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Robbed
Posted on March 17th, 2005 11 commentsToday started off innocently enough. I met Marc downtown for lunch and a camcorder pickup. We ate at “Out the Door”, the “takeout window” for The Slanted Door. After an ordering mixup we eventually ate some pho and spring rolls.
Next it was off to The Canvas Gallery/Cafe for some work. That didn’t last very long for some reason. Next it was on to Willo’s house to say hello and show off some new toys.
I spent my bus money on my drink at the cafe, so I needed cash. I found an ATM, but the bus doesn’t make change for 20 dollar bills. So what did a resourceful, chocolate-loving person like myself do? I bought another box of Thin Mints from the girl scouts parked outside the bank — problem solved!
After a way too long ride on the N-Judah I switched to BART and took it to 24th and Mission. I walked down Folsom and was waiting to cross Cesar Chavez when I heard “hey, white man” from behind me. Suddenly, a black man was in my face and said something to the effect of needing money. I told him I didn’t have any. Next thing I knew he showed off some shiny thing in his pocket — could’ve been a gun, knife, or a lighter for all I knew, and I wasn’t going to argue at that point. “Give me your money”. I’m not stupid enough to play hero, so I got out my wallet, and gave him the cash. He was then interested in the papers in my wallet (receipts? who cares?) and then my credit cards. I said, probably foolishly, “what’s the point?” (seeing how they’d be cancelled in minutes) and he shrugged and said “have a nice day” and left. I bolted across the street and onto Willo’s house where I shocked her with my news.
So I was out $55 and pretty shaken (but unharmed otherwise). The silver lining here (if there can be one) is what he didn’t taken: My brand new Canon EOS-20D, the Canon Digital Rebel XT, the Canon ZR300 camcorder, the Olympus C-7070WZ camera, my Powerbook, and my iPod. Total retail value: $6000.
I didn’t file a police report since I didn’t see the point and nothing major was taken. And besides, I was in shock so I don’t think I even noted his appearance (besides threatening). It was pretty bold of this guy to do this in broad daylight at a major intersection, and maybe that’s why he didn’t go through my bags.
Bottom line: I’m glad to be here, glad my stuff is okay, and glad I didn’t have to walk back to the BART station (thanks, w).11 responses to “Robbed”
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After he left, did you even consider taking a picture of him even from a distance to give to the police?
You weren’t hurt, but a picture even from a distance and a police report might save someone else’s life in the future.
I am glad you weren’t hurt, but my concern is for the next person. -
After being so lucky, I wasn’t about to bust out my D-SLR and start snapping pictures. My #1 goal was to get the heck away from the projects. I see your point though… I wasn’t being terribly rational at that moment.
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Um, Dave, I don’t think taking out your expensive camera and taking pictures of the guy who just took your money in San Francisco’s Mission District — where others might be around to demand what’s left of your stuff — is all that wise of a thing to do. As for the police report, that could be handy, Jeff, if you claim the loss on your taxes next year. (But for $55, is it worth it?)
Anyway, you did the right thing. Sure, you may have felt scummy and upset afterward (and even now), but it’s only $55. Remember that people get mugged A LOT in big cities, especially in the Mission — and yes, even in the daytime. It doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying yourself when you go out, or fearing all African Americans or anything like that. It just means you now have an exciting story to tell. You’re safe, you’re all right. -
so scary!
I posted about it, too: http://www.willotoons.com/2005/03/playing-with-new-digital-rebel-xt.php -
mike lin March 18th, 2005 at 15:02
You should file a police report, just so they can keep track of the hot spots around the city. If it’s a trend they might patrol the area more often. I got mugged this summer (some punk ass kids took some cash) and filed a report.
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ya, i agree actually… i almost wish we would have called sooner.. if cops come trolling right away, then maybe hoodlums won’t get the idea that they can get away with this shit.
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File a report, then detuct the 55$
losses from theft are deductable -
Okay, I called the SFPD and was told I have to show up in person to file a police report. So maybe next time I’m in town I’ll do that.
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OMG! Glad to hear you’re OK, Jeff!
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Exactly the reason why I do not live in the city and prefer to stay in the suburbs.
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WOW! You absolutley did the right thing by agreeing with him. I’m impressed that you thought to rationalize with him. I wouldn’t have had the huevos to do that. Then, again, who knows what I would have done. I have a Black Belt Mother who says to always yell “CHOCOLATE!” when someone is threatening you. Me? I’m more likely to start with the water works…
Glad you’re okay.
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Dave March 18th, 2005 at 02:07