Begging at Gare du Nord - Paris

The area around Gare du Nord in Paris has long been a bit dodgy with all sorts of undesirables hanging around. These have included beggars, similar to a number of places in Paris where there are tourists and visitors. I travel to Paris a lot on Eurostar so frequently pass through Gare du Nord and I thought folk ought to be aware of a new tactic being adopted. On the last two occasions that my taxi has pulled up outside the station, and before I have had the chance to pay the taxi fare, a beggar woman resembling something out of Shakespeare's Macbeth had been leering at me through the taxi window with a dirty old cup asking for money. I even got out of the taxi on the opposite side but, quick as a flash, the old crone was around that side as well and came up very close to me. I reprimanded her with a few shouts of "Allez!" and she eventually sloped off muttering obscenities and curses in my general direction. Whilst there is nothing new in the begging it is the fact that this tactic could well catch the visitor unawares as they are looking for their money to pay the taxi fare or remembering to collect all their luggage from the trunk. So be careful and watch your money, wallet and other personal effects. Last Thursday having got through this obstacle I was then confronted with the young Roma girls with their usual petitions to distract you while they rifled through your pockets. Don't be afraid but just be on your guard and aware of what's going on.