Stepping Into The Crosshairs

A woman withdrew over $335,000 (about US$43,000) from her bank in Causeway Bay.

While she and a male friend were crossing Hennessy Road, a gang of half a dozen men surrounded them, punched the man in the face and stole the woman's handbag. The men took off running and weren't caught.

This is a classic case where counter transactions are observed, a mark is selected and a robbery is committed. What in the world makes people think they're bulletproof? Why walk around with that much cash when a demand draft or cashier's cheque is available?

I've lost count of the number of times I've seen people at a teller's wicket with stacks of thousand-dollar bills. Where's their street sense?

Basic street tips:

1. Don't make yourself a target. Carry small amounts of cash.

2. Be aware of your surroundings.

3. Let people know that you see them. Pickpockets and thieves probably won't target or attack someone they know has been observing them. They'll move on to easier pickings, like the tourist with the fat wallet hanging out of his back pocket.

Hong Kong is a safe city, but it isn't when you invite danger.

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