Yesterday the Sheriff’s Office received two reports from women who had wallets stolen while dining out at a restaurant. Pickpockets are reportedly reaching into open purses, stealing wallets and immediately attempting credit card purchases at nearby retail stores.

Personal awareness might suffer as multiple shopping bags, purses and cellphones need managing. Here are some basic tips to keep valuables safe while dining out:

1- Keep your purse close to your body and tightly closed when not in use.
2- When seated in a restaurant, place your purse at your side, never on the back of a chair or under your seat.
3- If you sit in a booth – place your purse on the seat where it isn’t exposed to people walking by.
4- Don’t put your purse down and walk away, not even for a few seconds.

The public is further reminded to place shopping bags and other valuables out of sight and always lock vehicles.