Dear Resident

Purse Safety and Theft Prevention

Do Not Hang Your Purse on the Back of Your Chair

One common mistake that many people make is hanging their purse on the back of their chair in a public setting.

This makes it easy for someone to grab it and run away. Instead, keep your purse close to you and place it on the floor or on your lap.

This is a big one! 

Use a Cross body Bag

Cross body bags are a great option for carrying your purse as they are more difficult to snatch from your shoulder.

They are worn across the body, and the strap can be adjusted to fit your body size.

Keep Your Purse Close to Your Body

One of the most important things to remember when carrying a purse is to keep it close to your body.

This means holding it in front of you or close to your side. You can also tuck it under your arm to make it more difficult for someone to grab it.

Avoid Keeping Valuables in Your Purse

It is advisable to avoid keeping valuable items in your purse.

Items like expensive jewellery, large amounts of cash, and passports should be kept in a safe or hidden pockets.

This can help minimise the impact of losing your purse.  

Use a Purse with a Zipper or Snap Closure

A purse with a zipper or snap closure is more difficult to open and access by a thief.

It is recommended to use a purse with these types of closures rather than an open-top purse or one with a flap closure.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Being aware of your surroundings is an essential part of carrying a purse safely.

You need to have situational awareness when in public of where you sit down your bag. If you go to the bathroom while dining, take your bag with you.

Other guests at the table are most likely not aware of where you put your purse, and won’t be watching it while gone.

Try to avoid carrying your purse in areas where there are a lot of people, or areas with a high crime rate.

Be alert and keep an eye out for suspicious individuals.