Sheriff Leon Lott snatches purse from AAUW member Sheriff Leon Lott said, “When we lock people up, we ask them how and why they picked their victims. We get a lot of valuable information from them.” The sheriff was speaking to members of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) at a recent meeting.

Making eye contact with those you meet, not looking like a victim, paying attention to surroundings and circumstances, were among his suggestions. Lott snatched the purse of a chapter member long enough to illustrate his advice on handbag safety.

“Carry only what you’ll need at the time. Leave the rest in a safe place,” the sheriff advised. “If you’re attacked, make as much noise as you can, mess up the bad guy’s plan.” In addition to women’s natural means of defense, he suggested keys and hair spray as weapons.

Lott said in his 30 years in law enforcement, he’d been privy to plenty of fights, and if he had to fight, he’d rather fight a man than a woman. “Ya’ll don’t fight fair,” he told the chapter members. “Y’all bite and kick, and that’s what I want you to keep doing!”

He advised women not to be fooled by a badge. But to call 911 if someone approaches them, saying they are an official, especially a law enforcement official. “The dispatcher would have on the book where they are supposed to be. If it’s one of our officers, we would know it. A badge is easy enough to come by. You could buy my badge on eBay.”

He shared personal anecdotes from his wife, also a law enforcement officer, who was victim of identity theft a few years ago. “She did not rest until she found out who did it, and they were arrested,” said Lott.

Lott said an associate at a motel sold his wife’s information. “I don’t know how long it would have gone on before we discovered it if we hadn’t gotten two magazines we knew we hadn’t subscribed to.”

Lott passed out detailed tips on home, personal, auto, and travel safety, and gave each woman a whistle to attach to her key chain.

AAUW promotes education and equity for women.