Purse Snatching

When it comes to purse snatching, prevention is the best protocol. We ladies need to guard our purses carefully. We have things in our purses we can’t be without- otherwise why would we carry them around with us constantly? Most of the items are easily replaceable: antacids, Chap Stick, emery board. Some items are not: prescription drugs, important phone numbers, credit cards.

Either way it’s still our stuff and we need to protect it. Not on the same level as our children or our own safety, but make a habit of taking a few precautions and the chances of getting mugged are greatly reduced!

If you can do without a purse- leave it at home. I carry a leather pouch with a zipper closure just big enough for my driver’s license, credit card(s) and cash. I usually still carry a handbag, but even then I can carry the little pouch elsewhere on my body so if I am a victim of purse snatching at least I have the vital items with me. I would probably find my purse down the block in a trash can fully loaded- unless the mugger had a tummy ache or broken fingernail.

Keep your purse close to your body, between your elbow and rib cage. Don’t have it dangling down by your hip. Having it strapped around your neck may seem more secure, but when the thief grabs it and runs you may suffer injury to your neck. If you have a coat or jacket on, have it underneath. Yeah, I know fashion police would agree that it would ruin the “lines” of your look, but definitely make your purse less accessible to snatching.

Keep it closed and fastened (zipped, buttoned, flap closed). Don’t set it down or leave it unattended. Don’t put it in the shopping cart. Don’t leave it at the table when dining.

Use a “mugger’s wallet”. It’s a fake. Use an inexpensive wallet- or better yet an old one, fill it with junk- like those fake credit cards you get in the mail with offers- and a few dollars. If confronted by a mugger throw it away from you and hope he takes the bait.

Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. Try not to present the opportunity to the wrong person. Use basic safety techniques; walk in well lit places, stay out of thick, tight crowds. Look at faces, make eye contact and appear confident.

Report suspicious activity. This may help those who aren’t as conscientious as you. After all, if you are following the above guidelines, you will probably be left alone.

O.K., so the unthinkable happens and you purse is grabbed. You have to make the snap decision on whether or not it’s worth fighting for. I’m guessing that Crocodile Dundee isn’t around with a soup can to save the day. I’m thinking that if you are toting children around with you, you may just need to let it go.

How does one prepare for the actual purse snatching? Make copies of all credit cards (front and back). Don’t carry family heirlooms, one of a kind photographs, your cell phone or other irreplaceable valuables in the purse.

In my experience if you are prepared for it, it probably won’t happen. It’s worth the extra trouble!

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