‘Protect your handbag while out shopping’ – urges Sebenza SAPS

Having your belongings stolen while out doing your shopping is not what most people have in mind but it happens more often than it is reported.

Also read: Sebenza SAPS contact numbers: keep these numbers close-by

The NEWS spoke to Sebenza SAPS communications officer and social crime coordinator, Sgt Sharon Tsotsotso about how shoppers can keep their belongings safe while shopping.

Also read: Be safe when shopping online – Sebenza SAPS

We live in a country where crime is rife and sadly if you are not constantly on guard, you will have something stolen.

Tsotsotso said in most cases, negligence plays a role when it comes to people being pickpocketed or their belongings stolen.

“Some people put their bags in the shopping cart and they look away to take something and that’s when their belongings get stolen.

She shared the following tips on how shoppers can keep their belongings safe while shopping:

•  People must avoid carrying big bags while out shopping because it makes it difficult to feel when someone is touching it.
•  Shoppers must also avoid carrying bags with loose and long strings because it makes it hard to feel whether you are still carrying your bag or not.
•  At all times, one hand must be on your bag in order to feel when someone is trying to snatch it or open it.
•  Hold the bag not just the string because you might think you are still holding it only to realise you are holding on to a sling and the bag is gone.
•  When you are at the pay point, don’t put your bag on the counter top.
•  If you open your bag to take out the purse, always make sure that you close the bag afterwards.
•  When you are at the till point, don’t take out everything that is in your bag because you might leave it on the counter.