<p>This past Friday evening I was the victim of an attempted purse snatching in an upscale restaurant parking lot. I was hit on the head from behind while the person simultaneously tried to grab my purse from my shoulder. Natural instinct I guess made me clutch my purse, but unfortunately I still was holding it as I hit the concrete, landing smack dab on my face instead of catching myself with my hands. Not a scratch anywhere on my body except for the multiple stiches on my forehead and in my mouth including chipped teeth, black eyes, and “road rash.”</p>
<p>I bring this up because while the police were interviewing me while waiting for the ambulance and then further at the hospital, theyy told me that purse snatchings have escalated out of control. They said with the economy so bad, that ordinary people that would not normally be the criminal element, are turning to purse snatching out of desparation. </p>
<p>My parents, in their 70’s, have said that in their area, all seniors are constantly reminded of safety precautions, as purse snatchings in all types of parking lots has drastically increased there as well. I also just talked to a friend that lives nearby, and told me that a mutual aquantience of ours was just a victim of this as well two days ago in a CVS (drug store) parking lot.</p>
<p>I always thought I was well aware of my surroundings, and used common sense in avoiding dangerous type places. Please just all be aware a little more now, I know how easy it is to get comfortable in our familiar surroundings in our communities.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry that happened to you. Thanks for the warning, and I wish you a full and speedy recovery. What a shame crimes like this are on the rise as a result of the current economic situation.</p>
<p>Poor GA-Mom! Thanks for the heads-up, and hope you heal quickly. We worry so much about our kids’ safety, but rarely think of our own. Take care-</p>
<p>How awful, GAMom! I hope you recover quickly. </p>
<p>I have often thought twice about using an ATM machine at a closed bank after dark. After all, if I were going to rob someone, what better place?</p>
<p>Hope you are feeling better soon. I think home burglaries are up in some areas as well, from the scuttlebut I hear from some law enforcement friends.</p>
<p>The purse snatchings could also turn into backpack grabs so the kids need to be aware as well. These days, they tend to carry more valuable stuff such as cell phones, iPods (these should not be worn on the street), cash, laptops, etc, etc.)</p>
<p>I fell on the purse while clasping it with both hands, so no, he di not get it, although in hindsight the hands would have been more useful in breaking the fall instead of my face taking the full brunt of it. As soon as I started screaming, people did come running, but the only description one witness got was from the back, jeans, dark jacket, and baseball cap, no help there.</p>
<p>I know if somebody tries to rob you, carjack you etc, give them what they want. I would have gladly, but it was so quick, just a whack from an object from behind and pulling on the purse. As I previously stated, is was just a natural instinct in that circumstance to clasp the purse with both hands and pull close into my body.</p>
<p>My mother made a good point to me when I stated to her “It is the nicest place in our town, and less than 1 mile from my home.” She stated what I guess should be the obvious, why WOULDN’T a purse snatcher be at a good place.</p>
<p>Aww you poor thing. What a horribly scary thing to go thru! I was mugged in NYC once, years ago, and he ran off with my purse. It was terrifying! I had my 3 little kids with me, and now with the purse gone…no money, credit cards, you know all the stuff you have when ur going on outings with 3 little 5 yr olds! I didn’t even have the car park ticket, and couldn’t remember where I left the car without the ticket!! Total nightmare.</p>
<p>Similar things have been happening in my neck of the woods. At our 2 main grocery stores and Walmart, apparantly people have been stealing wallets out of carts where the person isn’t paying attention. There’s several mentions in the paper everyday, lately. I actually am one of those people that has the purse wide open in the cart and just forget its there, lol. So, I’ve been getting lots of warnings from people to “watch your bag”, someone will take your wallet. So, I’ve gotten more vigilent lately.</p>
<p>Good thing to remind our kids to be careful too…Thanks for the warning.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry to hear this. You are correct- these sort of incidents are greatly increasing. A 62 year old man was brutally attacked at Nashville’s upscale mall in the Dillard’s parking lot recently. The attackers were caught and arrested.</p>
<p>GAMOM, thank you for the warning! I wish you a speedy recovery.
When I was a graduate student, I was attacked by a purse snatcher. Fortunately, I was not injured in any way - the attacker ran away empty-handed after getting a kick in the groin and a good whack on the head with my heavy bag. I did not think about my safety at that time; my only concern was that my purse contained a lot of money and our travel tickets. When my first wave of adrenaline subsided, I freaked out once again just thinking about what could have happened to me. In retrospect, fighting back worked out OK for me, but it was rather a foolish thing to do.</p>
<p>Wow, I’m so sorry that you experienced this!! Even though you are injured, there has to be some good feeling knowing that the attacker did not get what HE wanted. I hope you recover fast!</p>
<p>Years ago my brother was hospitalized with a severe concussion after being kicked in the head by some young muggers trying to steal his briefcase at the subway station under the World Trade Centers. Despite this, he was pleased that he’d managed to hold onto it. We asked him what was inside (thinking he was crazy-- NOTHING is that valuable). It turned out the only thing it contained was his Sony Walkman! I think the briefcase had sentimental value as a gift from his girlfriend, but STILL…</p>