Safety Tips to Prevent Purse Snatching

Having your purse stolen can be a traumatizing and frightening experience. Law enforcement officials suggest the following tips to reduce both the risks and effects of having your purse snatched. Think prevention!

Do not resist

If someone grabs your purse, it is best to let go without a struggle. Remember, the consequences of a fall may be more costly than losing your purse.

Carry your purse close to you

The best place is tucked away and in front of you. This will reduce the risk of injury to your arms and shoulders, and make it less likely that you will be pulled down to the ground by your attacker. Do not wrap the straps around your arm or hand.

Do not carry large sums of money

Carry only enough money needed for each outing. Consider carrying money, identification, and keys in a separate place such as your pocket. Fill your purse with items you can afford to lose, this way if your purse is stolen, very little will actually be lost.

Walk in pairs

If you must walk alone, select routes which are familiar, busy, and well-lit. Avoid short cuts through back alleys or vacant lots. Avoid areas that make you feel uncomfortable or vulnerable. Trust your instincts.

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If you suspect you are being followed

Do not waste time wondering. Find out immediately by crossing the street, go to the nearest home, service station or business and call the police. If being followed by a car, run in the opposite direction. A common ploy of attackers is to pull a victim into the car.

Do not set your purse down

Do not leave your purse unattended, not even for a minute.

Avoid using automated banking machines late at night

They have created opportunities for robberies to occur. Be alert to persons or vehicles loitering in the area.

If you are attacked

Scream, and run to the nearest house or business. Call the police immediately. Try to remember the description of the attacker such as height, weight, hair colour, clothing, and whether they were wearing glasses or have scars.

This fact list was produced in cooperation with the Winnipeg Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Age & Opportunity's Older Victims Services.

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