Photo: Sai De Silva, Unsplash
One of the most popular targets of a thief is a purse. Whether it’s open at the top of your shopping cart, or loosely slung over your shoulder, it’s an easy and known target for thieves and pickpockets. Former SLCPD Chief Chris Burbank talks about what you can do to keep your purse a safe purse and a secure purse in everyday scenarios.
Former Chief Burbank has some great points, but it’s good to go a little deeper. Here are 5 tips on how you can have a safe purse no matter where you are.
Always make sure that you are in the same room as your purse. If you are out grocery shopping don’t leave your purse in your shopping cart and walk away. Don’t leave them on the floor. And don’t leave your purse in a dressing room.
Always watch your environment. Thieves aren’t going to look like the picture above. They could look like anyone. Make sure you are paying attention to your surroundings at all times. Even if you feel safe wherever you are. More on that in a bit.
For thieves, leaving your purse open and unattended is an open invitation. Keep in mind that a thief isn’t just looking for your wallet either. They could take your phone .or other devices you might have. They could even take medications if you keep those in your purse. Make sure that it’s zipped closed, snapped closed, strapped closed or any other way your purse might fasten closed safely
Never hang your purse on the back of a chair or in a shopping cart where it isn’t in view at all times. Keep it on your lap. Or, if you have to put it on the floor, tuck the strap under your thigh, or put the chair leg through the loop of the strap.
It’s fine to assume that Utah’s communities are pretty safe. But assuming that thieves never pickpocket or steal purses in Utah is just wrong. These kinds of things happen more often than you might think. So it’s best to always assume that it COULD happen. Even if it doesn’t.
