Women's Safety Information

Hand bags are such a fashion statement and we, as women, always have plenty to fill even the largest of bags. But as we carry our fashion statements and line up for sales on the bag we fell in love with, we need to be conscious of the statement we are making to those more interested in snatching them than admiring them.

Why is a larger bag a better purse-snatching target? Obviously, there are thought to be more valuable items in a roomier bag.

After all, we can carry our:

iPod Cell phone Portable DVD player Portable GPS Small laptop Cash Credit Cards Checkbooks and many other things a smaller bag will not allow
Benefits of Small Purses

You always know what you have because you have to clean it out often No need replace expensive make up that went missing in a larger bag No lost receipts Too small to take many credit cards, lessening the loss and hassle if stolen Too small to take checkbooks, which are oh, so easy for thieves to use immediately Absence of shoulder and back/neck pain often accompanying a larger bag Fewer chiropractic visits Easy to set in lap at restaurant or hang onto in a club Streamlines the look Projects simplicity and low-maintenance to men Ease of finding ringing cell phone in time to answer Ease of finding car keys and an excellent purse-snatcher repellent

If attacked by a purse snatcher, thief or mugger, the best thing to do is give up your material possessions. Nothing you own is worth risking your life for. However, if you are still paying on the $1,200 for the bag the creep wants, it may be challenging to give it up, which could cost you your life.

So keep in mind that when it comes to purses and personal safety, size does matter to thieves and women.

By: Kelly Rudolph

About the Author:

Much crime takes place in and around cars. And, too often, women are targets. By taking these commonsense precautions you can avoid most unpleasant situations before they occur. And no black belt in martial arts is needed.

Here are some actions you can take:

Keep you car well maintained. Anything that immobilizes you makes you a sitting duck for predators. So keep your car well maintained, make certain your tires are in good shape and don’t let the gas tank sink down to the “E.” Keep your guard up in parking lots of malls and shopping centers. These places are targets for car thieves and other predators. Keep your car keys in your hands as you approach your car, especially in large shopping center lots. A woman fiddling for her keys is a good target. Keep your eyes and ears open when you approach your car. Take a look around you. Is anyone following? Silently note the appearance of the people and your environment. Is anyone lurking near your car? Be especially wary when you are loading or unloading bags or large items. Take a look inside the passenger compartment before getting into your car. True tale: a Long Island woman unknowingly drive home from the shopping mall with an intruder crouched in her back seat. Take a look underneath the car while you’re at it, too. Be cautious when approaching your car if it is parked next to a large SUV or other vehicle in a parking lot. Large vehicles block the view of onlookers and conceal predators. Lock your car. Lock your car from the inside as soon as you enter and lock it from the outside when you leave. Many a car has been stolen because it was left unlocked. But more important, you prevent an unwanted person from having access to you when you are sitting inside a locked car. Park in a well lit area when possible. Predators like to hide in the shadows. Keep your windows closed especially when driving on residential and commercial streets. Predators have been known to force their way in through car windows of drivers stopped at intersections. For that reason, don’t sit your handbag on the passenger seat next to you when driving. Your handbag is an enticing target for thieves who will snatch and grab–or break a window. Don’t leave valuables in plain sight when you leave your car. If you use a window mounted GPS, be sure to take it with you and wipe off the tell-tale suction marks on your windshield when you leave your car. If you plan to valet park your car, keep your car keys separate from other keys and only give the valet the key necessary to start your car.

If you see someone or something that makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts, move away from the threat (such as to the other side of the vehicle), or call for help.

By: Liza Cooper

About the Author: