Clare, You are unfortunately correct. People are always trying to take advantage of other peoples vulnerabilities. This is endemic of fallen man. We just have to be careful and yet confident. Studies have shown that one of the best defenses against this type of crime is to exhibit confidence, as most of the muggers and petty criminals will not bother you. When I was staying t the blind agency for training on screen readers, I would go out with my cane and go to a Jazz club alone at night. Quite often I would walk approximately 1 mile each way. The workers there often chided me, telling me it was a bad neighborhood. My response was I'd rather die living life to the fullest than stay in from fear because the latter you die a little with each opportunity you miss. However, people have always said I was a little crazy. Moreover, I have read the book and know that in the end we win! In His Love and Service,, David L. Bailey baileydavidl62@xxxxxxxxx -----Original Message----- From: guide.chat-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:guide.chat-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of clare moulds Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2011 1:43 PM To: Guide Chat Subject: [guide.chat] In Reply To: [guide.chat] Be alert ladies Hi Malcolm thank you so much for the warning. OH this is so scary for sure. I thank God I'm never out alone and like Carol I always keep my bag with me I hang onto it for dear life as I agree with Carol you can't be too careful these days. I just carry what I need and don't take any more money than I need to. I don't go shopping much but when I do I still pay by money and not by card. If I need to pay by card my good old daddy does it for me and I pay him back how lovely of him. Luckily at my blind clubs and dance I only need to take money to get in which is usually no more than £2 a time. I take my own drinks and something to eat so that means having less money to carry. I take a little extra for the Monday blind club bring and buy sale that we have to raise money for our outings but I know I'm safe there. Also refreshments at the blind clubs are all free once we have paid our subs. It's only the dance where I have to take my own so I don't have to rely on anyone to take me to the leisure centre cafe it's much easier. Oh Carol if anyone asks why we are clutching our bags so much it shows they just don't understand we have to be even more careful as people always try to take advantage of the vulnerable it's so sad. Thought I would share that with you. Love Clare xxxx