“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” – Ken Burns, To a Mouse
…or the best laid plans of Courtney.
Life never goes according to plan. After a day devoted to studying at the British Library, I hopped on the Tube and headed for home. With the library being 20 minutes away by Tube from my accommodation, I settled myself into a comfy seat on the Piccadilly Tube Train and read while I waited to transfer to the Bakerloo Line. I envisioned my evening as a calm night spent in my room. After my transfer stop was announced, I picked up all of my belongings, minded the gap, and bordered the next train. The train was so crowded, I felt as if I would suffocate but I assured myself that I would be home soon and I grabbed the rail to hold on. Much to my surprise, when I reached up to grab a hold, I felt a vacant space in my pocket where my wallet once lived. Completely frenzied, I clawed at my tote bag, praying that I had only misplaced it. After realizing that it was nowhere to be found, I leapt from the train as soon as it stopped and frantically retraced my steps but to no avail. Eventually, I flagged down the Tube Police hoping that I could find closure and be presented with my wallet that a good Samaritan had turned in but I had expected too much. They were incredibly helpful, very comforting, and retrieved all of the phone numbers I would need to cancel my debit cards. As I made my way home, thankful that I had both my LSE ID and my Oyster Card in another pocket, I realized that some lessons are learned the hard way. I probably should have been more vigilant or maybe it was inevitable, either way, I realized that even though it was devastating to have had my wallet stolen, it was a learning experience that I cannot fully dismiss. I am hoping that it will turn up but understand that it is unlikely. When I reached my accommodation and sorted out the details of replacing my key, I made my way down to the cafeteria and medicated my sorrows with lots of cake.
What to do if your wallet is stolen:
1) Stay Calm
2) Go to the nearest police station and report the crime. If it occurs in a Tube Station, approach an officer and ask for assistance.
3) Try to remember as many details as possible so that a thorough investigation can be made
4) Try to remember the contents of your wallet
5) Cancel all debit/credit cards
6) Report any other materials as stolen to the proper institutions, ie: Report a stolen US Driver’s License to the appropriate DMV service, etc.
7) Pray it turns up and medicate your sorrows with cake!
There are several ways to report a crime which include: in person, by phone or even online, depending on the crime. Remember that the non emergency number to contact the police is 101 and the emergency number is 999. I hope that this does not happen to you but if it does, I especially hope that you will know what to do.
What’s up, just wanted to tell you, I loved this post. It was practical. Keep on posting!
Hey! Thanks! I am so glad to know that you enjoyed it! It was incredibly stressful when my wallet was stolen and I just wanted to give some practical yet humorous advice for others especially those who ride the Tube.
By the way, my wallet ended up being tossed in one of the Tube stations and was recovered almost intact (of course, the valuables were missing). I received a postcard from the Baker Street Tube Lost and Found Property Office. The office charges a small fee to get your belongings back but it is well worth it.