Starbucks Customers Are Clueless, Get Robbed

Flickr user Manzari

In any big city, it's really your own damn fault if you leave your valuables unattended and then they get stolen, but apparently it's been happening quite a lot in the city's Starbucks'. Thieves find easy targets at Starbucks, where customers frequently leave laptops, iPhones and other valuables at their tables while they pick up drinks or go to the bathroom. And Lt. Dan Hollywood said it's because the Bad Old Days are over! “I think it’s great people are so comfortable with New York City,” he told the Times. “But we’ve turned it around enough; maybe they’re not quite as raised up as they used to be.” Well, at least that won't last long.

The Times mentions stories of women who leave their purses on other chairs while they look at maps or laptops, and Starbucks said, "Customers should always be aware of their surroundings when in public places, whether at one of our stores or elsewhere." But one jaded New Yorker tells us, "Serves them right for believing in humanity."

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By Jaya Saxena in Food on April 30, 2011 1:00 PM

Comments [rss]

sluntbucket

9 million people. Someone's bound to take your stuff if you don't keep an eye on it. Simple math dolts.

Fofofofofo

I always look up statistics and do math before heading out the door to do stuff. Then I feel justified in being smug.

PFOOMA

Come on people! New Yorkers cannot help themselves. If given the opportunity they WILL steal from you. I swear, they are born thieves. I just saw a guy steal a pack of matches from a blind man. sick.

Bernie_Geotz_Squirrel_Luv

You're right about that. White people do it too. Shocking, I know.
Even leaving your jacket behind you in a chair, someone will check your pockets for valuables. So don't leave anything in your coat pockets.

aspiringrapper

How long before we see someone sue Starbuck's for its encouraging atmosphere? They allow people to get too comfortable, almost thinking they're home. When you're home, you only take your cell phone & laptop to the bathroom with you if you're disgusting.

Joel Ceballos

I understand if you have all your stuff and you're going to pick a drink, as long as it is in within your sight range it's fine. But who leaves valuables at the table and going to the bathroom?

Guest

I agree. I go to Starbucks a lot to study and do my homework. For some reason, I find myself focusing better when there are noise and people around me. I always ask someone who is usually using a laptop to watch my valuables when I head to the restroom.