Media Release

11 December 2007

Shoppers reminded to keep an eye on their handbags

Manukau City Council’s Safe Communities team coordinates crime prevention, reduction and intervention programmes throughout the city.  As Manukau residents hit the shops to complete Christmas shopping over the next two weeks, the team would like to remind them to safeguard their handbags.

Safe Communities offer the following helpful advice:

Thieves look for easy targets.  They watch for people carrying handbags in positions that can be easily snatched. Stay alert, walk upright and briskly with your handbag held firmly in a secure position.  Either tightly under an arm or in front of you to prevent it from being snatched from behind.
 

Don’t leave your handbag unattended, especially in the supermarket.  Secure your handbag through the strap fitted to the trolley.  Keep the trolley within sight at all times. Take particular care when loading groceries into the car.  Place your handbag inside the car, re-lock it, and then put the shopping bags in the boot.
 

When using public toilets be careful where you place your handbag.  Keep it away from the gap at the bottom of the door. 
 

Keep your car doors locked when travelling to prevent someone opening a door and snatching your handbag.  Place your handbag on the floor of the car to make it less visible to passing foot traffic. 
 

Never leave your handbag unattended in a car and remember parking in busy areas reduces the opportunity of theft.
 

Thieves monitor ATM machines looking for people withdrawing large amounts of cash.  To avoid attracting undesirable attention, it’s sensible to withdraw only small amounts of cash at a time. Use ATMs in busy, well-lit areas.
 

Safe Communities wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season.

ENDS

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