In the grocery store recently, I noticed an older woman searching the aisle intently for a certain item. The shelves had her full attention as she drifted ever farther away from her shopping cart and her purse, which was in the child seat.

It occurred to me that this was a purse snatching waiting to happen.

I noticed this behavior because I grew up with a woman who was cautious about the whereabouts of her purse almost to the point of paranoia. To this day, my mother, who just turned 75, clings to her handbag with a pit bull-like grip.

As evidenced by the grocery store incident, I realized that not everyone shares my mother’s concerns. I spoke with Glenn Ross, chief deputy sheriff for Penobscot County, about ways to protect yourself and your belongings.

“We all consider Maine a very safe state and the way life should be,” said Ross. “But, with the recent increase of purse thefts in the area, there are a few basic precautions that we all need to be aware of.”

Ross suggested the following tips to lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim:

. Never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart. A thief could be watching you, waiting for you to become distracted momentarily. Inattention presents the perfect opportunity to grab your valuables without your immediate knowledge.

. Keep your wallet in a pocket that is not readily accessible to a pickpocket.

. Use a snap hook, such as a carabiner – a rock-climbing device that opens on one side, allowing the purse to be secured to the cart. These are available for minimal cost where sporting goods and climbing equipment are sold.

. Keep your purse closed. Do not leave it unfastened with the wallet exposed.

. Never walk across a parking lot with your purse hanging over one shoulder. If a thief attempts to grab your bag, give it up willingly. You could be could be injured if a struggle ensued. Immediately report your loss to local police or sheriff and make a note of the suspect’s description while waiting for the authorities.

. Do not leave a credit card face up at the cashier’s desk because a thief could memorize your account numbers.

. Do not hang your purse on a bathroom stall door hook. A thief could easily reach over the top of the door and grab the purse.

While these suggestions may seem like pure common sense, they often are not followed. Next time you are in a store that offers a shopping cart, take a look around. You might be surprised how many purses are left unattended “just for a second.”

There are two basic reasons these thefts are occurring, said Ross. First, drug abusers need money to support their habits. Second, some criminals are looking for personal information, which can be used to steal your identity. This would involve gaining access to bank accounts or illegally using your credit cards. There has been a substantial increase in identity theft, Ross added.

“Seniors are often a target for a variety of reasons,” he said.

They often have assets and carry money with them. They are the least likely to struggle or give chase when encountered by the suspect. And, elders are most likely to be the poorest witnesses, having just experienced an emotional event.

“It is a good idea to keep a record of your credit card and bank account numbers in a safe place at home so a theft can be reported immediately to the appropriate companies. Also, only take the cards you absolutely need with you. Never carry anything that cannot be replaced, such as cherished photos,” said Ross. “If you do become a victim remember to remain calm, be a good witness, get a good description of the thief, and immediately report your loss to authorities.”

I remember rolling my eyes when I was younger as my mother would begin her dissertation on “watching your purse.”

I guess it is finally time to bite the bullet and say, you were right, Mom.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA programs and services, call Marilyn or Chuck in the Resource and Referral Department, at 941-2865, or log on www.eaaa.org.