With Christmas and New Years on the near horizon, this means inevitable shopping, and lots of it.
As the shopping gets underway that "Christmas cheer" spreads through the air and good tidings are well abound.
Cheesy shopping mall music permeates the air as families and couples alike smile and shop till they drop.
For us women, this definitely sounds enticing and enjoyable.
With such merrinessaround as everyone spends hours upon hours shopping in grocery stores, department stores and malls, it almost seems too pleasurable, too enticing and safe.
But while constant purchasing is hustling and bustling, you might not be aware you're being hustled in the process.
A hidden danger or two lurks in and around all these shopping hot spots.
The danger for us ladies are purse-snatchers, and they're everywhere, constantly on the prowl for unsuspecting women and teens who tote a bag around.
But, do not fret, for there are numerous ways for you to reassure shopping safety and ward off those sneaky snatchers.
Instead of beating purse-snatchers away as they're grasping your purse, why not beat them to it?Opt to shop without a purse entirely: Shopping Minus My Purse? Actually, despite how silly and inconvenient this may sound, shopping in well populated and public areas without a purse is a great idea.
Consider doing this just for the holidays, as purse lifting is more common this time of year.
If you can't part with having a purse around shopping areas because of certain necessary items you carry with you -i.
e.
keys, cell phone and makeup- then don't let your guard down.
It is key to be aware of your purse and others at all times.
Consider wearing an alternative form of a purse too, something that can wrap around your waist or your upper frame.
Over the shoulder bag's in particular are quite advantageous for us ladies, for security and carrying purposes.
Clearly, something that is wrapped around your entire frame, rather than just your one mere shoulder is less accessible to a passing purse-snatcher.
Watch Where and How You Walk: I'm sure you're all aware of how to avoid dark and dimly lit areas, anywhere, as a general rule of thumb.
The same carries over for public shopping places.
Be sure, especially if you're shopping solo, to walk in well-lit and highly congested areas as to avoid darker corners where snatchers could very well be looming.
Also, walk with a semi-swift pace and look confident.
Purse-snatchers are like lions in public shopping areas, they'll hone in on the weakest gazelle in a contained area and pounce.
Look the part of "confident shopper" or "gazelle" and you'll ward off any unwanted 'lions,' it's a guarantee.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings: Notice who and what is around while you're shopping.
Keep eye-contact with everyone you pass, as this is a significant deterrent for potential thieves.
It's proven, if a possible crook is about to lift your purse and he or she notices you are looking at them intently, the thief will draw back because they know you placed their face.
This shopping holiday season, get ahead of other oblivious women and clutch onto your purse - or lack thereof - with confidence as you make your purchases.
Now that you're aware of purse-snatchers, you should ironically feel more at ease.
Take into account the above tips and enjoy the festive shopping, but be mindful of those snatchers and their covert ways.