So a couple weeks ago, my purse was stolen while I was away in Vegas for a Pet Supply Trade Show. After the first day of working the show, my friend and I ran to the MGM Pool for a quick dip. I placed my purse onto a lounge chair, made sure to cover it with a towel, and jumped in.
After about 20 minutes of swimming, we decided to head to the hot tub. I wanted to move my purse closer the hot tub where I could keep a better eye on it, but when I got back the the lounge chair, my purse was GONE.
I frantically asked the pool boy if he had moved or picked it up by accident. Then I spotted a security guard who was already at the pool as some other tourist just reported their bag had been stolen too. From then on it was a nightmare. I had to cancel all my credit cards, my phone, and file a report with the MGM security office and the Las Vegas Metro Police Dept.
As I was questioned on exactly what was in my purse, I recalled that I basically had everything of value in there–my credit card, debit card, license, digital camera, and $200 cash (I was planning to gamble later).
I was in shock at all the stuff that I had moments ago, were now missing. And I felt so violated. All these questions kept running through my head: Who was this person? How did they know my purse was underneath those towels when I’d hidden it so well? Where were they now? Would I get my stuff back?
One of the security guards informed me that sometimes thieves like this will steal bags, take out the wallet, and abandon everything else. So we searched all the nearby trash cans for my stuff–but nothing was there.
I had to cancel my card with American Express but discovered charges had already been made. This was less then 45 minutes since I realized my purse was gone. Apparently about $1,000 in charges had been made at a local Walmart. I was so frazzled at everything that was going on and just really wanted my purse. Maybe my stuff was in one of the trash cans at Walmart?
So we went. I talked to the cashier who had rang up the lady with my cards. He told me she was trying to buy a PSP Portable with my AmEx but it failed to go through. So then she tried to use my debit card but didn’t know the Pin Number. That’s when the cashier asked for ID and the theif whipped out MY drivers license. And no, she didn’t look a thing like me. She was blonde, Caucasian, and nearly 6 feet tall. She told the cashier that she was purchasing this for her “friend” that was waiting in the car. He refused to sell this to her unless she went and got her “friend”. She said she would, left, and never came back.
The manager of Walmart showed me the receipts of a pre-paid phone of the purchase that had gone through earlier. She didn’t even spell my name right when she signed for it!
After I had heard enough, I went down to the Metro Police Station and filed a police report.
The whole thing was just a nightmare because on my second day in Vegas, I lose all my ID and money. Of course, I don’t look 21 and got carded everywhere I went. My friends had to buy me meals everyday. The worst part is that I don’t know if she’ll ever be caught. There’s been plenty of footage of the thief caught on camera at the Walmart and at the Casino pool, but chances are slim that they’ll be able to identify her unless she’s had a previous record.
So just to warn all the girls out there…
Wherever you go, make sure you keep your purse with you at all times. Don’t assume a place is safe just because they have security. Pools are the most lax in security, so next time don’t even take anything with you except your hotel key.
Even I had a feeling to try to protect my stuff, but covering it up with a towel was not enough. I assume the thief had seen me walk in from the beginning and hide my purse, so right away I was an easy target.
On another note, my friend sent me this great article about a new app that can track stolen cell phones. You can phone in and listen to the theif’s calls, send out a blaring alarm to call attention to the phone, and even read any text messages they send out. I wish this had been out earlier, so I could’ve put this on my phone (and I had tried, but Verizon couldn’t make an outgoing call on my phone to track down its location).
Anyways, just remember always be extra cautious with your stuff, especially when you’re on vacation. Guard your purse with your life!
