Keeping yourself safe

Bag snatching is becoming quiet a common occurrence, especially in town centres and built up areas where there are likely to be lots of people around. Thieves are looking for opportunities where people are not paying attention to their surroundings. They are distracted by looking in shop windows, chatting to friends, or looking at their phones. It only takes a second to snatch a bag. This is how I take care of my possessions when I am out and about, the different bags I use. There is one thing to remember though, if someone is determined to rob you and is prepared to use violence, the best thing you can do is give them your bag.

[@alcidestorres5914]

We live in dangerous times thanks for sharing !

[@mssdn8976]

I’m binge watching and enjoying your past videos. These are really good tips. One thing I would add is to make sure there’s nothing in your bag with your address on it eg a letter or your driving licence (just put contact details of a person in case of emergency on a piece of paper in your bag) If your bag is snatched and your keys are in it the thief has your keys and your address. I keep my keys in my pocket, never in my bag

[@veemcg3682]

When I came home after a long stay in hospital this summer I couldn't stand ablastso often wore my brothers coat because its easy to get in and out of and warmer than mine. I absolutely love the inside pockets so I'm going to make pockets and stitch them inside my coat. I will make myself a little bag for essentials like you have and fit it with extra security features like you demonstrated. Thank you for somany clever and helpful ideas My main worry when out is that I am a bit weak and frail still and rather unsteady on my feet as yet so I'm terrified of being knocked off my feet. Some people are considerate but many are pushy and rude, selfish and uncaring... sadly many of the latter are other women! God bless from vera

[@angelawhitehead1785]

Thanks for that Ilona, really enjoyed your ideas. It was a nice surprise on a dark Thursday evening to see a notification from you pop up. 🌺

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Good advice. 👍 Best regards from Los Angeles. Elmer

[@fionauk4509]

I'm not quite 50 and even I don't like being out after 9pm and some areas 6pm is my cut off time. You definitely feel less safe as you get older. I never felt fear being out 2 and 3 in the morning drunk coming home from nightclubs in my younger days.

[@braxfan683]

I think people focus too much on being alone in the dark, and not enough on people around them. There are lots of people who are attacked/killed by people they know/known to them. It's a good idea to be wary/careful around those people too

[@cherylT321]

I’m the same way. I try to do all my running around early in the morning when there are a few people around, but not too many...I’m also not addicted to my cellphone so it’s quite easy for me to run my errands without having to keep my eyes glued to a screen!

[@Joyce-id3dr]

What a shame there is a need for such advice but that is the world we live in. We aren't even safe in our own homes. Read a story last week where a 75-year-old woman had a washer and dryer delivered when one of the delivery men left the house the other stayed behind knocked the woman in the head and set her on fire - she died the next day. Trust no one! I always am aware of my surroundings, never go out at night, and if a repairman or delivery man has to come to my house I insist my husband be here.I live in a rural area but it doesn't matter not safe anywhere.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Too true, Joyce. It is a sad state of affairs that we have to be extra vigilant in all circumstances. I remember those carefree childhood days where we could play out in the streets with no fear of anything nasty happening. Those days are gone.

[@motten]

Most of us could do with being a bit more security conscious. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

It is so easy to be distracted. Easy to relax and think it's never going to happen to me. But it could.

[@pas6862]

I live in a very rural area. When I walk my little dog I'm always alert. It's such a shame how the world has got. Thanks for the advice! Keep safe!

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

It is very sad indeed that we have to be mindful of our surroundings at all time. It would be lovely to have a completely carefree life.

[@buntymoore1698]

Another thing I will say is I've seen loads of older people and those with disabilities putting their bags on their mobility walkers. So dangerous. Just so easy for someone to distract them and another snatch a purse or bag. It's very unfortunate but thieves don't have a conscience and target the old, weak, disabled and vulnerable.

[@cherylT321]

That’s so true!

