Purse Snatching.

Whenever you possibly can, leave your purse at home. Carry whatever valuables that you must have with you in your pockets. Yes you could be a victim of pickpockets instead of purse snatching but valuables properly concealed in pockets are at less risk than those carried in a purse. Purses are very much on show.

If your pockets are not large enough, think about wearing a money belt or fanny pack underneath your coat, these bags are capable of holding several items and can be worn hidden from view.

If you really have to take a purse with you only carry whatever is absolutely necessary. Do you really need to carry more than one credit card? Do you really need to carry a large amount of cash? Leave all unnecessary valuable items at home.

If you do carry a credit card make a record of the number along with the phone number to call to report its loss should you be the victim of purse snatching.

Purse snatchers, just like any other thief, look for the line of least resistance. Given a choice they will look for a female who is not guarding her purse. Perhaps she has her bag casually slung over her shoulder, resting on a counter or on top of the groceries in her shopping cart.

Never leave your purse unattended, in stores, restaurants, bars or anyplace.

Perhaps also she doesn't look fully aware of what is going on around her, maybe she is concentrating fully on whatever task she is doing or is engrossed in conversation with her cell phone while she walks. To the thief she looks an easy target. She is not likely to be aware of the bag snatcher as he gets close to her – grab and run, no fuss no muss, just how the thief likes it.

Always be aware of your surroundings and aware of who is around you. If you look confident and aware, you are less likely to be chosen as a victim. If you are walking, walk briskly but not hurriedly as if you are afraid. If people are approaching try not to look away, look confidently ahead. If someone comes close make a mental note of their appearance.

Bag snatchers and other thieves like crowded places such as malls, railroad stations, entertainment spots and particularly where people are likely to have cash such as ATMs.

Unfortunately busy places are not the only areas thieves strike. Purse snatching can happen anywhere. Crowds may give the criminal a bigger choice of victims but lonelier places give an easier escape and fewer witnesses. Naturally you avoid unlit places at night and areas you know to be risky. You cannot always avoid going out alone but when you can have company with you, you are at less risk with a friend or friends.

Keep your close to your body towards the front and with your arm over it. Remember that most usually a purse thief will strike from behind you.

Take note of what your instincts are telling you, they are usually right. If you find yourself in a situation or area that you feel is dangerous or threatening, get yourself away from it.

Be aware of the danger of a drive-by purse snatching. Car pulls up, passenger leans out and snatches your bag, car speeds off. Try to avoid walking near the edge of the sidewalk with your purse near the curb.

Needless to say you should never leave your purse unattended, in stores, restaurants, bars or anyplace.

What you have to remember is purse snatchers can be violent and don't always work alone. Ask yourself which is more valuable, you or your purse. Carry a personal alarm and if a thief attempts a purse snatching use the alarm to scare him (or her) off or to summon assistance. Carry your alarm in a pocket that you can reach easily, not in your purse.

If you are the victim of a successful purse snatcher:

Try and stay calm and thinking clearly.

Call the police as soon as you can. Give them as much information as you can including a description of the snatcher.

As soon as you can, call your bank, credit card company etc. and report any stolen cards.

Carefully monitor bank statements etc. for any unusual activity and report anything suspicious.

© copyright surveillanceforsecurity.com