I've been using a "biker" chain attached to my wallet and my belt for years. Haven't had a problem yet. If a pickpocket can detach that rig without me knowing, he deserves the wallet.
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KoaFodera
Commercial User
When in Europe last year, I used the old $ in my sock trick. Also used the $ underneath my shoe's insole plan. Items such as passports and train tickets were kept in a money belt. No issues with any of us loosing property.
Sorry to hear you lost all that money, Mike.
Sorry to hear you lost all that money, Mike.
OliveFodera said:
+1. Firstly an apology to Mike for my error as he did say the club was in London. I'm currently convalescing from major surgery and was tired when I wrote my reply.
Nowadays you can't take any chances and there have been many occasions when visiting the USA when I've had to adopt Olive's methods.
Again, sorry that it had to happen to the extremely talented Mr Pope in my hometown.
Just Thumpin'
Commercial User
- Mar 7, 2008
- 4,534
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- Manager and Partner, Fodera Guitars (10/14/09 - 12/16/19)
Oh Mike, that absolutely blows. I'm so sorry. At least you are okay and weren't hurt...
J
J
Hey guys, I had the worst NY experience of my life the other night....but it was in London.
Got pickpocketed in the club where I was playing. I lost $2000.00 USD in cash. Nice!
And the English are supposed to be so polite!
- Apr 24, 2004
- 1,359
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- Designer Fodera Guitars/Michael Pope Design, Inc., Trickfish Amplification
Thanks, Jason.
That's what Lydia said...God bless her...she could have been mad, as that was October's mortgage payment. I could have had somebody beat the crap out of me for it.
I let my guard down at the wrong time.
I hope they either choke on it, or that they have a family who is really desperate and really need the money.
thepontif said:
Ouch. The story doesn't get better, does it? I mean, mortgage tends not to be the kind of thing you can just put off.
Also points to the fact that musicians can be pretty successful and still have to worry about paying the bills. I live in a town where many a touring band has lost its vanful of instruments. Even relatively large bands; last time Iggy Pop came through, Mike Watt lost that crazy old Gibson. Dunno if he ever got it back, but I can't imagine somebody being able to fence it. Fact is, if I lost a bass in a foreign town, I sure couldn't afford to replace it and still eat that week.
I kind of grew up in the kinds of neighbourhoods where a pickpocket would starve on his day's work and get his throat cut if he got caught, but it still really bugs me that someone would take it upon himself to get into your space and touch your stuff, whether that's reaching into your pocket or the back of your van.
Just Thumpin'
Commercial User
- Mar 7, 2008
- 4,534
- 1,664
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- Manager and Partner, Fodera Guitars (10/14/09 - 12/16/19)
Folks, this is an example of Mike Pope and why he's been such a dear friend to Joey and Vinny (and more recently me) for so long. The guy has a heart of gold and can see a possible positive outcome in even the worst situation. Mike, all I can say is..."thanks for being you!"
J
J
So sorry to hear about your theft Mike. As a Londoner I'm embarrassed to say that this sort of 'petty' (non-violent) theft seems to have been on the increase over the past few years.
The miscreants definitely target tourists in public places I'm ashamed to say. I've always been an advocate of the wonderful multi-cultural nature of London but events of recent years and an influx of less well-off Europeans to the UK has not, generally, been a great thing.
I'd like to think there are a lot of good natured, honest, and well meaning Londoners in the capital still but it does feel like things have taken a turn for the worse recently
The miscreants definitely target tourists in public places I'm ashamed to say. I've always been an advocate of the wonderful multi-cultural nature of London but events of recent years and an influx of less well-off Europeans to the UK has not, generally, been a great thing.
I'd like to think there are a lot of good natured, honest, and well meaning Londoners in the capital still but it does feel like things have taken a turn for the worse recently
Molan said:So sorry to hear about your theft Mike. As a Londoner I'm embarrassed to say that this sort of 'petty' (non-violent) theft seems to have been on the increase over the past few years.
The miscreants definitely target tourists in public places I'm ashamed to say. I've always been an advocate of the wonderful multi-cultural nature of London but events of recent years and an influx of less well-off Europeans to the UK has not, generally, been a great thing.
I'd like to think there are a lot of good natured, honest, and well meaning Londoners in the capital still but it does feel like things have taken a turn for the worse recently
Hi Molan, so true..
It hurts to think that about how our capital is in decline.
Hi Barrie, having spent 4 years in london, i can only agree...
Berlin is much better!!
Berlin is much better!!
So sorry to hear about your theft Mike. As a Londoner I'm embarrassed to say that this sort of 'petty' (non-violent) theft seems to have been on the increase over the past few years.
The miscreants definitely target tourists in public places I'm ashamed to say. I've always been an advocate of the wonderful multi-cultural nature of London but events of recent years and an influx of less well-off Europeans to the UK has not, generally, been a great thing.
I'd like to think there are a lot of good natured, honest, and well meaning Londoners in the capital still but it does feel like things have taken a turn for the worse recently
I have found myself in that situation. Whenever I entertain at a new venue..what I have done, in the past, is separate the cash from my wallet. I keep nothing in my wallet that I can't afford to lose. The cash that is earned (to each their own) I put in my shoes, but the idea is to keep it separated from my wallet.
When I read this the opening lyrics to 'Good Advices' by REM:
"When you greet a stranger look at his shoes
Keep your money in your shoes..."
Mike, sorry to hear about this, particularly so in my country. I don't think of London being particularly prone to pickpocketing, whereas I'd be on my guard in any foreign city. I guess it's a weird cultural thing and knowing what to watch out for on home turf. I hope you get the money back one way or another.
Sorry to hear it, Mike. It's weird. I never felt vulnerable in London, but Madrid was a different story. I was surrounded buy three guys in the Hard Rock Cafe store there. Their intentions were clear, so I made eye contact with each one, then moved out from their circle. They knew they were made and left. Luckily there were plenty of people there. There are lots of Gypsies in Europe who prey on tourists. (My apologies to any TB Gypsies who are not pickpockets.)
Just Thumpin'
Commercial User
- Mar 7, 2008
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- Manager and Partner, Fodera Guitars (10/14/09 - 12/16/19)
Not sure when the guys started, but we have used them a LOT since I have been hanging around here (which goes back to 2007)...
J
J
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