UTC POLICE SAFETY-GRAM
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DALE "MAC" McNEELY DIRECTOR LARRY C. LOCKMILLER
OPERATIONS LT.
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HOW TO GUARD AGAINST PURSE SNATCHERS
Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. You can eliminate that
opportunity. 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.
WHAT CAN YOU DO
Purse snatching is a crime that can be easily prevented when you take away
the opportunity from the thief.Most purse snatchers are juveniles under the
age of 18, who are waiting for the next opportunity. WhenYou hide the
"prize" you protect yourself.
Suppose you are going shopping and waiting for the bus. You are by
yourself and your purse is exposed and in open view. You already made two
mistakes you are alone and your purse is vulnerable. 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. There are waysto protect yourself,
however.
SHOP WITH A FRIEND, TRAVEL TOGETHER
The first precaution you can take is to go shopping with a friend man or
woman. 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.
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 simply a 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. And when a juvenile gets away with it once, he'll try it
again. If attacked, call the police immediately. Try to remember all
details help your police help you.
REMEMBER CRIME IS EVERYONES BUSINESS MORE INFO CALL 755-HELP
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