Purse stolen on vacation? A guide to action

The anticipation was great: four young women, weekend, good weather forecast, a short trip to Amsterdam. But the good mood was put a damper on right at the beginning.

The security check at the airport: done in five minutes; the first coffee: tastes great; on the plane: a relaxing nap, landing at Eindhoven Airport and off to the train station to get to Amsterdam Centraal: Everything works like clockwork – but we were happy too soon.

Just before the train leaves: you can feel a little jerking on the backpack. Behind me, two women jostle into our group of four. Another jerking, the zip of the backpack is open. Wallet with cash, driver’s license, ATM card, e-card and ÖBB climate ticket are gone. The cheerful holiday mood was probably also stolen. Sprinting off the train is pointless, the two women are nowhere to be found at the station. On the platform, a conductor advises what to do, because they have plenty of experience with such thefts there. Block the debit card, report the theft at the train station and later also at a police headquarters.

If only I had chosen the bag to hang around. If only I had put some of the cash in the suitcase like I always do. If only I had taken my backpack forward as soon as I felt something. The thoughts torment. You are always wiser in hindsight. Of course, we know that thefts often happen in crowded places. Nevertheless, you feel safe in the crowd, because there might be so many people watching the action.

The initial shock is followed by self-regret for the lengthy administrative procedures and the stolen money. But the trick is not to let it spoil your mood. The further train journey to Amsterdam is taciturn, now and then a depressed “That’s not possible”. Anger, despair and indignation wash over me in waves. “I’m not allowed to get into it” – this sentence becomes a mantra. After all, worse might have happened, luckily I’m not alone on the road. Arriving at the accommodation, the sun is shining, magnificent canals, bridges and small brick houses cast a spell over me. Clutching your bags tightly, you head into the crowded streets of Amsterdam. The drink with the friends in the sun finally breaks the mood and the resolution is made: Enjoy and absorb every single moment from now on. It succeeded.