Outsmart The Purse Snatchers

Purse snatchers, like pickpockets, operate when they spot an opportunity. You can eliminate that opportunity.

Every female carrying a handbag is a potential target. Senior citizens are especially susceptible to these criminals since they may not be readily able to defend themselves and pursue their assailants.

What You Can Do

Purse snatching is a crime that can be easily prevented when you take away the opportunity from the thief. Most purse snatchers are juveniles under the age of 18, who are waiting for the next opportunity. When you hide the "prize" you protect yourself.

Know the Places Where Purse Snatchers Operate

Suppose you are going shopping, walking on the streets, walking to your car, or waiting for the bus. You are by yourself and your purse is exposed and in open view. You already made two mistakes - you are alone and your handbag is vulnerable. Frankly, your personal safety might depend on not clinging to that bag, even though it seems a normal way to protect the contents. Grabbing and shoving that may take place can result in being injured. There are ways to protect yourself, however.

Shop With A Friend, Travel Together

The first precaution you can take is to go shopping (or travel) with a friend - man or woman. Purse snatchers like people who are traveling alone. You're safer when in the company of someone else. If you must be out at night alone, stay in well-lighted areas. Walk close to street lights, staying well away from dark corners, alleys, and building entrances.

How to Outsmart the Purse Snatchers

When carrying a purse, women should have only 3 or 4 one dollar bills placed inside. Credit cards, currency, driver's license, keys, and jewelry should be carried in a coat or sweater pocket, or concealed on your person to reduce the opportunity of large losses. Don't wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck, or wrist. If your handbag is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured. Some snatching victims have been thrown down and have received concussions and broken bones.

Never carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave all unnecessary credit cards at home.

When you shop and carry a purse, place it in your shopping bag. Never leave your handbag on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart - even for a moment. Leaving your purse on the counter unattended is an open invitation to purse snatchers.

Don't Carry Weapons That Can be Used Against You.

You should carry a police whistle instead (does this sound funny?) and a small flashlight on your key chain (or in your pocket) where they're readily available. Make a habit to carry your key chain in a pocket - not in your purse. And you should never put your name and address on your house keys or car keys. This is simply a way of telling the purse snatchers who you are and where you live.

Call the Police Immediately

Most victims are attacked from behind. They don't get a good look at the attacker. And when a purse snatcher gets away with it once, he'll try it again. If attacked, call the police immediately. Try to remember all the details - help your police help you.

Purse Snatching Can Be Prevented. These advice work.

As I have always said in this section, share this page about how to outsmart purse snatchers (and pickpockets) with your friends. You would be doing them a favor.

Feel free to print this page.

Have A Safe Day.