Saturday, January 18, 2014

Why Don't Carry a purse and How I do it


Ten years ago I stopped carrying a purse. I have personally known 3 people who had their purses ripped from their arms.

 One friend was shoved down outside Walgreen's Drugs. She had her drivers license, charge cards, check book and keys to car and condo plus a lot of other things including a small address book with friends addresses and phone numbers in the giant purse.

Now the mugger had her address and birth date off the license, her phone number, her car registration information, her SS number off her Medicare card and the keys to her car and condo. She could not even drive home or get in when a friend took her there.
He had everything he needed to break and enter, steal her car or steal her identity

My Aunt's best friend left Michael's with her husband and a lot of bags. Her husband leaned in the front passenger door to push a button to flip open the trunk. she was standing at the back of the car.

A car with 4 men in it pulled up close to her, a man jumped out, shoved her down, grabbed purse and bags, jumped in the car and screeched out of the parking lot.. NOTE: she was With Her Husband.... she ended up with a break in her pelvis on both sides and in a rehab home for a few weeks.

A blogger asked me to do a How Do I live Without a Purse. It is simple.

simple answer is... My needs are in the trucks... only what I  use in the stores is in my pocket.

I wear jeans and keep cards/drivers license and a little cash in an ultra thin leather wallet that goes in my hip pocket, keys in right front pocket, camera left front.

In the console of both trucks and also the glove compartment, I keep the things i might REALLY need... eye drops, eye glass cleaners, Kleenex, pen/paper and lip balm.






41 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

well, i do carry a small purse. i tend to stick my keys in my jeans or jacket pocket, however, so if someone steals the wallet/cards, they can't have my vehicle, too.

Linda said...

I carry a BIG HEAVY purse!! I wish I didn't and am trying to pare down! I bought a small wallet type bag with a wrist strap OR I can use the across the shoulder strap. It has a place for my ID and credit cards and a small zipper compartment for $ and one for my phone and another for my camera. I carry it IN my BIG purse but when I get out of the car I just take the small one with me. My keys clip on the the strap.

Cloudia said...

I was one of the first folks you saw wearing a small "fanny pack" in front as a city purse. Now I use a tiny bag (very unassuming) and strap always across the shoulder, though I tend to clutch it like a football.

I try to always be aware of surroundings, and hope to be a less inviting target. DO NOT CARRY more than one card and only what's needed!


ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
> < } } ( ° >

crafty cat corner said...

Wow, that sounds really scary to be frightened to carry a purse around.
Thank goodness we don't have that worry here. I have never given a thought that someone would take my bag/purse
Briony
x

Grandma C said...

Good topic! Every now and then we have to review how we do things so we can stay safe.
I once lost my wallet from my purse by simply leaving my purse unattended in a shopping cart.
I gave up using purses that day.

Marie said...

I don't always carry a purse and I don't need keys. I can use my code for unlocking my vehicle.
I really watch out for my surroundings.
Happy Saturday!

Anonymous said...

You can have all the protection in the world. There are guys and gals who have the know how why you don't have the strap purse.

They follow you. They watch you. Then your a great target for them. When you walk to your car or walk close by. Your a target.

The latest is and it is on youtube.

Guys see you walking down the street. The one little guy says hi to you. You walk on.I mean he is only a kid. Twelve years old. Why would you think he would do know harm. Sweet teen.

The other guy guys goes up to you.

Knocks you behind you knees. Your unaware. Snap of the finger. Your down. Now they just go behind you. Know one talks to you.

Down you go. Hit your head where you fall or you leg. They do it in broad daylight. People do not snitch in 2014. These are the end times. They are gang busters who do it. If you go to You tube it has been on for months. Not sure if it still is on. Someone said it is on. They have now blacked out the faces.

They never catch all of them.
It is the thing of crime.

They are the nice kids mommy and daddy brag about. My boy and girl are good . They would never do that. Some even don't talk to you to do this crime.

Age 12 and 13. Hmmmmmmmmm

Now the worse is. Grandma is outside her home. Walking around looking at her flowers or whatever.

A lady comes up. She is nice, smiles.
Says to her. Oh you have a nice chain or necklace or ring. She puffs your ego up. Why thank you.
You reply back.

