“Just a warning to all swimmers to lock up your possessions when you are at the pool and not make the same mistake I did!”

2500 Georgia Avenue, NW

Ed. Note: Just like when one’s car is broken into and we are reminded not leave any valuables (or anything really) visible – yes many people know this but some need a reminder – no need to berate the OP. It’s easy to get complacent from time to time and this is just a warning to remind others to be more vigilant. Thanks for understanding.

“Dear PoPville,

I was at the Banneker Pool on Georgia Avenue this past Sunday afternoon with a friend. A large group of kids, about high-school age came and sat next to us. My friend and I left our pool bags with purses inside them on our pool chairs while we swam. My friend left earlier than myself, and once I was in the locker room getting dressed to leave, I realized my purse was missing from my pool bag. I checked the spot where I was sitting, and it wasn’t there.

I reported the theft to the lifeguard who was working in the lost and found, and he said the bag hadn’t been turned in and he called the police for me. Just then the other lifeguard came out of the men’s locker room with my purse which had my keys and wallet inside, but the cash, credit cards, Smarttrip and cell phone were all gone. The police took the report but refused me a ride home, though I was stranded without money or a phone and my friend had already left. He said taking me home was out of his jurisdiction, which I understand but I was pretty upset about being robbed and about being stranded.

Just a warning to all swimmers to lock up your possessions when you are at the pool and not make the same mistake I did!

I want to thank the Banneker lifeguards who were very helpful and let me cancel my cards from their personal cell phones. Also thanks to the lady driving the H4 bus who let me ride home for free when I told her what happened.”