Look after your handbag!

It never ceases to amaze me how many women leave their bags under the table or hanging from the back of a chair in restaurants and then are astounded when it goes missing.

Not only is there the inconvenience of having to get locks replaced and stopping all your credit cards, if you leave your personal details in your bag, there is also the chance of somebody using your information to steal your identity.

Whether you are travelling or out and about at home it pays to be vigilant so look after your bag at all times and keep it on your person.  

“Make sure all zips are closed and straps fastened,” advises a spokesman for the insurance company, Aviva. “Don’t leave it open so that your stuff can be taken without you knowing.”

Try to blend in with your surroundings especially when travelling. Don’t overdress. Don’t carry too many credit cards or large amounts of cash. “Only take with you what you need,” says Aviva.

The guidance from the Metropolitan Police (met.police.uk) is never to leave your bags or other valuables unattended in public places and to be discreet with your belongings. “Displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices, like mobile phones or cameras, could attract unwanted attention,” it cautions.

When you go to the ladies, my tip is not to place your bag close to the door if there is a gap between the door and the floor. It can be grabbed.

The Metropolitan Police point out that you could be more of a target if you carry your bag over your shoulder or on your back. Wear your bag close to your body messenger style so that it faces away from passing traffic especially when travelling. 

If you are carrying a handbag, try not to carry it by the handles. Holding it in the crook of your arm is safer. A bag that has a zip and inner pockets makes it harder for a thief to rummage around. It should also make it easier for you to notice if you have lost something. 

Always be careful when opening your bag in the middle of the street to answer your phone.  “Don’t walk and text at the same time, you will be less aware of what is happening around you,” counsel the Metropolitan Police. “Keep calls in public places as brief as possible, the longer you talk, the more likely you are to be spotted by a potential thief.”

According to the Metropolitan Police you should keep bags on your lap, or touching your feet when you are in restaurants and bars.

There are scams, especially in hotels, both here and abroad, when one person will distract you by talking to you, while another accomplice nabs your bag. 

“Be safe late at night and be aware of any ulterior motive if a friendly stranger is keen to buy you a drink.  The easiest way to be robbed is to have your drink spiked,” says Aviva’s spokesman.

“Don’t carry all your cash around with you. Make use of the hotel safe – not just for cash but also for your passport, travel information and valuables. An alternative to carrying cash is a pre-paid travel card.”

Just because you have travel insurance does not mean you can be careless. “When you are travelling keep all valuables in your hand luggage. Don’t put them in luggage being stored in the hold,” says Aviva. 

“You must take the same level of care as you would take if you didn’t have insurance. So, for example, don’t leave your camera or phone under a towel whilst you go for a swim.”

If you do have your bag stolen at home or abroad, report the theft to the police immediately and get a crime number, so that you can make an insurance claim.

Most of us don’t realise how much we carry round in our bags and what the contents are worth until we start adding it all up. 

Keep receipts for all major purchases such as cameras, iPads and mobile phones. Small items that are commonly found in handbags (such as make-up, etc.) may not require receipts. The wording can vary from insurance company to insurance company, so you should always check it whenever you take out a home contents or travel policy!

By Daralyn Danns