Antitheft Bags

A had a crossbody travel security purse from Travelon a few years ago for our first trip to Europe. I liked the size and shape of it (about the same size as the purse I carry at home) but it was heavier on its own before you even put your stuff in it. I also found the anti-theft strap to be rigid and a bit uncomfortable (although I got used to it throughout the trip). I guess the clips on the zippers would have made it harder for a pick pocket, but i wouldn’t put 100% blind trust in that.

Since then I just use a regular crossbody bag that has a secure zipped section that’s located under a flap (Tom Bin Cafe bag, to be specific). I’m really just concerned with reasonably securing my phone and a small zipped wallet pouch. Then I use a money belt for ‘deep storage’ (passport, extra cash, ATM card). I keep my hand on the purse and pull it in front of me in crowded situations and public transit, and of course use situational awareness.

If the security bag is comfortable for you, I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Just make sure it meets your needs for comfort and usefulness.

Another vote for the Tom Bihn small cafe bag.

My only personal experience with street theft in Europe was a zippered belt pouch worn in front. The child who unzipped it and grabbed my wallet (while his mother distracted us with her nursing child ... ) was, luckily for me, cuffed by a shop-owner nearby, and dropped the wallet on the ground. Maybe in 1990 or so. Gave that bag usage immediately.

Are you sure you want a cable reinforced strap when a scooter rider hooks your small bag shoulder-strap while zooming by?

Now, I use one of Rick's recommended under-trouser bags, which is threaded onto my belt. It's not as convenient, but it is very safe. I believe some people without belts use a large safety pin to install it each morning. I'd buy a real diaper pin (do they still make them?) because it's harder to accidentally open while squirming onto the metro or something.

EDIT: Here's a tiny excerpt from a famous "A Reporter At Large" (nonfiction) story in the New Yorker, 1986. I have a subscription, so I'm not sure if it's behind a paywall:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1986/04/21/the-incident-at-naples

The Incident at Naples
By Francis Steegmuller
April 14, 1986
...
On a Saturday in mid-July, in the early evening—in broad daylight, as the saying goes—I was knocked down there by two young men on a motorcycle. A familiar story in Italy today: the victim carrying, most indiscreetly, a bag; the assailants—the scippatori, as they are called in Naples—motorized, swift, skilled at snatching, careless of maiming. The victim, from instinct or defiance, attempts to retain the bag; is in consequence thrown to the ground by the velocity of the motorcycle and dragged some distance—feet or yards—until the bag has conclusively changed hands.
...
In the church of Santa Caterina a Formiello, across from the law courts, in the inner shadow of Porta Capuana, a priest called us aside: “This is a dangerous neighborhood. Watch out for the bag.” Yes: we were about to take a taxi; we were being careful. “Well, watch out.”
...
The scippatori struck instantly. They must have been stalking us, or stalking the bag, for some time—everyone we later spoke with thought so —and at that moment, within sight of the taxi, I made things easy for them: I dropped my guard. Unrolling the bag from under my arm, I held it by the handles, down at my side—normally, in fact. I never saw them or heard their machine. They came silently, from behind. But when I felt a tug I realized at once what was happening. The well-known and much-rehearsed lesson of what to do at such a moment— let go—was forgotten. I tightened my grip. They pulled harder. I held on. I was pulled: pulled down, and dragged. Not very far, five or six yards, my right side bumping along the pavement. I blacked out. I was told later that the motorcycle roared as it sped off, but I didn’t hear it. When I came to, a few moments later, there were people around me, talking and trying to lift me from the ground.

As Barbara pointed out, they are fine if they fit your needs for a travel purse, but aren't a necessity. Any sturdy crossbody bag with zippers, and preferably a flap, will do. That was the type of bag I used for travel for countless years and never had a problem. I currently have a Pacsafe crossbody, but didn't buy it for its "safety" features - I bought it because it had the compartmentalization that I wanted, was large enough to fit my tablet, and was on sale. But I also wear a neck wallet for deep storage of my passport and extra cash and credit/bank cards.

Paris and Rome are probably the two main destinations where I would say yes, an antitheft bag is a good idea. In Paris, we saw one of the schemes our tour guide warned us about (2 girls will come up to you wanting you to take a "survey" as a distraction).

