With the festive season just around the corner, it is important for people to be extra vigilant when out shopping.
The EXPRESS recently received a call from a reader, who was allegedly robbed of her purse while grocery shopping at a local store on September 27.
Ms Evelyn Gibson said she was doing her shopping as usual only to realise her purse was missing from her handbag when she was about to pay for her purchases.
She said staff members from the store helped her to look for her purse in the store.
On searching, they found the purse in a trolley. When they opened it, only her grandchild’s picture was in it and all the money was gone.
Ms Gibson went to the Cleveland SAPS and a case of theft was opened.
Constable Mpho Mashakane, from the Cleveland SAPS, advised the public to be alert and extra vigilant when out shopping as the festive season approaches.
She warned residents to always make sure their belongings are safe at all times.
Some precautions to take while shopping:
For men – the target areas are back trouser pockets and jacket pockets. A typical thief will avoid the front trouser pockets and buttoned or zipped pockets. Avoid carrying valuable items in unbuttoned pockets. Do not keep large sums of money on you and when carrying credit cards or identity documents, keep them in your front pocket or in any buttoned or zipped pocket. Never pat your pocket to see if your wallet is there; this lets criminals know the exact location of your valuables.
Tips for women – use a handbag that is difficult to open. A bag with a zipper or snaps is best. If you are carrying a shoulder bag, place the straps diagonally across your body, as opposed to carrying it on one shoulder. This keeps the bag in front of you instead of at your side or behind you, which sometimes happens with bags with long straps. If you are carrying a handbag, then make sure to hold it close to the front of your body, instead of holding it on your wrist or loosely in your hand. Never leave your purse unattended on a store counter or in a shopping trolley or basket.
