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.
(Read "How To Protect Yourself When Traveling" - available
from the above publisher for just $1.00

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!