Purse/Wallet Safety

If you are like me, I give society the benefit of the doubt ... and often let my guard down by walking away from my shopping cart that is holding my 10-pound purse ... by leaving it unattended at a bar while I use the restroom ... by mindlessly leaving it in my car while my car warms up ...

If you have ever been a victim of a purse/wallet snatching, you quickly kick yourself in the butt ... and then put that Fort Knox Block  back up. Avoid getting to that point and avoid being a victim by reminding yourself of a few things that you can do to protect  yourself.

• Keep your purse away from the street when walking.
  
• Keep your purse close to your body.
  
• Smaller purses are smaller targets.
  
• When you are shopping, keep your purse on your body ... not in the shopping cart.
  
• Keep your purse zipped at all times.
  
• Whether male or female, carry only the cash you intend to spend while shopping.
  
• Do not flash large amounts of cash.
  
• Limit the contents of your wallet/purse to only necessary items.
  
• Make a list [and keep it in an easily-accessible place ... obviously not your wallet or purse ... ha!] of all of those items including credit card numbers and bank phone numbers ... just in case something comes up missing. The stress of a crime often leaves one feeling distraught and forgetful. Having a list will help ensure that you remember everything.
• Do not overload yourself with packages.
  
• Credit cards, currency, driver's license, keys, and jewelry should be carried in a coat /on your body.
  
• If you do 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 off balance and received concussions, broken hips, arms, and legs.