Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: While standing in the checkout line on a busy Saturday afternoon, in the blink of an eye someone darted past my cart and snatched an item off of the top of the baby-seat portion of my basket. The person melted into the crowd before I could turn around.

Happily, I always secure my purse to the basket by looping the baby-seat straps through the handles and latching them. Of course, I keep my hand on the buggy, but this way is safer for both me and my purse. My daughter was not so lucky; she became a victim of a wallet thief.

We consider ourselves to be personally safety-savvy. However, it is clear that those who are preparing to commit a crime have the advantages of opportunity and surprise. – Margaret F., Dallas

Folks, keep your eyes and hands on your valuables. Margaret, one note: Securing a purse doesn’t prevent a thief from reaching in or stop one who really wants it. – Heloise