what will you do if you are in the same situation as me

You had the RIGHT intuition when you saw what was going to happen because you are a responsible citizen and your instincts were courageous - although others may not have displayed the same responsible behavior. I have on several occasions stopped pickpockets from stealing from their victims risking my life - and have been threatened in the process. But I have survived and am happy about what I did - although, when I mentioned these incidents to my friends and family they thought the same way your family members thought. Recently I've seen on a certain TV program called "Caught on Camera" where cameras installed in public places have filmed certain incidents. In one clip it shows how a very old man who was trying to get into his car was being mugged by a young man and savagely beats this poor old man and steals his car - and was almost run over while the car was being taken away. In another clip there was this man who while crossing the road was hit by a car and he falls in the middle of the street. In both these incidents, there were MANY bystanders just watching it all but DOES NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO STOP OR HELP THE VICTIMS. Even after the old man fell down after his assault and his car stolen, you can see those people who witnessed the incident just walking away and ignoring the injured man lyign on the ground. In the second incident, the man lay sprawled in the middle of the street and the on-lookers simply watch it all and don't even bother to stop the other vehicles or go to the aid of the injured man. As a matter of fact, several other vehicles just miss running over him but simply swirls around him and continue on their way. And where do all these incidents occur - IN USA !!!!!!! I am ashamed of these people who just preferred to be "spectators" rather than "good samaritans". Let me tell you, if this happened anywhere in Sri Lanka (where I am originally from), the public would have displayed immense public responsibility by acting swiftly to help the victims and possibly arresting the culprits. Would I still act according to my instincts here in USA (where I live curently) if I were in a similar situation? - most certainly I will because I believe we have a responsibility as citizens of this country. I have instilled this in my sons and I know they would do the same thing if the situation warranted it.

I can understand your family's concern for your own safety. It is situations like this that leaves us feeling helpless. No doubt the pickpocket may not have been working alone and you could have been putting yourself in trouble. It is sad that you could not help the other woman but what can you do really? If you weigh the situation, there was really nothing you can do. It is times like this that I wish I were a big muscled man that could intimidate with just their looks.

Hi, Jennyaijua. If I had a strong weapon and I knew how to use it, I would protect someone. Knowing me, I would call the police or run to someone that could help me get help of some kind. I would do this as fast as I can though. Your sister did the right thing by protecting you from getting involved into a situation as this. It is very sad that we have people that will steal from you as you are walking near them. That is why, I try to keep my purse very close to me from now on.