Beware of 'Push Pocket'
By zandi458
@zandi458 (28102)
Malaysia
June 28, 2008 12:29pm CST
I am sure you've heard of 'Pick Pocket'. Now there is a new trend 'push pocket'. This is a new type of crime that has surfaced of late. It goes something like this:- somebody slips a handphone into your pocket, sometimes it could just be a wallet with an identity card and a few dollars. A few minutes later, the 'owner' comes up and confront you, the 'thief' He makes a big commotion that you stole his stuff. You are caught unaware, and then pulled aside by the 'owner' for a settlement. You are intimidated and that if you do not pay up the police will be brought in. If you pay up, this'owner' lets you go. If not, the police are brought in. Another strange thing is that there always seems to be a 'witness' to the thief. You're 'guilty until proven innocent' as far as the police is concern. I understand some poor people are in jail for these offenses. This normally happens at airports and crowded places.
2 people like this
11 responses
@golfproo (1839)
• Canada
3 Jul 08
Hi There,
This is a another problem when things get bad and the economy goes down the drain. New types of crime and theft are actively pursued and discovered. I am not saying that there is not crime in good times, but it certainly escalates when things get tough. Thanks for the information as we all know that information is power.
cheers,
@celticeagle (167430)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Jun 08
I think a positive attitude and a good lawyer would take care of this in a very short time. Even if they do have so called witnesses. Intimidation is a scarey thing.
1 person likes this
@greysfreak (1384)
• United States
29 Jun 08
OMG That is horrible that this could even happen. It doesn't really surprise me, but I would just think there would be more to protect the innocent. I really don't know what I would do in this situation, I am scared of confrontation, and I hate trouble so getting in trouble for something I didn't do would really bother me!
@gentlespirit (42)
•
29 Jun 08
This is quite informative! Thanks!
This just shows how these people can be very creative in approaches. I just hope this idea do not get to reach the underground world of the Philippines!
1 person likes this
@hotsummer (13837)
• Philippines
29 Jun 08
i am not aware of this push pocket. it will be really a terrible fate to be victimized by this crazy people who just want to extract money from innocent people and that they will do blackmail and scare innocent people. i have not heard any one here in my country about that but for sure it did happen to some people though.
1 person likes this
@angel_of_charm (4134)
• Philippines
15 Jul 08
thats scary but this folks are smart enough i should say! because pick pockets are already well known off now they got new way to rob people...i believe the witness are with them for sure..they to testify so it will pushed hard on the victim...that way the victim wont have any excuse but pay..i feel sorry for the victims
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
29 Jun 08
Robbers also update their strategy to be in the mainstream of high tech society. They can't be robbing the bank always as they knew that their actions will be closely monitored by cc tv and alarm is everywhere . This one works well now for the time being as it is not high risk job for time.
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Interesting. I haven't heard of it. But if this scenario is repeated several times with people ending up in jail over this because the police doesn't believe they didn't take it, wouldn't the repetitive pattern of people claiming innocence and the scnarios involved raise red flags? Or is the police in on it?
1 person likes this
@KUSHANK55 (2437)
• India
28 Jun 08
hi zandi, having gone through what you have explained it is more sensible a crime. and you do not seem to have any outlet.when you came across this kind of thing at your place? may be they have started here as well. but i was not aware of it.legally you are in a more vulnerable situation. obviously they will do it where you arte caught unawares.
1 person likes this
@mscott (1923)
• United States
28 Jun 08
I am going to print this or find an actual news article about it to print. I will carry that in my wallet and then if ever confronted I will take that out first. I will tell the accuser to go and get a police officer after I show him the article. I will be more than happy to let the officer search me. If he finds the object in question he can test it for fingerprints. Since mine will not be on it it should be discouraging for the criminal to try and pursue this.