I have 2 Travelon bags I really like; in fact, one is my regular purse at home. I took both of them on my recent tours even though I wasn't particularly worried about pickpockets in Ireland and Scotland. This is a larger one: https://www.travelonbags.com/shop-the-look/crossbody-bags/best-sellers/anti-theft-classic-crossbody-bucket-bag/42757.html?utm_source=yotpo&utm_medium=general&utm_campaign=general

I use it for days when we're maybe a little away from civilization and/or visiting primarily outdoor sites (ruins, castles, gardens). It has two side water-bottle pockets; I've used one for a small umbrella. It isn't overly large but has plenty of room for snacks, glasses cases, probably even a rolled up light jacket. I've even carried an SLR camera in it.

This one is my regular purse: https://www.travelonbags.com/shop-the-look/crossbody-bags/all-bags/anti-theft-essentials-mini-asymmetric-crossbody/43485.html

On trips, I use it mostly for cities, especially where pickpockets might be likely. It has room for my phone, credit cards and cash, lip balm, a pen, one pair of glasses. It only comes in one color, luckily one I like a lot.

We use locking-zipper bags (Baggallini and Pacsafe) and don't feel like they're overkill. True, the Pacsafe - which we've had for 19 years - is somewhat heavy and we'll likely end up replacing it but we like being able to lock-and-forget the zippers on both. Neither neck wallets nor moneybelts work for us thus our security 'solve.'

Even the non steel-reinforced strap on the Baggallini would not break if a passing motorcyclist or pedestrian grabbed it, nor would the straps on my non-locking shoulder bag with camera and other incidentals. Looking at Pacsafe, Travelon and Baggallini products, really none of them have straps that would easily disengage, metal reinforced or not, so that's not a factor in choosing a bag. Desirable space, weight, comfort, security; that's what you choose them for, plus your chances of light fingers trying to access an unsecured bag are far greater than a grab-and-run, IMHO.

It's a personal thing. If an extra ounce of prevention allows you to sightsee without worry, then it's the right choice. You DO have to remember to lock the most important compartments, not to hang them from the back of cafe chairs, set them on a cafe table or at your feet, or store on overhead racks on the trains; they only work if the safety functions are used as intended.

Sierra has a pretty large selection of Baggalini bag at good prices:
https://www.sierra.com/s~baggallini/

To clarify, the main purpose of reinforced straps is to prevent a thief from cutting the strap, usually from behind, so they can grab even a cross-body bag more easily. No idea how often that trick is used, but I think it's worth having the reinforced strap.

To clarify, the main purpose of reinforced straps is to prevent a
thief from cutting the strap, usually from behind,

To be honest, I'm not nearly as concerned about someone cutting it off while it's ON me as getting a hand into the thing when unsecured. Really, if would be interesting to know how many people have had their bags cut off as have lost valuables to light fingers into pockets, or bags hung from cafe chairs, or zippered bags with no locks, etc.

65 year old single female.

I have gone to Paris at least annually every year since the covid shutdown. Take my normal leather cross body purse and a longchamp tote I rotate between. Using common sense and paying attention so far so good. Of course if they pickpocket me, they get 40 Euros or so and one credit card. Debit card, more euros and another credit card are in hotel safe Recovery will probably take a few hours.

As for the 'slashing" well, IMHO your chances of this are so slim as to be nonexistent....

The only time I have ever had a problem was on a trip with friends. The "smart woman" bought the very expensive pacsafe slash proof purse. She left it on the back of the chair at a cafe where it walked off..... IMHO the "security feature" lead her to a false sense of security.

I love my Travelon anti-theft purses and always use them on my trips to Europe. I don't think they are overkill at all and let me focus on things other than just keeping my belongings safe (although I am always very cognizant of where my bag is and who is around me regardless).

We had the most interesting experience on the infamous Circumvesuviana train while travelling from Naples to Pompeii. It was very crowded and two men started a loud argument, there was a lady with a baby.......every intentional distraction in the book. All of a sudden, there was a hand in my husband's pocket.........but he was wearing a money belt and I had my anti-theft purse so all was secure and instead of losing anything important, we just gained a funny story to tell.

I think they are totally worth it!

Another vote for the Travelon crossbody bag. I've used this bag exclusively for trips to Europe. It has the reinforced strap that can't be cut, the fabric itself is reinforced, and there are clips on the zipper pulls. It's not bulky to me but I'm used to carrying a crossbody bag every day anyway. I use Baggallini for everyday use; the Travelon might be just a little heavier. I feel peace of mind with it.

