Handbag safety : Some things to consider

[canarybird]

It's that time of the year again when swallows are returning and winter tourists are beginning to reappear.

And we are already hearing reports of handbags and purses being snatched.

So it's good to remind ourselves and visiting friends that gangs of professional pickpockets are once more heading to where the tourists go and we have to take precautions to stay safe.

Men.... you already know that your back pocket is a prime target area so never put your wallet there.

Women... your handbag is another target. If your handbag has a zipper, close it with two safety pins, one in each direction so it can't be opened without your knowing about it. The smaller the pins the better as they need a thief to use two hands to open them. And remember that when a thief strikes he or his accomplice will usually create some kind of diversion or "accident" to distract you. If your bag is worn across your chest and is closed with pins, it will be much harder to reach. Even more so if you wear a vest over top so the strap is not seen (and can't be cut from behind.)

http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous-1/i-cL5kZ8J/0/L/P1160962-L.jpg

And backpacks are easily unzipped or slashed from behind without the owner knowing about it.

One possibility for both men and women is to wear a waistcoat with zippered pockets leaving the handbag at home.
Zippered interior pockets are an ideal place for storing documents and a credit card.
Take small bills of cash and place them in different pockets, bringing only enough to cover intended purchases.

http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous-1/i-D5tMHS6/0/M/Women%27s%20vest-M.jpg

http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous-1/i-Tb2TTBK/0/M/men%27s%20waistcoat-M.jpg

Don't carry large amounts of money around with you.
Leave it in a safe place and only walk around with what you could need for the day or evening.

Walk home late at night with a group of friends if possible and be aware of strangers hanging around where it's dark.
They may have you in their sights.
Be guided by common sense and stay aware especially in crowds around airports and bus stops.

Some more reading. (http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Being-Pickpocketed)

Canarybird :)

[Tshirt]

http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a485/Ted4104/IMG_1617_zpsc80ecbfe.jpg (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/Ted4104/media/IMG_1617_zpsc80ecbfe.jpg.html)http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a485/Ted4104/IMG_1614_zps5b69da3f.jpg (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/Ted4104/media/IMG_1614_zps5b69da3f.jpg.html)


Handbag/Chain/Purse with bells. Handbag strap clips super glued so they can't be unclipped.

Velcro fastening wallet with chain that clips to belt loop on shorts/trousers.

Not foolproof I know but every little helps.

[Ecky Thump]

I see the danger is the amount of Ladies (and occasional man) who walk about with shoulder bags, surely these are a thiefs easiest target.

[primrose]

I see the danger is the amount of Ladies (and occasional man) who walk about with shoulder bags, surely these are a thiefs easiest target.

You really have no choice sometimes,last time I went to the Hospital they wanted to see my Residencia, Passport , Social Card and appointment paper with your purse and mobile phone you have no choice but to carry a bag just not possible to walk round with all that in your hand.

[marbro8]

And don't forget my tip of splitting your money up between the two of you,you can have a good night out in tenerife for round about 60 euros,so put 10 euros in four of your own pockets and give your partner 20 to keep,that way if you do get dipped then the most they will get is 10 euros;)

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You really have no choice sometimes,last time I went to the Hospital they wanted to see my Residencia, Passport , Social Card and appointment paper with your purse and mobile phone you have no choice but to carry a bag just not possible to walk round with all that in your hand.put them in an Iceland carrier bag,they wouldn't guess you had something of importance in there;)

[Ecky Thump]

You really have no choice sometimes,last time I went to the Hospital they wanted to see my Residencia, Passport , Social Card and appointment paper with your purse and mobile phone you have no choice but to carry a bag just not possible to walk round with all that in your hand.

I just thought that a shoulder bag is different to a handbag, which can be held firmly, not dangling by your side, and can either be snatched easily or cut with a Stanley blade by a thief on/in a passing bike, car etc.:dontknow:

I like marbro8 idea of a carrier bag that might not be such a attraction.

