Abstract: Purse apparatus has an insert with rigid side walls hinged to a bottom wall, and with flexible end walls joining the sidewalls. Portions of the side walls project up above the end walls for fitting under inverted pockets in upper inside edges of flexible bags. A flap connected to one upper side edge of the bag draws the upper side edges of the bag and insert together and fastens on the opposite side of the bag. A false flap continues from the flap downward over the first side of the bag to foil would-be pickpockets. A chain extends from the wrist of a wearer to an anchor in the insert. Sharply pulling on the chain activates an alarm.