I am on a free for all in the neighbor hood. Doing a promotion. I give every fifth house a free necklace. Your house is the pick as the one.

Lady said really. Is their a catch to it. She said no.

Let me show you and I will put it up on your neck and it is yours. She puts the necklace on her. Does that feel secure enough or no too tight. Gives her a hug and sort of holds her hand. This lady is quick she is an expert. See I told you.

So the Granny goes in the house.
The lady waves. Says enjoy!

When Granny gets in. She looks in the mirror to admire it again.

Then she notices not only is her chain gone from her neck.
Her special ring her hubby gave her is gone.

How did she do it. The embracing, the hug. The lady was so wrapped up in her putting it on her neck. She never felt her remove the chain or her special ring.

It was on the news last week one night.

The lady had been taken but worse was. Her hubby had died. So she wanted to have him close to her heart so she was wearing the special ring he bought her and the chain. Daily.

This is the end of the times.

Scary isn't it. And as you grow older. Your thinking is much different. When your young your going about in the store to do this and do that. Plus you have your hand close to your jean pocket. Not realizing your own movement is picked up. With on lookers. Who you become their Target.

Anonymous said...

I recently started doing this same thing. I am almost always alone in the car and a pocketbook just seems like asking for trouble. Thanks for the good tips. My itchy eye drops are my most beloved item!!!!!

Susannah said...

Hi Sandra, Great subject! I do try to be careful and I do give this a lot of thought. It is the tv that gets me all upset! I carry a wristlet with little in it. I do not carry my purse any more. Here where I live, we don't seem to have a ton of theft but you never know what tomorrow might bring!

My Mind's Eye said...

OH MY WORD MS...if you feel in the creek your camera would get wet.
I wish I could downsize some....and you are 100% correct about the muggers. I have a bunch of other things in my glove box.
Hugs C

DawnTreader said...

I can understand your reasons... As you know I have no vehicle so I have to carry things with me. I always have my purse strapped across my shoulder and hold on to it in front of me, not letting it out of my sight or grip, especially in crowds. And I don't put the important stuff in the outer (easy access) pockets of any bag or jacket.

Jackie See said...

Oh my, that is scary! I always carry a big purse! I would need an extra large pocket for my glass case, lipstick, lip balm, dental floss, hair brush, puffs plush lotion, cell phone, etc. I carry way too much.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I seem to have too many things I want/need to carry with me,so a person is always at my side,when I am out.

Suburban Girl said...

Great idea. That would be really scary.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

We are smart...The only bag I carry is when I go to the gym otherwise! my key is in one pocket (without a house key) and like you, a thin case that holds license, a few bucks & a card...everything goes on one and paid in full monthy...:)JP

Kay said...

I like your post today. I do not like carrying a purse, but do sometimes. I don't know if I could leave "what I REALLY need" in the car because that includes spare eyeglasses which I might need to "find" the car (LOL). However, when I'm walking or hiking, I do only carry the small thin wallet with just my DL, my AAA card, a credit card and sometimes a little cash. Maybe one day I will get completely away from the purse.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I think that is a very wise idea. We are no longer safe anywhere it seems.

Chatty Crone said...

Good topic - I have a friend who brought her wallet into the store and someone robbed her purse out of the car! You can never win. sandie

Michaele said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michaele said...

My mom always carried her purse tight in front of her. Like she was ready to be mugged at any minute. I find myself unknowingly doing the same thing

Ann said...

I can't say that I blame you for not wanting to carry a purse. I suppose I could very easily give up carrying one, around here it's never been a problem though.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

Trying to get in the habit of just carrying my little metal wallet too. I now have some pants with pockets as before all my pants had nada. I do keep patting myself down as I walk to make sure I have it and it has not fallen out when I sit down.
I would stick it in my bra but there is no room in there.

Scary how we have to be on guard. I remember growing up when we did not have to lock our cars or houses. The bible says it will get worse before the Lord comes and it sure is. How worse will it get? no one knows but I ask for GOD's protection each and ever day and when I have to go out too. GOD take care of you gal and keep you safe.

LC said...

Thanks, Sandra. Now I know how you do it. Most of the time I have an old camera strap of my husband's strapped cross body. On it I have a small camera case for my little Canon and an even smaller camera case that has a velcro front pocket that I use for cell phone. The zipper section for a camera holds a lipstick or lip balm, a tissue, a pack of gum, and 2 extra camera batteries.

