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Video: "Ushanka" as an object of criminal interest: Why hats were stolen in the USSR
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
When winter came in the USSR, a massive epidemic of theft began. The attackers usually targeted fur hats. What was the reason for this? What hats were stolen most often? And why exactly them?
Almost Gogol's "Overcoat"
In the 80s and 90s, the presence of a fur hat in a person testified to his social status. The significance of this headgear can now be compared with the significance of ultra-fashionable devices for young people. It is for this reason that the fur hat was not taken off even in theaters, photo studios, restaurants, etc.
In those days, hats were not fixed with strings, so it was not difficult for an attacker to snatch them. It was very easy to appropriate someone else's hat, because this did not require any skills or abilities. Many people dreamed of becoming the owners of such wardrobe items, but their cost was too high for them.
For example, products made of mink cost 300 rubles. These are two or even three average Soviet salaries. The thieves, in turn, tried to sell fur hats at a more affordable price, which increased the likelihood that they would be bought. Moreover, people who want to become the owners of such a luxurious thing were practically not interested in its origin and history.
A fur hat at that time was a kind of currency for which you could buy many useful goods and expensive food. As a rule, criminals sold these valuable accessories right on the street, namely in those places where there was a large flow of people.
Busy! … and freely
Attackers used many different tricks, and experienced thieves took off their hats instantly. Sometimes the owners of the hats did not even notice the loss. To appropriate someone else's headdress, the criminals were located in the back. Their main goal was a quick escape, so only young and active people were engaged in the theft of these accessories.
The victim could not see and remember the thief, as a result of which he remained unnoticed. Even those around them could not describe the intruder's facial features, since he attacked suddenly. Attackers stole hats from public toilets at bus and train stations.
The perpetrator watched when the victim was in the booth. He followed her into the next door. When a person took a certain posture, the thief quickly thrust his hand into the booth and pulled off the fur hat. For obvious reasons, the victim was unable to immediately start chasing the thief.
Some people have argued that the attackers even used hooked lines or fishing rods. These fishing tackle helped them quickly appropriate their hats. Moreover, it was on the hook that they were tightly fixed, as a result of which it was almost impossible to remove them. This technique was rarely used, since not everyone could get to the right place.
Ropes, rubber bands, trompe l'oeil
Since a fur hat was considered a prestigious accessory, not everyone could say goodbye to it just like that. Sometimes even fragile ladies fought off intruders. Some women sewed elastic bands from panties or ropes to these headdresses, which were fixed under the chin. In this way, they prevented the loss of a valuable accessory.
In the USSR, ropes and elastic bands were present on products even for men. People who were afraid of losing such a luxurious accessory, but wanted to look beautiful, often bought faux fur hats. Such wardrobe items were of low cost. And their loss was not at the expense of the wallet. Unfortunately, their appearance was significantly different from products made from natural fur.
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