A viral social media video shows a senior citizen stealing a man’s phone charger at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It’s a short clip but there’s a lot to take away from it, which I’ll get into after you watch the video embedded below:
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1. Don’t leave belongings unattended
The first and most obvious lesson from this video is simple: Never leave your belongings unattended. In this case, it was just a $40 phone charger, but it could have been something far more valuable.
2. Don’t assume people around you are trustworthy
It’s sad but you can’t always trust the people sitting next to you. I see this kind of thing all the time, especially in airline lounges. Just last month at the Admirals Club in Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ), I was talking with a friendly guy across from me. At one point, he got up to stretch on the other side of the club and left his fanny pack on the chair with his wallet and valuables inside. I could have grabbed something easily (of course I never would) but it shows how risky that can be.
If you have to step away, at least ask someone to watch your things.
That’s basically what happened at LAX. The man got up to make a phone call and came back to find his charger gone. The man sitting nearby thought the elderly woman was with him, but she had just walked over and taken it.
3. Seniors steal too
The saddest part of this video is realizing that even people who look trustworthy, like a sweet old lady sitting nearby, can be thieves. Being elderly doesn’t automatically make someone honest. Haven’t you seen Dirty Dancing?
4. Get the police involved
If you’re in a well-monitored place like an airport and someone steals from you, don’t let it slide. Threaten to get the police to check the security footage, or better yet, call them and press charges.
This woman clearly picked the wrong person to steal from because the victim was a paparazzi who’s always filming celebrities at LAX. He caught the whole thing on video, shared it on social media and now it’s gone viral with thousands of comments.
Here are some of the most popular reactions:
@sachiliano: Not the first time. She’s been doing this all her life.
@chaosinunison: Soon as he said “Security Camera” her entire demeanor changed in an instant 🤣🤣🤣
@arki_usa: “You want me to give it to you?” Translation: ok I stole it and will give it back to you.
@cecigiovinazzo: 🤦🏼♀️ being old doesn’t make you honest
@pauleunice3: Embarrassing. Whose mom is this. Nakakahiya po. Bro I really hoped you checked the cameras and pressed charges or at least taught her a lesson.
@supasteph7: Great job saying let’s go check the cameras. That changed her tone real quick. She knew she was gonna be called out for real then 🤣
@jacki0564: Not to mention the man saw her take it and she basically said he was a liar smh