Keep your purses, wallets secure to prevent theft

I recently switched from my winter bag to a lighter, summer bag. While lamenting the lack of space in my new small, albeit stylish, purse, I thought of things I learned from Penobscot County Sheriff Glenn Ross. Carrying a lot of unnecessary stuff is just all the more that could get stolen.

“We all consider Maine a very safe state and ‘The Way Life Should Be,'” said Ross. “But, we are seeing occurrences [of purse snatchings] in the area.”

He suggested some precautions that may keep you from being victimized:

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

. Use a carabiner, a rock-climbing device that opens on one side to secure your purse to the cart. These are available for minimal cost just about everywhere – usually at checkout aisles in department stores. Or hook the child safety belt through the handle of your bag. If a snatching is attempted, the thief will make a lot of noise in the process.

. 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 but across your body. If a thief does try to grab your bag, give it up willingly because you could be injured if a struggle ensued. Nothing is worth your safety. Immediately report your loss to local police or sheriff and make a detailed 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.

. Women should never hang purses on a bathroom stall door hook. A thief could easily reach over the top, grab the purse and be gone. And you wouldn’t exactly be in a position to chase him or her.

. Men should keep wallets in a place that is not readily accessible to a pickpocket. I have seen billfolds hanging half out of back pockets. Even without a thief’s help, these wallets are precariously tucked and on the verge falling out.

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

Aside from cash, some criminals are seeking personal information, such as bank account and credit card numbers, which can be used to steal an identity. Ross advises that you only carry what you need and never carry your Social Security card around “because we all have it memorized and that is one item that identity thieves want.” There has been a substantial increase in identity theft, he added.

“Seniors are often a target,” said Ross. They often carry money with them and are the least likely to put up a fight or run after the suspect. Seniors also tend to be the poorest witnesses, having just experienced a depply 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 immediately reported to the appropriate companies. Never carry anything that cannot be replaced, such as cherished photos,” said Ross. “Remember, if you do become a victim – remain calm, be a good witness, get a good description of the thief and immediately report your loss to authorities.”

And when you find a purse you absolute love, buy two if possible. Just in case.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, or email info@eaaa.org.