How to lose your valuables in 2 easy seconds: Visit Paris
On Saturday 2nd October, 2004, I had my camera bag, containing two lenses and a camera, stolen on Rue du Cardinal Dubois, in front of Sacre Coeur in the heart of Paris. Nobody saw anything and I was unable to find any police officers patrolling; there is no CCTV.
After telephoning the police and filling out a report at the local police station, I came to the conclusion that the French police are apathetic to crimes against tourists. As far as they are concerned it is better that criminals steal from tourists than commit crimes against the local residents; and our insurance companies will always pick up the bill. Why else would you have no police presence and no CCTV in a popular tourist area?
I lost the following items:
If you see any of these items offered for sale on an auction site, such as Ebay, check the vendor’s credentials out thoroughly. If the vendor doesn’t have the instruction manual or the case or any packaging, ask yourself why.
If you are a second-hand dealer and you are offered these items and you are suspicious, please contact either or both of:
Also, if you visit Paris, don’t let go of your bags or possessions for one second. It only took two seconds (literally) for mine to be stolen. Think about it: the Olympic champion can only run 20 metres in that time, carrying nothing! These thieves are obviously very good and I guarantee that nobody around you will offer you any assistance and the police will just give you some paperwork for your insurance.