HELOISE: Make copy of contents of purse, wallet

Dear Heloise: I read in your column about purse or wallet theft. Let me add the steps one should take before this might happen. Empty all the contents of your wallet or purse and copy both the front and back on a copier, then keep this in a safe place for future reference. You should also copy your VIN and car plate.

When something like this happens, you would be amazed at the things that were in your wallet or purse that you can’t remember. You will need to give this information to credit companies, police, etc., to stop fraudulent use of your items or to help the police recover these or your car in the event it is stolen. A word to the wise is worth a pound of cure.

Elisabetha Guelker, Sweetwater, Texas

Great hint! Donna Thomas, via e-mail, added one, too: “If you lose your wallet, don’t forget to report a lost or stolen library card to your library. You are responsible for anything checked out on that card.”

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Please ask your readers to stop writing in library books. I read a lot of fiction, and I’m sure the authors research their material in depth, but they probably do make mistakes in detailing specifics or descriptions of things.

However, if a reader wants to point out those mistakes (including misspellings — it happens), contact the publisher or author directly. In all probability, they are already aware of the “oops,” or, believe it or not, the reader/self-appointed editor may be wrong! Defacing library books is just not the proper thing to do.

Karen Bridges, Channelview, Texas

Here’s another library comment, from Camille, via e-mail. She says: “I read the article about items being set here and there in stores. I am a librarian, and we have a problem with people shelving books in the wrong location. So, we put red tape on shelves on each end to mark where patrons should put books rather than shelve them just any old place. This way, we can take statistics on items browsed and don’t have to search for ‘lost’ items.”

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I was doing some closet cleaning, and a light bulb went off in my head. With the popularity of scarves as accessories, I have found a great solution for storing them instead of folding, rolling or just stuffing them into a dresser drawer.

Purchase a few of the five-tier, felt-covered swing-arm hangers for pants. The swing arm can be lifted and brought out to arrange a few scarves on each tier and then returned to the original position and locked in place. With the felt grip, they stay in place without sliding. I also have used the hangers for belts and ties. They work wonders and are easily stored in the closet.

Cindy, Sunshine, La.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate