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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!