Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Protect Your Purse

Purse snatches are most often committed as a crime of opportunity. Do not provide an opportunity.

Leaving your purse unattended in a shopping cart or on a countertop, for example, can open the door for thieves.

However, there are precautions you can take to discourage thieves.

CCSO offers these safety tips:

* When possible, leave your purse at home.

* Walk in busy, well-lit areas.

* Don’t carry more cash than you need.

* Be aware of your surroundings.

* Guard your valuables.

* Beware of pickpockets who utilize distraction and confusion.

* Be careful with your actions, especially if there are few or no people around.

* Hold your purse tightly and close to your body.

* Don't leave your purse in your shopping cart or on a counter, even for a moment. Don't hang your bag on a stroller.

* Don't leave your purse or bag unattended on a chair or table next to you.

* Photocopy both sides of the important contents of your purse such as credit cards and driver’s license, and store the copies in a safe place at home. Should your purse or wallet get stolen, you'll have a record of your account numbers and whom to notify about them.

* Know your credit card assistance numbers and cancel all cards and provide any unauthorized reports of usage to law enforcement immediately.

If you see something that doesn’t seem right, call CCSO so we can check it out at 252-9300, or 911 for emergencies.

Watch our video to learn how to protect yourself from purse thieves.