Summer is here and there seem to be more people everywhere you go. As always, it pays to be diligent and watchful of your belongings when in public to avoid becoming a crime victim.

Here are some precautions that can keep you – or your favorite senior – 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, an oval metal ring with a snap link, to secure your purse to the shopping cart. The Penobscot County TRIAD Coalition is offering carabiners free to the public, so call Eastern Area Agency on Aging at 941-2865 to get one. You also can hook the cart’s child safety belt through the handle of your bag.

. 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 does try to grab your bag, give it up willingly because you could be injured if a struggle ensued. Immediately report your loss to local police or sheriff and make a detailed note of the suspect’s description while waiting for the authorities.

. Use a clutch purse that tucks under your arm. Yes, it is inconvenient but if someone attempts to steal it, you won’t be dragged by the strap.

. 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 give chase.

. 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 of falling out.

. When picking up prescriptions at the pharmacy, don’t reveal what drug you are buying. You never know who is listening.

. If you have pockets in your pants or skirt, pop your driver’s license and money or credit card in there and leave your purse at home.

. Only carry the cards you need for the trip out. I have seen people with everything from their debit card to their library card and a card for every association to which they belong. Lighten the load. You’ll be surprised how roomy your bag will seem.

. 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. And never carry anything that cannot be replaced, such as cherished photos.

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.”

Seniors are often a target because they usually 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 an emotional event.

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.

Most important of all, give up the bag. Stuff can be replaced and your safety is worth more than the contents of your purse.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865, toll-free 800-432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.