So you think the safety strap hanging on to the shopping cart is just a child safety strap? Ever thought of it as your own personal burglary device? Well, for quite some time now, I have been using it to secure my purse while shopping. So you don’t carry a purse? Well, chances are you know someone who does; please take this opportunity to read this message and pass it along.

I’ve always recommended hanging on to your purse handle/strap along with the cart handle, but using the cart safety strap helps you have that “hands free” shopping experience that makes it a little more easier. Keep in mind, however, that this does not replace walking away from your cart and your purse. No, I’m not paranoid. I just think back to a time when my grandmother’s purse was snatched from her while in the old Longs parking lot after shopping. She had taken her hands off of the purse handle just for a few minutes while loading her car with her bags when someone who had been watching her waited for a vulnerable moment and quickly came up and took her purse. This criminal was long gone before she could process what had happened. This can also happen inside a store just as easy as a parking lot.

With all the safety devices and advice that are out there, we know that if a criminal wants something bad enough they won’t stop until they get it. My theory is, why make it easier by not incorporating some form of safety measures through out your normal day. With the economic times has hard as they are now, people have become much more desperate than ever before and are looking for any means of survival. Don’t play into their hands by thinking you cannot be a target.

Ladies, never, never, never leave your purse or handbag unattended while in a parking lot – ever! You should either have it on your person or, while putting your bags in your car, put in down on the floor board where it is out of sight and have it locked on the opposite side of where you are loading your bags. It may sound so simple to make a difference, but sometimes the simple tips are the easiest to remember and implement. Don’t you agree?

• Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings - - who’s in front of you and who’s
  behind you.
• Trust your instincts, if you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave immediately.
• While walking, plan the safest route and well lighted streets.
• Carry purse close to your body while walking.
• Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry or flash cash.
• When exiting store or home, have vehicle keys in your hand and ready to use.
• If you suspect someone is following you, cross the street, and go to the
  nearest well lighted populated area.
• If you have a cell phone, carry it with you at all times.
• While walking stay clear of alleyways, doorways and bushes.
• Don’t walk alone at night.
• Be careful when people stop and ask for directions. Reply from a distance
  and stay away from the vehicle.
• Park you’re vehicle in a well-lighted area and always lock your doors.
• Check front and rear seats before entering your vehicle.
• Drive with doors locked at all times.
• If your car breaks down, put the hood up, turn your flashers on and stay inside
  your locked car. If someone stops to help, ask them to call police or tow service
  and stay inside vehicle.
• If you are involved in a road rage incident, do not stop your vehicle. Call police;
  drive to the police station or to a well lighted populated area and call police.
  Never confront the other subject.
• If you are being followed while in your vehicle, do not go home. Drive to the
  nearest police station or open business and call police. Only exit your vehicle
  if you can do so safely.
• Money and property can be replaced; do not put your safety in jeopardy.