6 types of phone thieves in Lagos

Authors:

Temi Iwalaiye

January 18, 2022 2:20 PM

These are some of the phone stealing techniques perfected by Lagos pickpockets.

Phone theft is common in Lagos [Shuttershock]

Lagos is a crazy city. There are different types of phone thieves and many ways you can lose your phone to them.

Here are different types of phone thieves;

1. The casual pickpocket

David, a colleague at work, kept his phone in his pocket as he was about to get off a bus. When he got off, his phone was not in his pocket anymore.

The cardinal rule is never to leave your phone in your pocket. There are many instances where your phone can be taken from your pocket.

For example, your phone can be picked up when you are rushing to enter a bus, when you are getting off a bus or when you are just standing at the bus stop.

2. The rush to enter a bus thief

This is a skill properly perfected by petty thieves.

One day, I was at the bus stop in Ojota when a small yellow bus passed with the driver screaming “Maryland!" and more than 20 people rushed to enter the bus.

I was a casual observer because I knew my chance at getting a seat was hopeless. But as I walked towards the bus after the rush, I saw a lady was frantically searching for her phone. In the rush, her bag was opened and her phone was carefully lifted.

3. The pastor or imam who is also a thief

Here you will meet a prophet who knows everything about your life. “Yes," he says, "You were born on a Tuesday, your mother's name is Bisi, she is the only dark-skinned woman in your village,” and all such details.

How the heist will be carried out will be so skilful, you would have given your phone out unknowingly.

Perhaps, the truth will dawn on you when you get to your house.

This is why you should never answer anyone who asks you for directions. Just face your front.

4. The finders keeper

If you forgot your phone in a vehicle or anywhere else, it is only the grace of God that would make you find it again in that same spot.

5. The traffic or roadside robber

Imagine being stuck in traffic or walking on the road and suddenly a tout asks you for a phone while brandishing a knife or gun; there is nothing to do but to hand it over.