I was walking my dog in Freeport, ME this morning at around seven. We were in a quiet area behind the LL Bean flagship store when I saw a young woman approaching on foot. Even from 100 yards I could tell that something wasn't right about her.
As I approached her she looked around, and then asked to use my phone. She said she was stranded and needed to call for a ride. I agreed, she took the phone and at least acted as if she was making the call. Meanwhile my small dog was being friendly. And I sized her up as a junkie.
After a few seconds of holding the phone against her ear she handed the phone back and said she just needed some gas to get home. Then, quite suddenly she said "I'm all set" and a older car with a guy driving pulled up quickly behind us. She jumped in the car, the guy gave me a dirty look and they drove off.
It occurred to me just then that she was planning to steal my phone. Fortunately for me I've got an old cheap one that is clearly marked with the track service I use. Not worth the trouble.
I went to the police station and filed a report. But I'm still kicking myself for letting the guy get up behind me without noticing. Freeport, ME... seven in the morning. It can happen anywhere and anytime.
As I approached her she looked around, and then asked to use my phone. She said she was stranded and needed to call for a ride. I agreed, she took the phone and at least acted as if she was making the call. Meanwhile my small dog was being friendly. And I sized her up as a junkie.
After a few seconds of holding the phone against her ear she handed the phone back and said she just needed some gas to get home. Then, quite suddenly she said "I'm all set" and a older car with a guy driving pulled up quickly behind us. She jumped in the car, the guy gave me a dirty look and they drove off.
It occurred to me just then that she was planning to steal my phone. Fortunately for me I've got an old cheap one that is clearly marked with the track service I use. Not worth the trouble.
I went to the police station and filed a report. But I'm still kicking myself for letting the guy get up behind me without noticing. Freeport, ME... seven in the morning. It can happen anywhere and anytime.