Looking after your Personal Possessions

A thief only needs a moment to make off with your valuables. Your coat hung up in a restaurant, your briefcase beside your chair, even your cheque book and cheque card left on the table while you pay the bill... all are vulnerable if you look away for a second. So try to be careful at all times.

Money

• Don't make it easy for pickpockets. Carry your wallet in an inside pocket, preferably one which can be fastened, not your back pocket. If someone bumps into you in a crowd, see if you still have your wallet or purse.
   
• Cash is a favourite target for thieves, so try to avoid carrying large amounts. When on holiday abroad, take travellers' cheques.
   
• If your credit card is stolen, tell the card company IMMEDIATELY. Keep the number handy. If you delay reporting the loss, it could lead to a crime being committed in your name, as a thief could make fraudulent use of your card. Thieves can use credit cards for over the counter and telephone purchases.
   
• Always keep your cheque card separate from your cheque book; a thief needs both to write a cheque.
   
• Never carry the personal identification number (PIN) with your cash dispensing cards. Always memorise your number, and never disclose it, not even to bank staff or close friends.
   
• Sign new plastic cards as soon as they arrive, and cut up old ones when they expire.
   
• The Association for Payment Clearing Services, through its Card Watch campaign, offers practical advice on how to look after your plastic cards.

Handbags

• Never let your handbag out of your sight. On public transport, keep hold of it, with the clasp or zip shut so a thief cannot steal your purse. In the office, keep it in a drawer, or in a corner near you and out of sight. Even in a car, keep it out of sight – if you have the windows open or a door unlocked a thief may reach in when you stop in traffic.

Savings and Investment Plans

• Check whether your life assurance or saving plans documents, if stolen, could be used to cash in the policy. If they can, your bank is the best place to store them.

Passports

• Only carry your passport when you need to. Thieves can sell stolen passports, and replacing them takes time and trouble.

Mobile Phones

• Theft of mobile phones is becoming more and more common but you can help to minimise the risk. Keep your phone out of sight, whether in the car or in the street.

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Keep yourself safe

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