The theft of purses is most often a crime of opportunity and can be greatly reduced if consideration is given to some crime prevention tips.
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In today’s society, fewer women are carrying purses. Many women choose to carry a small billfold or coin purse which can easily fit into a pocket. This eliminates a purse as a target and also frees up their hands.
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If you must carry a purse, carry only the items you will need. Do not carry more cash or credit cards than you plan to use. Refrain from carrying personal items that have a great deal of sentimental value to you, but will just be thrown away by a thief.
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Walk in well-lit areas and where you find the most people. Avoid walking close to areas which would allow an attacker to hide such as entrances to alleyways or next to parked cars.
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Be cognizant of your surroundings and walk with confidence and purpose.
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Try not to have your purse wrapped too tightly around your arm or shoulder. A popular means of taking a purse is for the passenger of a moving vehicle to lean out the window and grab the purse as the vehicle is passing you. This will cause you to be tangled in the purse strap and you will be knocked to the ground and possibly dragged by the vehicle.
If you carry only the essentials in your purse, as you should, it is best to simply let it go. It is not worth being injured, possibly seriously, by resisting.