4 Tips to Keep Your Purse Safe from Thieves
First off, we want to suggest that you don’t carry a purse at all, as this is the best way to prevent a thief from targeting you. However, as a woman, we know you are likely carry a purse with you that contains your entire life — keys to your car and home, cash, credit cards, an ID, even valuables such as pieces of jewelry or expensive sunglasses. To prevent your belongings from falling into the wrong hands and to keep yourself safe, here are a few vital tips.
1. Never Set Your Purse on a Chair Next to You
Women can become very casual with their purses and handbags. For example, when many women go to a restaurant, they place their purse on the chair or the floor next to them. When they are at the store, they set their bag directly in the front of the cart. Then, they become distracted and it becomes simple for a thief to walk by and snatch their belongings before anyone takes notice. To prevent this from happening, consider placing your bag on your lap or lift up your chair and place the purse strap around a chair leg.
2. Tie the Bag into Your Shopping Cart
Grocery stores have become a commonplace for purse snatchings. Many women will place their purse on top of the cart, making it easy to walk by and snatch the purse when a woman has her back to the cart or is distracted by something. To make it more difficult for thieves, use the straps around the front of the cart and clip them around the straps on your purse. By doing this, the only way your purse will be removed from the cart is by undoing the clips, which is a huge deterrent for thieves who are after your bag.
3. Choose the Right Bag
Pickpocketing is another crime many women should watch out for. If a thief is going to pickpocket you, they are going to look for purses and bags that are easy to access. You should avoid bags with a simple flap and you must never keep your bag open. Ideally, you want to choose a bag with a two-step system to get in. For example, the ideal bag will have a zipper and a flap you must clip close. The extra steps are going to deter thieves and keep your personal belongings safe.
4. Be Cautious of How You Hold the Purse or Bag
You may think that holding a purse or bag close to your body will prevent theft, but you may be surprised. Experienced thieves may be looking for a challenge and even purses that are right against your body can be easy for thieves to open. When you carry your purse, hold it directly in front of you and always hold the purse flap or opening. Also, be particularly careful with backpacks and purses that you carry over the shoulder as these are often easy to open and they create little movement against your body when being opened from behind.
You may never think that theft or pickpocketing will happen to you, but it is a realistic situation that affects thousands of women every year. By being prepared and mindful of the situation when shopping or out on the town, you can protect your personal identity, keep your money secure, and safeguard the many valuables you may carry with you.
If you would like to learn more about how to protect yourself and to avoid situations that can cause you harm. Come join us for Personal Safety Training Classes at Women Against Crime.
