The Talker: Good Samaritans are good targets for pickpockets
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By Melinda Tichelaar, Web Producer -
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
It's probably fair to say that most folks like to help people. We like to feel generous, especially around the holidays.
On Thursday, Chicago police said that inclination to be helpful -- to be good Samaritans -- can get you in a lot of trouble.
Chicago police say there are dozens of pickpocket teams working the city, preying on people's natural inclination to be nice.
"You're entering a train, you're getting on an escalator and somebody falls out -- there's always a good Samaritan there who's going to try to help. While you try to go down and help that person, there's always a group of third or fourth offender that's working your wallet right out of your pocket," one officer explains.
So, do these warnings make you less likely to help folks? Are good Samaritans really just suckers?
Our friends on Facebook have mixed emotions about this one.
Stephen says, "Don't be too nice, always keep your guard up. The nicer you are the more likely someone will try to take advantage of you!"
Katie Goble: "Sadly, yes." She is suspicious.
Bob says, "If someone tries to pick pocket me, they're going to need the help of a good Samaratin to pick themselves up off the ground."
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