Suppose you are at the beach and need to leave your blanket to get some food. Research on bystander intervention suggests that if you are concerned about someone taking your belongings, you should

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Asking someone to "keep an eye on them" directly involves another person, making them more likely to intervene or prevent theft because they feel a personal responsibility. This is based on the principle that direct requests increase the likelihood of bystander intervention.  Research suggests that the act of requesting a favor creates a human bond that turns the bystander into someone who cares enough to help. If people do not help, it does not mean that they are apathetic. Feeling responsibility changes the situation into one in which diffusion of responsibility is less likely to occur.

Suppose You Are at the Beach and Need to Leave