Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. This type of crime can be prevented when you take away the “easy” portion of the opportunity from the thief. Every female carrying a purse is a potential target. Senior citizens are especially susceptible to these criminals since they may not be readily able to defend themselves and pursue their assailants.
With summer upon us, purses are more out in the open than cooler months.
Suppose you are going shopping and just walking through the parking lot. You are by yourself and your purse is exposed and in open view.
You already made two mistakes – you’re alone and your purse is vulnerable.
The first precaution you can take is to go shopping with a friend – man or women. You’re safer when in the company of someone else. If you must be out at night alone, stay in well-lighted areas. Walk close to street lights, staying well away from dark pathways.
When carrying a purse, you should limit the number of dollar bills placed inside. Credit cards, currency, driver’s license, keys and jewelry should be carried in a small wallet hidden in your coat or sweater pocket. Never carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave all unnecessary credit cards at home.
Don’t leave your purse in your shopping cart or on a counter, or unattended on the chair or table beside you in a restaurant or coffee shop. Don’t hang your bag on a stroller, either.
Be aware of the area and the people. Look at the person who might approach or pass you. Look directly at their hands or at what they might be carrying. They prefer to strike and run, and not be recognized. If you do not appear to be vulnerable and will be able to give their description, they just might keep walking past you.
You should consider carrying a police whistle or a flashlight. Carrying pepper spray, mace or a stun gun could always be taken and used against you. You should assume the snatcher could be carrying a weapon and be willing to use it to get what they want.
While avoiding being alone… be vigilant while walking in busy areas as well. The activity around you may create opportunity for pick pockets who thrive on distraction and confusion.
Since most victims are attacked from behind, they don’t get a good look at the attacker. If you believe someone is following you don’t turn around use a shiny object like a car mirror or window to look back
If attacked, call the police immediately. Try to remember all details – help your police help you!
Report anything or anyone suspicious. If you suspect that someone seems to be lurking someplace that they do not belong, contact security or a manager of the store. Better to report your suspicions and be wrong, then to ignore it and be robbed or hurt.
Remember that you come before your purse. If someone pulls it away from your hands or your shoulder, let it go! It is more important to avoid injury than save a purse. Never fight to keep it.
Know the U.S. Credit Card Assistance Numbers:
- MasterCard 1-800-MC-ASSIST (622-7747)
- Visa 1-800-VISA-911 (847-2911)
- American Express 1-800-528-4800
- Discover 1-800-DISCOVER (347-2683)
Photocopy both sides of the important contents of your purse (credit cards, driver’s license, etc.) and store the copy in a safe place at home. Should your purse or wallet get stolen, you’ll have a record of your account numbers and whom to notify about them.
Most experienced purse snatchers are always on the lookout for next easy opportunity……
When you “hide the prize”, you protect yourself!