Today, many people carry around valuable possessions without giving it a second thought. Do you carry around your iPhone, iPod, and several credit cards? You probably carry it around in an expensive-looking handbag, too. Take a second to think about the message you’re sending thieves. Cash in your wallet or purse, credit cards and designer sunglasses, laptops and Smartphones are just a few of the things you carry around each day. If even one of these items were to be stolen, it would be sorely missed as you try to go about your day-to-day routines without it.

The first step to reducing your risk is to seriously consider what you take with you each day. Though each one of these items might seem like an essential, police advise you to only take what you absolutely need. If you’re going somewhere where your items might be in particular danger, such as a night of bar-hopping or an evening at a crowded concert, unload your purse and wallet beforehand so that you’re not taking all of your most valuable possessions with you. For example, take one credit card, your ID, and minimal cash, rather than the iPod, designer sunglasses, and a stack of credit cards that you might normally be carrying.

Always be aware of the location of your purse or wallet. Never leave your purse in a grocery cart or sitting on a table. This is one of the easiest crimes for someone to pull off if you’re oblivious to what’s going on. A lot of times, the thief will be long gone by the time you try to retrieve your purse. The same goes for your laptop – never leave it on the table at a coffee shop to get a drink or use the restroom.

Keep your cell phone out of sight, especially if you have a fancy Smart Phone. A thief could make a quick $100 just from stealing your phone. There has recently been a rash of crime related to thieves asking for the time, with the intent of judging the value of your phone when you pull it out of your pocket. Never leave your cell phone out in plain sight, in your car or in a gym locker room. Do not take it out of your pocket or bag unless you actually need to use it.

Finally, keep your receipts for everything you own. Write down the serial numbers, and engrave your name onto small electronics. This will aid in its quick recovery if a thief ever steals it. An engraved name will immediately catch thieves who try to pawn your belongings. Knowing the serial numbers and having a way to identify your personal electronics can mean the difference between getting your possessions back and having to replace them after a theft. Otherwise, there is nothing to distinguish your iPod or digital camera from all of the other electronics recovered by police.

Today, far too many people carry around large quantities of cash, not to mention valuable electronics, everywhere they go throughout the day. Stop to think about whether this is really necessary, and what you can do to keep these possessions from becoming stolen property.

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Category: Advice
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