyDeleteI would have meddled - knowing that I would be grateful (if embarrassed) if someone did the same for me.
ReplyDeleteMy mother-in-law was shoved into the meat case while someone stole her purse and fled the store. I honestly cannot remember if she got it back, but she did have some bruises to her 78-year-old body.
ReplyDeleteGood grief! That's horrible!
DeleteIt's easy when you feel comfortable in a public place to become too trusting. It's like people at Starbucks who leave their computers on their tables while they go back to the counter for something or (God forbid) go to the bathroom. I wouldn't do it!
ReplyDeleteMe either. My trust in my fellow man is pretty thin.
DeleteI do the grocery shopping now, but Sue used to tie her purse to the cart.
ReplyDeleteThis lady's purse was unzipped, and her wallet was right on top.
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