in a new city be VERY aware of your surroundings :(

I had some bad luck on weds. I went to lunch with some friends at a nice restaurant (yum! on baker street) that wasn't very crowded. I was texting with several classmates, checking email and doing stuff with my iphone. A homeless man walked into the restaurant and approached our table, I turned to look at him and PUT MY PHONE DOWN. He said he wanted to sell us a newspaper for 50 pence and displayed it on the table. We all said no thank you and within 2 minutes the restaurant owner escorted him outside. About 5 minutes (UGGH!!!) later I wanted to check for responses on my phone and it was GONE! He had SLID my phone off the table underneath that dirty awful newspaper, right under my nose!!! I ALMOST gave him 50 pence!!!!!!

Apparently, professional thieves do this all the time. After speaking with several classmates I felt SLIGHTLY better (No, not really!!!) because this is a frequent occurrence and I am not the only IDIOT out there. Everyone had a similar story about themselves personally, a family member or friend that was scammed & robbed. One friend had his wallet stolen in the same fashion (newspaper trick), another girl's friend had had TWO iphones stolen within a week of each other, and were lots of stories of stolen purses, phones, wallets, passports etc. I am hoping insurance will cover my phone but if not i will miss it & the apps, photos, music, GPS, etc, very very much. 

:(