Security Advice #010 - How To Guard Against Purse Snatchers
Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. You can
eliminate that opportunity. 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.
WHAT YOU CAN DO - Purse snatching is a crime that can be
easily prevented when you take away the opportunity from
the thief. Most purse snatchers are juveniles under the age
of 18, who are waiting for the next opportunity. When you
hide the "prize" you protect yourself!
Suppose you are going shopping and waiting for the bus. 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. Frankly, your personal safety might depend
on NOT clinging to that purse, even though it seems a
normal way to protect the contents. Grabbing and shoving
that may take place can result in being injured. There are
ways to protect yourself, however.
SHOP WITH A FRIEND, TRAVEL TOGETHER - 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
corners, alleys and building entrances.
HOW TO OUTSMART THE PURSE SNATCHER - When carrying a purse,
women should have only 3 or 4 one dollar bills placed
inside. Credit cards, currency, driver's license, keys and
jewelry should be carried in a coat or sweater pocket, or
concealed on your person to reduce the opportunity of large
losses. If you carry a purse, don't wrap the strap around
your shoulder, neck or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a
strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured.
Some purse snatch victims have been thrown down and have
received concussions and broken bones. Never carry anything
more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave all
unnecessary credit cards at home. When you shop and carry a
purse, place it in your shopping bag. Never leave your
purse on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart -
even for a moment.
DON'T CARRY WEAPONS THAT CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU - You
should carry a police whistle and a small flashlight on
your key chain where they're readily available. Make a
habit to carry your key chain in a pocket - NOT in your
purse. And you should never put your name and address on
your house keys or car keys. This is a simple way of
telling the thief who you are and where you live.
CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY - Most victims are attacked
from behind. They don't get a good look at the attacker.
And when a juvenile gets away with it once, he'll try it
again. If attacked, call the police immediately. Try to
remember all details - help your police help you!
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information.
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