[@buntymoore1698]

Great advice Illona. My auntie was robbed earlier this year. She was followed from the cash machine around town. Afterwards she said she had been aware of same lady around her but was not suspicious as very trusting, her purse was taken with couple hundred pounds. She liked to use cash like some older people do. The police looked at cctv footage. They worked in a gang. And followed several people around the small market town. It is believed they were not from the area. They use one to distract . One to keep lookout. One to steal. So I never get my purse out in the street. Not even to charities or big issue sellers. If I want to give money to them I carry small change in a pocket.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

I never get my purse out in the street either. I never use a cash machine in the street I always go into the bank and use that one. When I have bought something in a shop I put my purse away safe before I walk out into the street.

[@cherylT321]

@@meanqueensuperscrimper8908 Way back when I was younger, I would also use the cash machines of my bank...the one’s where you have to slide your card to gain entrance...I remember a day when I was using the inside atm. This guy walked by, saw me in there, and rattled the door handle. I held up my card to show him he couldn’t get in without one and he moved away! I made sure to look around when I exited that atm...Nowadays, I keep money, in low denominations, in a lockbox. I’m able to pull from that rather than use the bank’s atm!

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

@@cherylT321 I don't go in the bank now, and don't use the cash machine on the outside wall. I can withdraw cash from my bank account at the Post office here in the village. It's open three mornings a week. Very useful service.

[@cherylT321]

@@meanqueensuperscrimper8908 👍

[@InaWorldfullOfHearts]

Thank you so much for your tips and advice, I love all that you share. I just love your videos!! Thanks Ilona! Hugss

[@tinalemna7998]

All great ideas Ilona. You are a wealth of information 👍🏻

[@eringigi7096]

I’ve been putting my purse on then putting my coat over the purse. Nothing is perfect but it makes it a little less easy for a thief. I also have a little bit of cash in an outside pocket so I don’t have to bring out my entire wallet. Great video. Thanks! ♥️

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Spot on. Don't make it easy for them. Good idea to have cash in two different places.

[@gordanasablic4809]

These are excellemt ideas Ilona , I really loved this video, thank you!

[@teatimewithdollyandthrifty2895]

Great ideas. I need to be more careful.

[@lynns.1855]

Great advice. When I travel I always use a hidden money belt. It eases my mind. People are so distracted today with their phones. They are easy pickings for criminals. Being aware of your surroundings and the odd people around is the most important thing.

[@seaglasskaz6314]

Brilliant advice, thank you for sharing xxx

[@braxfan683]

There are so many people with hoods, earphones, looking on phones in the street, not looking where they're going. You never think it's going to happen to you (It's probably better to try and ensure it doesn't) Wise lady 💫 Just ensure you don't advertise where you're putting what! 👜

[@dalyjohnm]

Cool stuff ! Great advice :-)

[@margaretpiddock455]

Well! I think we all need a kick up the rear occasionaly to remind us of these things, and this certainly has to me. Some of your ideas are simple...but would i have thought of some of them...No...i love the scarf idea and cat collar. These are ideal if you go to crowded places like christmas markets...thanks for the reminder...brilliant x

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Keeping safe is especially important in crowded places. I had forgotten about Christmas Markets because I don't go to any, but you are right, they are a haven for pickpockets. I shudder to think about what it's like squashed up with a load of strangers. I went to one once, at Lincoln, never again.

[@sarahblack1931]

Good ideas😺

[@tammylynn5238]

Very nice video!!! Excellent advice!!! Thank you for sharing and all the different ideas!! Your channel is a treasure trove of wonderful information!!! Thank you for all your hard work a dedication to it!!

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Thank you for popping in, I'm glad I am not talking to myself, ha ha. xxx

[@manueladarazsdi9675]

As a New Yorker, i was born with eyes in the back of my head 🤣😂

[@Lee-fb4oj]

You are handy so you can sew a zipper to a square and sew inside all of your jackets. I feel that men' selections have inside pockets already. It is assumed that women prefer a bag. A simple plain vest with inside pockets would be nice. I always thought they would be nice to sew and sell.

