This time of year, the chances of having a wallet or purse stolen are higher, for a number of reasons.  One is simply easier access.  Many people crowding stores bring shoppers physically closer together than they would otherwise be.  With the focus on gift-giving at this time of year, people who may not typically resort to crime may feel pressured to do so to buy gifts for family members, especially for children.  And sometimes a purse isn’t actually stolen, it’s simply lost in the shuffle of holiday shopping.

TRIAD is a coalition of senior citizens, law enforcement officials, and community service providers, working together to ensure and enhance the safety of mature adults in our communities.  They remind seniors and others to take control by avoiding becoming a victim.  Remember that the holiday season is not a typical time of year.  Follow some simple precautions:

•    Make sure that your handbag or jacket pocket is zippered or snapped shut.  It is harder to take a wallet from a purse or pocket that is completely closed.

•  Never leave a handbag or jacket with a wallet in it in a shopping basket, even for a second.  The time it takes to turn away from a shopping carriage to look at a store display may be all it takes.

•  Minimize any potential loss by carrying only the cash you absolutely need.  Credit card companies typically reverse fraudulent charges, and banks will often do so as well if a check is cashed without your approval.  Once cash is gone, it is gone forever.

•  Make sure you take a credit card or checkbook with you when you leave a register.  Too often, they are inadvertently left behind.

•  Be aware of your surroundings.  A purse snatcher preys on the inattentive.

•  Hold your closed handbag close to your body, with an arm over it. 

•  If possible, leave the purse at home and keep your wallet and checkbook in a safe pocket.

•  Do not leave a wallet or purse in a car, even if the car is locked.  You are inviting a break-in.

•  If your wallet, credit card or checkbook is stolen or misplaced, do not delay in canceling your cards and putting a stop payment on the checks in your checkbook.  Call your local police or sheriff’s department.  You may be the victim of identity theft, and you need a police report to begin proceedings quickly to resolve the crime.  Report it even if the loss is small so that police are aware that the crimes are occurring, and can pay more attention to the area.