photo by Le petit poulailler

With the holidays approaching, there are a lot of people carrying cash and valuables when out shopping. Often, people are dressed up, in a hurry and not paying attention. This offers increased opportunities for thieves, so it’s important to take some precautions. If someone is determined to take your purse or wallet, they will. But you can take steps to decrease the risk and a few steps to make it less stressful if it does happen.

DRESS COMFORTABLY: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to move around in. You don’t want to be encumbered by clothing or shopping bags. You don’t want to be an easy target. One reader, Polly in Pennsylvania, shares: “I have an across-the-body handbag that I use sometimes at malls or around the holiday season. I wear it under my coat and I stay zipped up, or at least zipped enough to cover the handbag. I figure if they can’t see the handbag, maybe the thief will pick an easier target.”

PURSE CONTENTS: A large purse indicates that you have a lot of stuff to steal. You don’t need every available identifiable item in your purse. For example, keep your Social Security card safe at home or in a safe-deposit box. Items such as a cell phone, iPod, keys, business cards, multiple credit cards, eyeglasses or cash don’t have to be kept in your purse. They can be kept in your pockets or glove box, and some can be left at home. There isn’t much reason to carry a lot of cash when you can use a debit card. And if a thief gets your purse and has your address, why make it easy for them to have access to your home with your keys, too?

KEEP YOUR EYE ON IT: Don’t leave your purse unattended or opened. Another reader, C.M. in California, shares: “My daughter had her purse stolen four years ago, and for a very long time, she carried only her driver’s license and ATM card in her pocket. She now has a wallet. It certainly has taught me that I need to keep a better eye on my purse when I am out. If my daughter is with me, she is constantly checking to be sure my purse is zipped, and she lectures me if I have it in a grocery cart and walk away to get something off a shelf.” Avoid setting your purse down on the floor at places such as a movie theater, public restroom or restaurant, too. When you’re carrying it, you don’t want it loose and dangling, but you don’t want it securely wrapped around your wrists or body, either. Carry it close to you, but in front of you. Often, thieves steal purses while they’re driving by a victim. You don’t want to be connected to your purse and dragged. Most important, let your purse go. Don’t resist or fight to keep it. Let the thief take it.

BUDDY SYSTEM: When parking, try to park in a well-lit area. If you’re leaving a store at night, don’t be afraid to ask a security guard or store employee to walk you to your car. Or shop with family or friends, so you’re not alone. If you are alone, be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention.

How do you safeguard your purse?

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