For the past few weeks, we’ve been spending time in malls and stores, grabbing things and preparing for the holidays. Unfortunately, most of us also haven’t been paying much attention to our purses or briefcases while we shop, leaving ourselves completely open to robbers and holiday thieves.
A few weeks ago, the Windham New Hampshire Police Department gave female shoppers a little safety advice in the form of a Facebook post that ultimately ended up going viral.
“A holiday shopping safety tip for women,” it reads. “When using a shopping cart as you browse through the store, keep your purse zipped or closed and secure it to the cart by clipping the child safety belt through the strap(s). This will help in preventing someone from taking advantage of your distraction and running off with the purse.”
“For those carts that don’t have the child strap, keep an inexpensive carabiner clip attached to your purse strap. Simply clip the carabiner to the cart and your purse is more secure. HAPPY SHOPPING!”
Essentially, clipping your purse to the shopping cart ensures that a thief won’t be able to snatch it quietly while you aren’t looking. Any attempt to grab the purse will result in the entire shopping cart coming with it— not to mention, quite a loud scene. I’m actually interested in seeing a thief’s confusion as they wonder why the shopping cart won’t let go of the damn bag. Priceless, I’m sure.
The Windham Police Department’s post garnered thousands of comments and an even larger number of shares. Some women offered additional shopping safety tips…
“I just wear a crossbody purse on my body and keep my bag zipped. And keep keys ON you. In your pants or poacket and not in your bag. That way if someone takes your purse you can still drive home”
“Or just keep it on your shoulder with it zipped up. Also any openings such as flaps, snaps, or flaps against your body and not the other way for pick pockets to get their hands into. Also body language says a lit[sic] too. If you go shopping with the body language that says I’m alert and watching and don’t mess with me, as opposed to I’m distracted, tired, and timid that a goes a long way too.”
“I keep my purse closed and on my body. A cross body normally. However, at this point, all you’re going to be stealing from me is some pull-ups, wipes, kids snacks, toys, and maybe like a dollar. Lol. Hope that gets you what you need though.”
…While others seemed conflicted about the idea.
“I always thought locking my purse with the child safety strap was a good idea until someone just took the cart… luckily it was my husband proving a point. “
“For all you that already do that’s great but there’s so many out here that don’t or haven’t heard. All of your advice is heartfelt, I’m sure. I for one had never thought about doing this and have had my purse stolen from the grocery store. I will be practicing this from now on. Thanks for sharing!”
What’s your best shopping safety tip?
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