Two weeks ago, my satchel was lifted from beneath my chair at Bruxelles-Nord train station, as I sat in Starbucks. I hadn't transferred any of my satchel contents to my backpack after arriving off the bus, so all my most valuable things were lost, bar my two phones and my keys.
This included my laptop, passport, wallet, notebook, most recent text book, headphones and the bag itself. For better or worse, I am accustomed to loss of my personal belongings, and given the circumstances, I do not feel violated, like I would have if it were taken from my home. The worst part is my collection of stickers on my laptop and my notebook. Things which no money in the world can replace. Similar to a grievous wound, perhaps I just don't feel the pain yet.
There is a lot of advice I did not pay attention to which contributed to this. I could have put my satchel strap around my chair leg. I could have put my laptop in my rucksack, letting me close the bag properly so the contents were not so obvious. I could have sat facing the exit, taken a table next to a wall or just plain not gone for a coffee. I was clearly marked as a target, and the mark came good.
I am additionally aware that this was not a crime of opportunity. The thief immediately used my credit card to buy train tickets, which I am told they use to board trains, steal more bags and then scarper before the train leaves. Your possessions are not safe until the train is moving and even then, pay attention.
This event has made me value a lack of entertainment on long journeys. After this ordeal, I had a three hour train journey turn into a six and a half hour journey with nothing to entertain myself. I have constantly sought something to do while travelling, when my attention would be far better spent on my immediate surroundings. There is entertainment there.
It also highlighted how much of my career has been to block out my surroundings in favour of my thoughts. This habit was borne of necessity, due to five years of open plan offices. I plan to reverse this, and choose my moments of contemplation. I will deal with work distraction more intentionally, and remove myself from the noise in future.
Last week, a good Samaritan found my ID card and mailed it to me tracked, at his own expense. Thank you.
I pity the thief, and wish him a good life.