[@603kimcrafts9]

Excellent advice for anyone!

[@alitristan1933]

Bum bags are great for keeping things close to you. Primark sell them.

[@jennyodell4086]

I've never made a comment before but your bag under your coat reminded me of an incident in Rome about 20-25 years ago. I had my bag under my coat on a crowded bus and when I got off the bus my purse had gone out of my bag without me feeling a thing. It has made me very wary of taking care of my possessions in crowded places ever since.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Thank you for your comment. I would have to think twice about getting on a crowded bus or train. I hate being that close to people. If I couldn't avoid it I would be gripping my personal belongings under my coat keeping them tight to my body. A horrible experience for you.

[@laurenpaterson3475]

Yes my daughter got robbed on a ferry pick pocket

[@gatocat2387]

A suggestion: keep all your valuables at the bottom of a shopping trolley. Some yobs might feel embarrassed trying to abscond with one..

[@lesleygilbert1945]

Some good tips today Ilona - I always put my bag over my head and I'm always aware of other people in my surrounding area. I'm amazed at how many people I see walking around with a bag in their hand or on their shoulder - I want to say something to them but would be doing it all day long! Keep up the good work :)

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

I know, it's amazing the amount of people who have no thoughts at all that they might be a sitting target for thieves.

[@ladolcevitauk1474]

Hi Ilona, Yikes! This vid has got me nervous! Haha..It’s got me believing what I’ve heard about crime ‘up north’ There is crime everywhere, of course, but where I live in Surrey happens to be very low crime rates and feel very safe. It’s my only real concern about moving tbh. On a separate note - what camera do you use for your KZbin videos? Your videos are a mix of informative and entertaining and have helped me. I hope you’ve had a nice day. Cheers, Joseph

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Only just seen this. A Fujifilm 10 mega pixels, small point and shoot camera. Thank you for your comment.

[@karenchance6098]

Also, please avoid giving money to people who approach you begging.. I had a friend, who was approached by a young man asking for 20p, so he could make a phone call. He waited until she got the purse out of her bag, then snatched it out of her hand and ran. They prey on people’s kindness and trusting nature.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Thank you for that tip.

[@cherylT321]

I always have loose change in a pocket so I would be able to give out money without pulling out a purse!

[@jangreen5549]

Women's clothing is not made for carrying anything on your person; the pockets are too shallow to be worth anything. I've investigated all kinds of ways to carry essentials on me when I am going out, and all of them have drawbacks of different kinds. I don't want to carry anything valuable in a bag of any kind, because I figure a thief with a knife can easily cut the strap. And, unless you wear the bag over your head, you have to set it down somewhere, which is an additional risk. What I've settled on is wearing cargo pants that have deep pockets, including two zippered pockets on the legs. More valuable items go in the zippered pockets. The zippers are not easy to unzip, which makes them a little bit inconvenient for me, but I figure that is a good theft deterrent. A thief would have to reach down, manage to grasp the small zipper pull which is somewhat recessed into the pocket fabric, unzip the zipper, and then finagle quite a bit to extract my wallet, which fits pretty snugly into the pocket. In other words, it would be extremely difficult for a thief to get the wallet without alerting me and others in the vicinity. With pockets to carry my essentials, my hands are always free for whatever I need them for, and I don't have to be concerned with keeping track of a bag. I don't carry a bag unless I need a water bottle or other large items, in which case I wear a backpack. Nothing is perfect, but this is the best I've come up with.

[@shivakat2297]

Recent subscriber to your channel-love it except volume is really low. Can't learn from you too well-can't hear you.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Sorry you are having difficulty hearing. I can't do anything differently at this end, I use a small Cannon camera, and don't edit because I don't know how to, and this is a hobby, I don't want to spend too much time on it. No one has ever mentioned that they can't hear me before. Are your speakers working correctly?