SITUATION

Imagine someone looking at a display of wallets next to you while you are in line for the cashier. It does not matter if you are in a small store or large store, outside mall or inside mall. It is the holiday season, and everyone is looking for the best bargain of the season. Your mind wanders as you wait in line. You think about all the different presents you need to get this winter; you check out the cashier to judge how good looking the person is if they are good looking at all; you judge the people's clothes that surround you. As your mind wanders from one subject to another, a person who is looking at the wallet display next to you rubs against you, trying to get to the other side. Five minutes later you get to the cashier when you notice your wallet is gone. Adrenaline starts running through your veins and you start to panic. Where was the last time you had your wallet? Didn't you have it when you came to this store? Didn't you have it at the last store you went? After ten more minutes of retracing your steps, you suspect the person who casually rubbed against you in line might have picked your pocket, and that person is out of sight.

SOLUTION

A few shopping techniques for men and women that will avoid your pockets from being picketed:

1) Keep your wallet in your front pocket.
2) Do not let your purse be unzipped for a long period of time.
3) Have someone you trust hold your purse and the bag of items you purchase.
4) View shopping as teamwork with the one you are with.

Wallet

For those who do not have a purse, keep your wallet and keys in your front pocket. You will be more aware of what is happening in front of you rather than behind. This is common sense to many, but many put their wallets in their back pocket. It does not take much to distract a person, and it is easier to slip the wallet out of the back pocket rather than the front.

Purse

Keeping your purse zipped up is a no-brainer, but if you are not conscious of it, you may find your purse unzipped because you forgot re-zipping it. By making yourself conscious of this act that you do unconsciously, you make yourself more aware of your surroundings, and it is harder for people to pick your pocket. When you go shopping for holiday items, drawing attention is not your purpose; therefore, keep your purse as plain as possible with a long neck strap. With a plain purse a man or woman can hold it without shame and the long neck strap allows a person

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