While working yesterday I was robbed. They didn’t get much of my money, maybe $20 at most. Unfortunately, they also took my cell phone and keys. I thought they were going to steal my car but apparently they just wanted the keys so they could go through my car looking for more to steal. And perhaps to keep me from following them since they ran off on foot. After they left I had to walk over to the apartment office so I could call the police. Having my phone stolen created another problem becuase I don’t know any phone numbers that I keep programmed into the phone. I didn’t know my work number and had to search a while to find it so I could report the robbery to them.
After the police came they wanted me to go home and get my other set of car keys to make sure that the robbers didn’t come back and steal my car. This also was an ordeal because I didn’t know my landlord’s number either. Once I got hold of him it took about 45 minutes for him to get there and open my apartment. He gave me a new set of keys too since my apartment keys were on my car key ring. That is going to cost me $10 on next months rent. After that I was finally able to return to work where I had to file a report with the central office. Then I was able to leave early and go home.
Besides the cash that was stolen I’m going to be out the money for a new cell phone, $10 to replace my keys, whatever it costs to get another spare car key, and the money I would have made the last three hours of my shift. I’ve got one year left on my Sprint contract and they told me my price for a new phone would be the two year contract price plus $75. I’m thinking I’ll try to find a used phone to save money there. Anyone had any experience with a used phone?
Where I work it was almost inevitable that I would eventually get robbed. Now that it has happened though I’m seriously considering finding new employment. I’m going to work today and I won’t make a decision just yet but this is another factor against keeping the job.
Wow that is really rough to happen to you. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling right now but you have my sympathy.
I just realized that I would be in the same situation as you with the phone numbers since I only have a cell phone and have stopped memorizing numbers.
It is a good thing you were not carrying too much cash on you and you can just cancel the credit cards.
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I have one concern though – the fact that the thief went through your car and took your keys.
I would suggest getting the locks CHANGED on your apartment – what if he searched your car for an insurance card or other item that could tell him your address – he now has keys.
Be careful!
Good luck to you.
Oh, definitely buy a used phone – maybe Craigslist or ebay and save some cash.
I’m so sorry this happened! As for a new phone I would recommend surfing on ebay! You can definitely get a good, used phone on there. You may have to pay to get a new SIM card (some people take them out because it stores personal information)…but that would be minimal (or maybe even free).
OMG I’m so sorry to hear about this. Thankfully you are okay and didn’t lose too much. Where do you work? When I was working as a waitress late at night I had a policeman walk me to my car sometimes. Try traveling in a pack at night. As for the phone, maybe you can try going to a new company that will offer you a free phone? Some advertise no cancellation fees with your last company but I’m not sure how that works. Good luck!
I have bought used phones on eBay at a reasonable price and they have been great. I have an old phone, but it’s Cingular, so it won’t do you much good. It’s such a violating feeling when people go through your things. Make sure to definitely change the locks…that’s just creepy!
Thanks for the comments everyone. There wasn’t anything in my car that had my address on it so there isn’t anyway for them to know where I live. A couple of people I know have offered to give me their old phone which will save me from having to buy a phone. I don’t carry my wallet while I’m working, the only things they got of mine were cash and my cell phone. No credit cards or any type of ID were taken. I’m going to make a list of important phone numbers instead of just relying on the address book in my cell phone.
Ouch! 🙁 That’s horrible. At least your not hurt in any way but that sucks that there are people like that ya know?
I agree, try Ebay and Craigs list. I just saw my old phone model go really really cheap on ebay recently.
How awful! So glad to hear you are okay.
You didn’t have your driver’s license in your wallet? It’s amazing that they didn’t steal your car. And you were very lucky they didn’t do any damage to you personally.
What kind of place to you work at where you expect to be mugged in the parking lot? Can your employer spell l-a-w-s-u-i-t? Sooner or later someone will get hurt… Around here, employers in the downtown area hire security guards to escort people to their cars when employees leave the building after dark. If your employer is unwilling to take steps to enhance workers’ safety, it really is time to find another job.
Man, that sucks. Even though they didn’t get much, it’s the frustration and hassle that you have to go through now… Good thing you weren’t carrying around lots of cash! I’m glad that your friends have offered you their old phones – otherwise I’d be all about the used phone route too. Good luck!
So sorry to hear about this. I know the horrible feeling of being robbed and violated…
vh- I don’t carry my wallet while I’m working for just this reason. I had my driver’s license by itself in my back pocket and they didn’t notice it.
I have some experience with buying a used cell phone. I got a really good phone for cheap off of ebay. But it quit after about a year and a half. I figured out why. When you go get a new phone you have 30 days to return it. There are always those people who are anal about stuff and they return their perfectly good phone. What to do with a perfectly good phone that’s “used”? After market resellers. There’s good money in it if you want to get into it, but you might also be getting a defective phone. I got one that didn’t want to answer, but that was after the first year. Try ebay and stick to major brands that you know. You might get a good deal, you might not. Talk to the seller to see if he inspects his/her phones.
Good luck!!!
I’m really sorry that happened to you… it’s unconscionable what people will do. IMHO, finding another job sounds like a great idea that could lead to keeping yourself safer. Naturally, there is no insurance that you’ll be safe anywhere, but you can get a pretty good idea in advance.
Jerry
Glad that you are okay. Am I correct that this is from the delivery job? Hmm… might not let my kids do this job anymore.
If you want a really (really) old Sprint PCS phone for free, let me know and I’ll send it to you. I’ll have to charge it up and make sure it still works, though. I’ve been keeping it as a backup for my own Sprint phone, but I don’t think I’ll use it anymore.
Jonathan- I did get robbed while doing the delivery job. I’d still do it just not in the ‘hood where I’m at now.
Thanks for the offer of a phone. My friend gave me his really old phone for free. It isn’t too fancy but the price was right.