How are we all doing ?

Hi All,

Not sure if this is the right place  for this cautionary tale about what happened to us on the Underground this week. We've lived in London for 45+ years and use Tube and buses regularly. We aren't particularly vulnerable, although in our 70s and 80s, we move well (and fast) and keep an eye out for what is happening around us. 

Between the Piccadilly Line platform and the ticket barriers at Gloucester Road station my husband and I both had our pocket & crossbody bag opened, wallet and purse taken out, paper money removed (only £50 between us) then purse replaced inside the top of my bag which they left open and the wallet either replaced half-into his pocket or thrown on the floor behind him as we exited the lift. We saw and felt felt nothing at all. I use the bag to carry my stoma stuff plus clothes in case of leaks and usually carry my purse in a front pocket of my trousers but in the heat I was wearing clothes with no pockets.

No plastic removed - a blessing as getting cards cancelled and replaced is a nightmare. So now it's no purse/wallet, one card, the freedom pass and no cash all (carried in front of us). 

I've reported it to the Transport police because it was strange they put things back rather than walking out with them or throwing them in a corner. They said 'there's a lot of it about' and we felt nothing because 'they have a lot of practice'! I guess thieves would normally concentrate on visitors to London as they would be likely to have more cash on them.

Hope this is useful and probably applicable everywhere, especially in crowds.

All the best,

Latestart

Good luck Jane! Hx

It’s hotter here today Phil I haven’t got too much more to do before the viewer arrives but had better change out of my work clothes  x

Thanks H.What is the weather like down there ? X

Very humid and sweaty outside but cool indoors because this is a thick-walled cob house. Stays warm in winter and cool in summer. They knew what they were doing all those hundreds of years ago when they build these moorland houses. x

Hi Latestart,Sorry to hear this,not a nice experience.Mum had her handbag snatched by a thief on a bicycle in London.She was with a friend and it shook them both up.They took everything but mum phoned dad’s cousin and he kindly paid for her train fare home.She was most upset about losing the photographs she always carried of dad and me and my sister as children.The thieves are so professional and quick.I had a bad experience in Hull when a thief rung the doorbell.I couldn’t walk well then and by the time I had answered he had smashed the back door and was standing there with me staring at him.He made off on a woman’s bike without taking anything.I did get praise from the fingerprint man for not tidying up and destroying evidence though.X

It’s usually cool in the house but not today.I’ve got to finish putting the new fan together which shouldn’t take too long.I can’t do anymore physical work for today.My heart is still bounding along not sure what’s happened about the heart monitor expected to hear by now.Perhaps I’ve been referred back to cardiology.x

Very positive viewing.The lady loved it and the man is a plumber and knows lots of trades people.Exactly the sort of people I would love to buy it but I won’t get my hopes up yet.I have these other viewings and should know more about today’s on Monday.xx

Sounding good jane so pleased for you keeping my fingers crossed for  a good outcome take care Phil x

Thanks Phil it was one of the most positive viewings so far.Most people do really like the house they just can’t see past the work needed.X