Safety: Protecting Your Purse While Shopping

It seems that purse theft is on the rise these days. You turn your back for one moment, to reach for something off the store shelf, and your purse is gone. I haven't had mine stolen yet, but I did see a man steal someone elses outside of a store once, and I actually tried to chase him down with my car. Unfortunately, his car was faster than mine. On the longer shopping trips, I have tried it all--just keeping my purse on my shoulder the whole time, which resulted in it slipping off every time I reach for anything. I tried just bringing a wrist wallet which was lighter, but it was a hassle trying to remember to transfer my cash, driver's license, keys, list...everything I would need for one trip, without overloading it. Then, there is the option of a fanny pack, which I refuse to utilize until I am in my 90's.

So, how do we protect our purse while shopping? The safest may just be to carry it on your shoulder, although your chances are high of someone running by and grabbing it (yes, I've seen this happen!). But, for shoppers like me who have the ultimate Mary Poppins purse, a long shopping trip can become quite back-breaking. Believe it or not, this tip was formulated in the brains of my kids...Strap the purse into the cart! I simply place my purse where a child would typically sit in the cart. I then take the cart's seat belt straps and weave it through my purse handles. Make sure your purse is zipped closed, so someone can't just walk by and pull your wallet out. Now, if a thief wants to walk by my cart, when my back is turned momentarily, they won't be able to snatch the purse and run so easily. They would literally have to take the whole cart with them, which is not all that convenient for them in the long haul. I would venture to say they are more willing to grab your purse off your arm and run, than to take your whole cart infront of you and run through the store. Now, that is not to say that they won't take the whole cart through a "switching of the carts" method. So, if you secure your purse in this manner, you have to keep your cart next to you at all times! I repeat, all times! A good rule of thumb is to have your cart close enough where either your hand, hip, leg, or foot is touching it at all times. This way you would sense if someone is trying to switch out carts with you. I can't tell you how many times I have seen a cart in the center of an aisle, with a purse wide open, and the shopper completely turned around on the other side of the aisle. It is an open invitation to thieves! I am convinced that they are the same people who leave their car running and doors unlocked, while they run into a convenience store. I just don't get it! One stolen purse can create a huge financial mess for you and your family. Take the time to protect yourself!

Do you have a tip on how to protect yourself while shopping? Share it below!