Shopping I still need that purse.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

I do almost the identical thing... I haven't carried a purse in years ---although when we travel, I have a BIG HUGE bag full of all kinds of stuff....

Hugs,
Betsy

S. Etole said...

It's a much different world than it used to be.

George said...

You are very wise.

SquirrelQueen said...

When we have been down in Mexico or even SoCal for that matter I remind hubby to transfer his billfold out of his back pocket to a side pocket. Pickpockets love those back pockets.

When I was working and traveling all the time my purse was always in the trunk. My briefcase was all I needed. Keys always in my pocket.

I do carry a purse and will continue to do so unless we are going to a bigger city or in a crowded area, then it gets left behind.

GOOSE said...

Oh how my MOM would love to go back to the days when she did not carry a purse. But with all the medical stuffs she has to carry, You know for that type 1 diabetes thing she has to have her purse. She does not have enough pockets to shove, her tester, monitor, and such in her pocket. One pocket is already taken up with that pump thingy she has to wear 24/7. She is very jealous that you are living purse free.
Blessings,
Goose

Deb said...

smart ideas Sandra...I always put my keys and my phone in my jean pocket when I go in a store..I carry a small purse...sometimes I just put my card and drivers license in my pocket too...

Deb said...

smart ideas Sandra...I always put my keys and my phone in my jean pocket when I go in a store..I carry a small purse...sometimes I just put my card and drivers license in my pocket too...

Anonymous said...

Warm Greetings from the cold Warsaw. Have a look at the new photo album.
http://marciento.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/virtual-exhibition-of-photography/

Laura said...

This is sooooo smart- plus I am sick of lugging a purse.
I feel like a pack horse!

Enjoyed visiting and I am a new follower-
from down here in South Texas.

Laura,
White Spray Paint blog

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Agree with you on this Sandra and while I do have a purse, it usually stays in the car and only the essentials like some money, keys are with me and in my jeans. It's always good to choose jeans with deep pockets and back pockets too. I can't tell you how many times I have been in a store and seen women leaving their purse in their shopping cary while they look at an item. Sometimes, I do caution them.

Rose said...

This is about exactly as I do..my billfold goes in right hip pocket, though. If I put it on my left, I have to go to the chiropractor...no joke. I think it has to do with the way I set when a passenger in the car, or maybe just the way I sit period.

Always carry my keys in my right front pocket, even when at home. With the way things have went in our neighborhood, the garage is always locked, unless Roger is doing something. Also, afraid I will get locked out since we lock our doors most of the time...such a change from even 10 years ago when the only time we ever locked a door was when we were all gone over night.

Unknown said...

Unfortunately I have to wear a purse travelling to and from work, but am not really a purse person. Have really enjoyed the walks here on the countryside this weekend when I can put my phone and camera in my pockets. In town I would be more observant of others, it's not a safe world we live in. Enjoy your day

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I wish I could live like that but I have to have too many things with me for my COPD :( I also can't wear pocket jeans at this time.

Miss Debbie said...

You are so efficient...and smart! There are times when I just carry my keys and my debit card into a store. It does make it simpler and safer.

Anonymous said...

I seem to have too many things I want/need to carry with me.Thanks for sharing this informative tips about lipstick cameras.

Dee said...

I pretty much do the same because of using my cane or walker. It is a scary world out there....

Anonymous said...

I had my wallet stolen from my purse many years ago. Then after two shoulder injuries I could not longer have a purse on my shoulders. Lots of purse snatching going on in our area and areas near us so all of that has stopped my purse carrying long ago. Great post. Hugs

Angela said...

I just got a new purse for Christmas! Gee... I have quit carrying around my check book. I have a small cosmetic bag that has nail clippers, some allergy medicine and a few things like that in it. I do carry my camera in there but sometimes when I'm taking pictures I will put it in my bra! roflol I did that the other day and forgot that I had it there when I was shopping. No one noticed though. It is easier to get out from there! hahaha I always put my keys in my pocket unless I'm wearing pants that don't have pockets. There are just too many reward cards for the different stores... I'll have to figure something out!