Columbia Heights

Photo by PoPville flickr user elliotmitchell

Dear PoPville,

On two separate occasions recently, I’ve been the victim of credit card fraud. My bank informed me that both incidents were the result of someone copying the magnetic strip on my credit card to manufacture a fake card. Both instances were caught when the thief charged a couple hundred dollars worth of electronics in another state. I am not sure of the culprit in this situation, but have narrowed my focus to businesses in Columbia Heights because I live in the area and my neighbors have experienced similar difficulties. So, I thought I’d turn to PoPville to see if anyone has experienced such issues.

Help,
CH gal seeking the peace of mind to charge a beer

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

Dear PoPville,

Someone attempted to snatch my phone on Friday, July 27 at 9AM on 16th Street between Irving and Columbia Rd – tons of people around – super brazen. He tried to steal my iPhone but he failed. Then on Monday July 30 at 11AM I saw a guy on a bicycle on the sidewalk on 14th Street near Columbia Rd slowly pulling up behind women scoping how what they had – he had a special interest in women with strollers looking to see what they had on the top, etc. He saw me looking at him and he took off.

Then, the coup de grace was at Meridian Pint at about 730PM that same Monday (yesterday). With no less than 50 people around (Red Rocks deck, Meridian Pint outside seating, dog park and passersby) a guy snatched something (I think it was an iPhone) from a guy and took off running. Though the guy ran after him, he never did catch up to him and he got away.

Both incidents the cops were called and it took over 15 min for them to show up though we know they are around the hood quite a bit. Totally ridiculous.

I am writing to help spread the word about all the snatchings in Columbia Heights and to warn people to keep their phones hidden and be very aware of suspicious people AT ALL TIMES OF THE DAY!!!