[primrose]

And don't forget my tip of splitting your money up between the two of you,you can have a good night out in tenerife for round about 60 euros,so put 10 euros in four of your own pockets and give your partner 20 to keep,that way if you do get dipped then the most they will get is 10 euros;)

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put them in an Iceland carrier bag,they wouldn't guess you had something of importance in there;)

I posted about somebody that had her purse in a Carrier bag while shopping in Iceland and had her purse stolen, It doesn't matter what you do if they want to take your bag they will.

[Malteser Monkey]

You really have no choice sometimes,last time I went to the Hospital they wanted to see my Residencia, Passport , Social Card and appointment paper with your purse and mobile phone you have no choice but to carry a bag just not possible to walk round with all that in your hand.

It is my understanding that you are meant to have your residencia on you at all times... I never did when out late drinking fr the obv reason and did hope I would never get stopped.

Is that not the case ?

[LUCKY]

It is my understanding that you are meant to have your residencia on you at all times... I never did when out late drinking fr the obv reason and did hope I would never get stopped.

Is that not the case ?

It is my understanding that visitors to the island also have to carry ID ie Passport or maybe a copy. Can anyone shed light on that please.:flatcap:

[primrose]

It is my understanding that you are meant to have your residencia on you at all times... I never did when out late drinking fr the obv reason and did hope I would never get stopped.

Is that not the case ?

Yes you are right, and they seem to be more strict about it when you go anywhere official especially if you are not Spanish,Two weeks ago for the first time ever I wasn't asked to show my Passport when paying with my Debit Card in Mercadona.

[Tshirt]

I posted about somebody that had her purse in a Carrier bag while shopping in Iceland and had her purse stolen, It doesn't matter what you do if they want to take your bag they will.


Especially if some scumbag is watching you and clocks where you put your purse.

[Malteser Monkey]

Yes you are right, and they seem to be more strict about it when you go anywhere official especially if you are not Spanish,Two weeks ago for the first time ever I wasn't asked to show my Passport when paying with my Debit Card in Mercadona.

yes they did that when I was there even when you used a PIN

[martincrabb99]

Canary Bird has raised some excellent points relating to personal safety. Distraction is a popular methodology with criminals for example at a view point they will approach with a map asking directions and whilst you are trying to help an accomplice steals items. They are really quite accomplished so be aware and be safe.

[Bee]

The Lions Tenerife Sur charity shop on the first floor of the Apolo Centre in Los Cristianos and their shop in Costa del Silencio are both selling security bells for just one euro which can be clipped on to a purse or handbag. There have been recent articles in the local press. The Lions were in touch with a UK Police Force who reported that theft of purses dramatically decreased when using these bells.

[canarybird]

For Women:

This is the sort of thing I was suggesting, so you don't carry a handbag, and even if you don't buy one of these, you could perhaps sew a few interior pockets into a lightweight vest to wear when shopping or going out for evening walks.

If you don't carry a handbag, you won't lose it or have it snatched.

http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous-1/i-6pVvBpv/0/L/travel%20vest-L.jpg


This one currently not available on Amazon UK but this one below does seem available:

http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous-1/i-H64mWrv/0/L/AyeGear-L.jpg

Here's the link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/AyeGear-Pockets-Concealed-Clothing-Lightweight/dp/B00AAX1P6K/ref=pd_sim_ap_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1VY4TZRYEFC6PWWZ2RF4)to the Amazon page.

These are not cheap but think of what it costs to replace what you could lose if your handbag was snatched.

Anyway, still making suggestions on how not to carry a handbag, and I do like that black vest on this video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cjPwsPp1lvo) :-)

[macdonald5]

Be aware !!!!
In the cheap clothes shop in San Eugenio on Wednesday ( my case missing) so looking for some throwaways
Lady with deep canvas bag had her purse taken from bottom of the bag !! Shop owner ran the security camera back and you could clearly see the bag being dipped !!
Also an apartment ( ground floor of Club Atlantis) lady in shower ,her two young teenage daughters in a bedroom, husbands clothes nicked via the ajar patio door Slightly scary for them