Crime Alert!

Because I work for a University, I'm constantly getting "crime alert" emails that share details about campus robberies and other unlawful incidents. The indiscretion that dominates these crime alerts? The cell phone snatch.

The "cell phone snatch" is exactly as it sounds. Assailants will literally run up to people using their cell phones, grab the phone out of his or her hand, and run off. As someone who regularly talks on the phone while she is en route to various locations (Hi Mommy--thanks for talking to me all the time!), I am very perplexed by this idea. Doesn't it seem kind of absurd? What's the motive? I'd be willing to bet that the thieves already have cell phones and even if they don't, it's likely that the rightful owner would immediately turn off the service.

What am I missing here? ::strokes imaginary beard::

I'm obviously no Samantha Waters (automatic +10 for "Profiler" reference), as I have no understanding of the criminal mind.

In a Betsy-run universe crimes of this nature would not be allowed. Not because stealing is wrong, rather, it is SO INCONVENIENT to replace a cell phone/all the information in a cell phone. Big pat on the back to people who back up their address books on their computers, but since I'm not one of them, I shudder to think of how screwed I would be if an attacker tried to pry my Blackberry out of my hand. That's right potential robbers, it will be a mayjah fight to get my phone away from me, so don't even think about it.

Hey--You're still thinking about it, aren't you? STOP IT. Not an option for you.

Anyway, the real kicker is that Campus Police used to encourage students to talk on their phones while walking as a safety measure. Oops. Someone change that in the freshman handbook...

In truth, this is just one more reminder that I live in a city and need to be careful with myself and my belongings. Stay safe, DC!