Reducing the risk of handbag and briefcase theft 

Handbag snatching does not occur often in New Zealand; however, unattended handbags are a popular target for thieves. 

You can reduce the risk of your handbag, briefcase or laptop being snatched by following a few basic procedures.

When out and about

Walk upright, be aware and hold your handbag firmly. Look and act confidently. Carry your bag so it cannot be snatched from behind. 

When you walk near moving vehicles, hold your handbag on the side that faces away from passing traffic.

Avoid isolated areas.

Consider keeping your Eftpos and credit cards, and keys separate from your handbag.

Be wary of people who may be trying to distract you. If you are suspicious of their intentions, move your handbag into a position where it cannot be easily seized. Look and act confidently.

Keep away from anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.  

When using a vehicle

Keep your doors locked when travelling in a motor vehicle. This will prevent anyone from opening a door and getting into your vehicle or removing your handbag.  

Keep your handbag out of sight. Handbags left on car seats are more visible and can attract attention.

Park in places where there are lots of people around. Avoid isolated areas away from other users.

Before you get out of your car, look around for people who may be loitering nearby. If you see anyone who looks suspicious, drive away and park somewhere else.  

Never leave your handbag or other valuables on display in an unattended vehicle. Take them with you if you can. Thieves are less likely to break in to a vehicle where there is nothing obvious to take, but if they do break into your car they will look for hidden items of value.  

When you walk through a car park, be aware of people behind you or approaching you. If anyone moving towards you makes you feel uncomfortable, walk faster and head in a safe direction.  

If you feel uncomfortable walking through a car park, take someone with you. Or keep close to other people going in your direction, who you perceive are not a risk to you.  

Have your keys in your hand when you return to your car. This means you can unlock the car immediately you reach the car.

Be alert to any people close by or in nearby vehicles who may appear to be watching you.  

Hold on to your handbag. Do not put it down until you are inside your vehicle and have locked all the doors.  

Put your handbag in the supermarket trolley while you load your shopping into your car. Hang on to your handbag or put it in the car where you can keep an eye on it. Take your handbag with you when you return the shopping trolley.

Hold your handbag at all times when travelling on public transport. Do not leave it on a seat, underneath a seat, or in a luggage rack.

When using ATM machines and public telephones

Withdraw only small amounts of money at any one time. This will help avoid attracting undesirable attention. Thieves may monitor ATM machines looking for people who withdraw large amounts of cash.

When you withdraw cash, shield your pin number and be alert to anyone watching you. Stand so that you can see what is happening around you.  

Put your money away promptly. 

Use an ATM machine in a busy location if you can. This will reduce the risk of theft. If, however, you notice someone loitering, or watching the ATM from a vehicle, we advise you to use a machine somewhere else. 

If you have to use an ATM at night, try and find one in an area that is busy and well lit.

After you use an ATM machine, be particularly alert to anyone who may be following you. If you think you are being followed go immediately to a place where there are people, and contact the police.  

When you use a public telephone or an ATM machine, turn and face the people passing. This signals that you are alert. It also denies a thief the opportunity to approach unnoticed.  

Shopping

Keep your handbag with you at all times. 

Secure your handbag through the strap to the shopping trolley when you are in the supermarket.  

Do not leave your purse or handbag loose in the trolley. Do not leave your purse in an open handbag.

Do not leave your trolley unattended or out of sight with your handbag or purse in it.  

The workplace

At work handbags should either be under observation, locked in a safe place, or in a secure location.  

Do not use your handbag to do your organisation's banking. (Read the more detailed advice in the Business Crime Prevention section if you are asked to undertake this function.)  

At home

Follow basic safety rules when you are at home. (see .......)  

Make sure you lock your front door if you are working outside at the back of the house.

Make sure thieves are not able to gain access to bedrooms when you are having a meal or watching television in another part of the house. 

Do not let people into your house if you do not know them. Sometimes people may knock on your door and make an excuse to get inside, such as asking to use the telephone. While the householder is distracted, the accomplice will look for a handbag and quickly steal the contents.  

Hotel and motel rooms

Leaving a handbag in a locked hotel or motel room does not guarantee security. Burglars may enter through windows and there can be risks of thefts by staff in some establishments.

Put your valuables in a room safe if possible, or a safe at reception. If these are not available, carry your valuables with you. 

Keep windows secured, especially those at ground floor level or those that can be reached by a balcony. 

Bars, restaurants and clubs

Never leave your handbag unattended. If you have to leave it, have someone you trust look after it.

In a public toilet make sure your handbag is placed away from the door or on a hook. Thieves have been known to reach under doors into cubicles and snatch handbags away.  

Don't put your handbag anywhere you can't see it, such as under a seat. This also applies at other venues, such as concerts, sports events and cinemas.  

Bus and ferry terminals, railway stations and airports

Keep your handbag with you at all times. Carry it in a way that prevents a pick pocket from opening a zip or clasp and removing a purse. Be alert at all times. 

Responding to theft 

If you think someone is going to snatch your handbag, look and act confidently. Talk loudly and assertively. Use words like 'go away', 'I'll call the Police'. 

It is natural to want to protect your property. However, if your handbag is snatched and you resist, you could be assaulted or seriously injured during a struggle.  

If your handbag is stolen, yell out 'stop thief!' or something similar, to attract attention. Activate a personal alarm if you are carrying one.  

Consider carrying your cellphone separately. If your handbag is stolen, immediately contact Police. It is useful if you can provide a description of the thief, the direction of travel and details of any vehicle used, particularly the registration number.  

If your Eftpos or credit cards are stolen, notify the bank or credit card company as soon as possible. Never keep a written record of your pin numbers with your cards or in your handbag.  

You could receive a call from a person claiming to be from the bank, credit card company or Police, requesting your PIN Number. Do not give out your PIN number under any circumstances. The agencies above would not contact you to ask you for your PIN number.  

Most handbag thefts are committed by young men. However, be aware that a potential thief could be any age or a female.