One of the most interesting crimes I was privy to watching in the St. Petersburg Metro was one I was warned about just the night before the event. Not wishing to put a dampener on it, but it goes without saying that one should be on their guard in Russia to protect their belongings and personal safety.

Especially on the metro, where people pack in like sardines and if someone wants the contents of your bag, there is nothing you can do to stop them. Speaking English one day to a Russian friend, I was targeted by a pickpocket who had at first done the old “drop cigarettes at the door” trick (apparently as the unsuspecting, but kind-hearted soul helps to pick up the dropped item, their pockets are rapidly raided), but luckily I was with a Russian friend who was savvy to this game, and pulled me away, even as the guy began to follow us.

The crime about which I was forewarned involves, often a female victim, who happens to be sitting in a seat near the door of the metro carriage, obliviously typing a text message into her mobile phone. Just as “Attention, doors closing” is announced, a figure leaps out from nearby, hits the victim with a swift blow to the forearm, grabs the fallen phone and then jumps out between the closing doors. There’s nothing that can be done to prevent it (other than choosing another seat, or keeping your phone out of sight), because when you realise exactly what just took place, you’re already halfway to the next station.

I saw it happen exactly like this, on the very day after I was warned about it. If, as a foreigner, you do get caught in this situation, don’t worry. In Russia, there are great deals on mobile phones to be had. It’s just a hassle to re-collect your lost contact details, no matter how good the offers on mobile phones. A Russian mobile phone offers the neat option of being able to type and record details in both Roman and Cyrillic characters, which is super handy if you’re spending some time in Russia.

Now that I’m back home again, surrounded by mobile phone deals, I still catch myself writing sms whilst sitting by the door on the tube, and panic a little before I remember that I’m not in Russia!