We carry our entire lives in our handbags. Wallets, house keys, smartphones, and personal identification live inside that single accessory. Unfortunately, thieves know this better than anyone else. They constantly watch crowds for specific behaviors that scream “easy target.”
You might be inviting trouble without even realizing it. Pickpockets do not always look like villains in movies. They are often well-dressed professionals who blend in perfectly. They look for distraction and easy access. Let’s identify the common habits that make you vulnerable to theft.
Hanging It on Your Chair
You sit down for a nice lunch and instinctively hang your bag on the back of your chair. It feels safe because it is physically touching your seat. However, this is the most common mistake women make in restaurants. You cannot see the bag while you are eating and chatting.
A thief simply sits at the table behind you. They can dip their hand into the bag or unhook it entirely without you feeling a thing. Additionally, they might use a jacket to cover their arm while they work. Keep your purse on your lap or place it between your feet with the strap around your leg.
The Shopping Cart Drift
Grocery stores are prime hunting grounds for purse thieves. You likely place your purse in the child seat of the cart while you shop. Then, you turn your back to grab a gallon of milk or inspect produce. You step away for only three seconds.
That is all the time a professional needs. They often work in pairs to distract you. One asks a question while the other grabs your wallet. They usually leave the purse behind so you do not notice the theft until you reach the checkout line. Always wear your bag while shopping.
Leaving It Unzipped
We all get busy and sometimes forget to close our bags. An open tote or unzipped satchel is an open invitation. It allows a thief to reach in without the noise or friction of a zipper. They can bump into you in a crowd and grab your phone simultaneously.
This is especially dangerous on public transportation. The movement of the train masks the movement of their hand. Always fasten your bag completely before you start walking. If your bag does not have a zipper, keep your hand over the opening in crowds.
Walking on the Curb Side
How you carry the bag matters just as much as where you put it. If you walk near the street with your purse on the curb side, you are at risk. Thieves on bicycles, scooters, or motorcycles can snatch the strap as they ride by.
This “drive-by” snatching is violent and can cause serious injury. The force can pull you into traffic or drag you along the pavement. Always move your bag to the shoulder away from the road. It puts a physical barrier between your valuables and the street.
The Distracted Dig
You stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk to find your keys. You look down and dig through the contents frantically. This displays your valuables to everyone around you. It also signals that you are completely distracted and unaware of your surroundings.
A thief sees exactly where you keep your wallet. They also know you are not watching their approach. Avoid rummaging through your purse in open public spaces. Step into a store or put your back against a wall before you search for items.
Using the Restroom Hook
Public restrooms feel private, but they are not secure. You likely hang your purse on the hook on the back of the stall door. It seems convenient and keeps the bag off the dirty floor. However, thieves know this habit well.
They can reach over the door and grab the strap in seconds. fast thieves can also snag it from underneath the door if the strap hangs low. It leaves you trapped in the stall while they escape. Hold your bag on your lap or hang it around your neck while inside.
Stay Alert and Safe
Your safety is always worth more than convenience. These small changes in habit make you a hard target. Thieves prefer the path of least resistance and will move on to someone else. Do not give them an opportunity to ruin your day. Stay alert, keep your belongings close, and trust your instincts.
Have you ever had a close call with a pickpocket? Share your tips in the comments!
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The post Is Your Purse Making You a Target? 6 Habits Pickpockets Love appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
