worried about being mugged w/nice phone (Chicago: neighborhood, living in)

[Shaun32]

OK, this is probably a fairly odd thread to all you who are used to living in the city, but having grown up in suburban Grand Rapids, Michigan, this is a concern to me. I am going to UIC starting this fall and planning on riding the 'L' and CTA buses a lot, mostly downtown, but also exploring as much as I can, too. I am going to be able to get a new phone soon for Verizon, and I was looking at getting the Motorola Q (smartphone), but now I am worried that it might get me mugged easier since it is big and flashy. I am thinking of just going with a SLVR or something smaller so it looks "normal" and not so flashy. I have read (I think in the Trib) about multiple people being mugged because of having Blackberries, and I was just wondering, do you all think this is a big enough reason to not get the Q? I guess ultimately if it worries me that much then I should just not get it so I don't have to worry about it, but I'm just curious to hear your answers.

[Drover]

If you're gonna get mugged, you're gonna get mugged. I doubt having a super-nice phone versus having a really nice phone is going to make or break the deal.

[Naya01]

I agree with the kid who posted at first. Just don't make yourself a target. Don't start anything, keep to yourself, mind your own business, be aware of your surroundings. If you're kind of scary.....don't go out on public transportation late at night by yourself. For the most part people won't bother you, i've never had any problems in any neighborhood in Chicago, then again i'm a girl.

Mainly you'll need to watch out for the younger kids (13-16) or so, who feel they have something to prove and crackheads. Most of the "thug types
in the city can easily afford whatever it is that you own. And they won't be on public transportation.

[DonkeyTeeth]

The chances of getting mugged on public transportation are very, very small. Some quick city smarts:

Stay with the crowds, especially if you're by yourself and at night. Don't explore random side streets, alleys, etc. unless you know where you are. You're not going to get mugged in broad daylight on a busy street.

Be aware of your surroundings. Most petty criminals want more than anything to avoid a struggle and avoid being caught. If someone looks suspicious, make and hold eye contact. Let them know that you know they're there and that you're watching them.

If you're uncomfortable with a person, area, or situation, keep moving. As quickly as you can. The more you move, the more quickly you will get to an area with more people where only the most brash criminal would try something.

I think you shouldn't have much to worry about in busy areas of Chicago. The well-off and less well-off rub shoulders all the time, so a Q isn't going to draw that much attention by itself.

[Shaun32]

Thanks for your responses. Interesting point about watching out for the 13-16 year olds. I wouldn't have thought of that! Also, DonkeyTeeth, I guess I was more concerned about when I get off of public transportation and walk around rather than being on it. But, I guess if I go too far from downtown-ish, it would be smarter just to go with someone else, too.

Thanks again!

[j33]

Shaun -- simple, don't use it when you are in an area that you might be concerned about being mugged. If the thieves don't know you have it then they (hopefully) won't try and snatch it. I own an Ipod and there are times where I carry it and listen to it, and there are times where I'd rather not let everyone know that I have an Ipod, and just don't get it out of my purse or don't even carry it (and my purse isn't all that flashy or expensive looking).

[Shaun32]

j33 - Yeah, I thought about that, but what if I get a call or need to make a call when I'm in an uncomfortable area? I guess I would just have to wait and walk somewhere else to make the call. OK, that does sound simple.

[miss_dani]

Honestly, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just don't start whipping out your wallet and start counting your cash...just like the first response - if someone wants to mug you, they're gonna mug you. You having a nice phone isn't any different than every single other person on the train with a nice phone or their iPod hanging out...

[jdiddy]

Like everyone else said, don't be careless, and you'll be fine.

[jessiegirl_98]

Don't worry! You'll be fine. Also, so many other people have nice phones. It's not like you will stand out a lot!