Even a failed mugging is a terrible experience and very upsetting.

This took place in central Brighton at Pavilion Gardens' hole-in-the-wall.

I had read about such incidents in The Argus and hoped to be on my guard but, at age 82, a moment of lapsed attention is all that is necessary.

I had just taken out my banker's card and their timing was perfect.

I was tapped on the shoulder and a man pointed to the ground where there was a £10 note which he pretended I had dropped.

As I turned around, wondering about the dropped note, a second man would have snatched my money had there been any.

Fortunately, I had only asked for my account balance. No money.

They must have been disappointed. Of course, they picked up their own £10 note.

How can this sort of thing go on? It must be very difficult to pinpoint the culprits so they get away with it time and again.

Be warned. Just being accosted is upsetting enough.

-Kenneth Crane, Marine Parade, Brighton