Have you ever been the victim of a purse snatcher and had to watch as they ran away with your personal belongings?

I had never been face to face with a purse snatcher either, until Friday (June 18, 2010). Outside the grocery store, this man came running up to me and grabbed my purse. I held on to my purse straps as long as I could, until he jerked really hard and I fell on the concrete. When a purse snatcher is determined to snatch your purse they will get it no matter what you try.. I could not compete with a 250 pound man.

I hope you have never been there to encounter an ordeal as that and I hope you never will.

That is a situation that should never happen, but it does happen much too often. If it were to happen to you, have someone report the incident for you. If they are lucky enough to catch them please go to court when charges are filed. They will repeat purse snatching until they go to jail and experience what it is like to be locked up. Maybe they might stop.

This article is not all about me. I know you probably have heard some of the following tips before. Sometimes we need to read them again.

Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. Sometimes you can help eliminate that opportunity or make it harder for them. Every female carrying a purse is a potential target. Senior citizens are especially susceptible to these criminals since they may not be readily able to defend themselves and pursue their assailants.

SOME TIPS THAT WILL HELP-

I have always heard that most purse snatchers are juveniles under the age of 18, who are waiting for the next opportunity. In my case he was a man, 21-25 years old and the driver of the get away car was about the same age with no license plate on the vehicle.

Frankly, your personal safety might depend on NOT clinging to that purse, even though it seems a normal way to protect the contents. Grabbing and shoving that may take place can result in being injured.

SHOP WITH A FRIEND, TRAVEL TOGETHER-

The first precaution you can take is to go shopping with a friend – man or women. You’re safer when in the company of someone else. If you must be out at night alone, stay in well-lighted areas. Walk close to street lights, staying well away from dark corners, alleys and building entrances.

HOW TO OUTSMART THE PURSE SNATCHER-

When carrying a purse, women should have only 3 or 4 one dollar bills placed inside. Credit cards, currency, driver’s license, keys and jewelry should be carried in a coat or sweater pocket, or concealed on your person to reduce the opportunity of large losses.

If you carry a purse, don’t wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured. Some purse snatch victims have been thrown down and have received concussions and broken bones. Never carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave all unnecessary credit cards at home. When you shop and carry a purse, place it in your shopping bag. Never leave your purse on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart – even for a moment. When shopping always select a cart that has the child restraint belt and fasten your purse with that.

DON’T CARRY WEAPONS THAT CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU –

You should carry a police whistle and a small flashlight on your key chain where they’re readily available. Make a habit to carry your key chain in a pocket – NOT in your purse. And you should never put your name and address on your house keys or car keys. This is a simple way of telling the thief who you are and where you live.

CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY –

Most victims are attacked from behind. They don’t get a good look at the attacker. If attacked, call the police immediately. Try to remember all details – help your police help you!

Unbeknownst to me, I not only had an angel watching over me but I had two, in the form of a nice young couple who watched the events from their car. They called the police and preceded to follow them until they threw my purse out beside the road. They only got $13.00 dollars, and left everything else in my purse. I feel very lucky, to have got everything back.

Author Bio: i have been in network marketing for about 3 years. I trust you will find this article helpful and that you will never encounter an ordeal as having your purse snatched. Lets go GREEN together. http://www.plugintogreenprofits.com/?id=2054

Category: Advice
Keywords: