By Stephanie Slater
Seconds.
That’s how long it takes for someone to steal your purse or wallet.
Days, months, years.
That’s how long you’ll be dealing with creditors and banks when the thieves use your credit cards or steal your identity.
It all begins when you become distracted.
They might ask you for directions while you’re loading items into your car.
Or stop you in the grocery store and ask you about an item on a shelf. Others have even faked medical conditions.
Some will follow you around a store, waiting for the moment when you turn away from the shopping cart, leaving your purse unattended. That’s when they reach in and swipe your wallet.
You probably won’t notice your credit cards are gone until you get to the cash register.
No matter what the technique, these thieves are counting on you to become distracted. They will always be polite and take advantage of your willingness to help others. And they prey on senior citizens. There are many ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of distraction theft.
• Use purses that have a zipper or locking flap. Keep those closed when not using your purse and carry your purse close to your body.
• Consider not carrying a purse. Put credit cards and cash into a wallet that can fit inside your front pants pocket. Never carry your wallet in your rear pants pocket without a chain or button to secure it.
• If someone you don’t know asks you a question, make sure to hold on to your purse.
• Beware of loud arguments and commotions in crowded areas. Thieves may stage these incidents to distract you while they pick your pocket.
• If you are unnecessarily bumped or crowded, be aware that a pickpocket might be responsible and immediately check your valuables.
Following these tips can help you avoid becoming a victim. But if someone does steal your purse or pick your pocket, call police as soon as possible.
Stay safe!
Stephanie Slater is the public information officer for the Boynton Beach Police Department. For more crime prevention tips, visit the Boynton Beach Police Department’s Web site, www.bbpd.org.
What absolutely amazes me is how some women put their purses in the child seat section of their shopping cart and then turn their backs to get something off the shelf. I've seen unattended purses in carts and nobody in site! I also suggest not putting keys or cell phone in your purse. If your purse is stolen, the thief has not only your address from your wallet but the keys to your car so he can get there and your cell phone so he can call his friends to help rob your house.
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