Shop Safely

• Keep your purse close to your body-in front of you where you can see it-and cover the clasp or flap with your hand or forearm. Don't carry open-weave bags or purses without flaps or zippers-these are easy marks for pickpockets.
  
• If you carry a wallet in your clothes, keep it in a breast pocket. In front of you close to your body is the best place.
  
• Walk confidently. Be alert-notice who passes you and who is behind you. Be especially mindful of pickpockets on crowded busses and trains and among crowds of holiday shoppers.
  
• Don't overburden yourself with packages that may make it difficult for you to keep track of your or wallet or to respond to a personal threat.
  
• Teach your children to go to a cashier and say they are lost if they get separated from you in a store or shopping mall. Tell them never to go to the parking lot to look for you or the car.
  
• Don't leave packages or other valuables on the car seat where they can be seen. Lock them in the trunk.
  
• When you use your credit card to make a purchase, keep your eye on it to be sure that it's used to print one slip only.
  
• Always tear up the carbons after signing a credit card slip. A crook could take the carbon from the trash, copy the number, and use it for mail order or telephone purchases.