There is also a clip inside that is probably to clip a key. I use it to clip a small change purse where I store some cash for the day's use. Even if they got the zipper unclipped (which I don't think they could), they would have to unclip the change purse somehow and even if they did that, they would only get a small amount of cash.

As far as appearing geeky, if you're young and an Instagram gal who carries those teeny tiny purses with chain handles, well, it's not going to feel like your usual type of bag but that's not an issue to me. I find that overall, younger women aren't carrying handbags routinely AT ALL in my area. They carry their phone and house keys and a water bottle and put everything down on the chair next to them wherever they go. That is NOT going to work in Paris. You can't put any of your valuables down on the chair or table. Just a warning.

It’s great if you want to buy extra secure purses for use in metropolitan areas, especially if it makes you feel safer. The most important is how you feel. And when you are coming here to France, we want you to be able to relax and enjoy the cities.

But for the hundreds of people who will be reading this on line, I want to reassure them that special purses are not needed. Good habits and situational awareness is needed. Pickpockets are looking for opportunities, so keep your purse in front of you or under your arm. Don’t put it on the back of your chair ever. Keep it in your lap at a restaurant or get a special hook that hangs it from the dining table close to or touching your leg.
The second most important is that you get a purse that fits your travel style. Is it lightweight? Does it fit everything, including a guidebook and water bottle? A rolled-up sweater and umbrella? Multiple pockets? Strap hit you correctly? Does it fit under your arm in the Metro and bus?

This is what I look for, even after taking Paris Metros and buses for fifty years. I have never been pickpocketed or lost a purse, telephone, or credit card.

Special anti theft bags are unnecessary. One with a zipper closure, along with some street smarts, is sufficient.

I've gone to Paris 3x solo and have a bagallini cross body that's big enough to fit my 32 oz Camelbak water bottle if I choose (great for museums). It has a small lanyard inside for their standard interior wallet/pouch and it also has a hook that I can add a caribiner to attach to my cell phone lanyard (I use that just as much to prevent drops as I do for security). Never had an issue.

I'd ask a few questions first like...

Are you a male (who normally just carries a wallet) or a female (who might normally carry a purse)? Is this bag something you plan on carrying regularly, or just from the airport to the hotel and then back? How much stuff do you want to carry? What are you using at home or when you visit local big cities? How self-aware are you and what sort of situational awareness do you generally have?

From my experience, for the trip to/from the airport & hotel (or train rides between destinations), I keep my passport and bulk of my cash & backup CC in a money belt, and my wallet (slimmed down to essential CC, ID, & cash) and my cell phone in my front pockets.

Once at hotel, most of our stuff stays there in the room - including passport and cash. For the duration of our stay there, it's just me carrying the wallet and phone, and my wife carrying - sometimes - her phone and nothing else of value. Usually, on something like a metro or a bus, I do move into hyper-vigilance mode, but at the same time, I'm generally pretty aware of my surroundings - and even more so when in a place where I went to actually pay attention to my surroundings.

So, to me, if you're generally slimmed down in what you are carrying (beyond the airport<->hotel transfers) while out and about, a new bag is unnecessary. If you're someone who normally carries a purse, it makes sense to look at that purse and see how sensible it is versus one with some reasonable theft-protection qualities - starting with zippers, inner pockets, a strap, etc..

I spent my entire career working in transit security, and since our buses are all equipped with onboard cameras, I have watched many thieves steal from a variety of bags and backpacks. I have heard personal stories from friends who either stopped pickpockets, or were victims of them when on transit in a foreign city (particularly Rome and Paris). When I travel I like to use transit, and I like to take a lot of photos, and still travel with a camera and accessories. For these reasons, I like to carry a Pacsafe backpack. It’s big enough to hold my camera and accessories plus my water bottle, notebook, and jacket if needed. When I am distracted with taking photos, I know a thief will not be able to get my wallet or phone. Being aware of your surroundings is definitely important, but as travellers admiring the scenery, we are going to get distracted. The size of bag will be determined by what you normally carry, but I have three different Pacsafe bags because I love the internal organization. If I am using my phone a lot, I have it on a lanyard, and when not using it, I put it in my backpack and clip the lanyard to the internal clip. I do the same with my wallet. I found a travel wallet with a long cord that I clip to the inside of the backpack. When you are in crowded places where thieves may operate take you backpack off and hold it in front of you. If you see someone you think is suspicious, make sure they see you looking right at them. Make eye contact. Thieves like to remain anonymous.

I've used antitheft bags for the last 30 years whether I'm traveling or not. I think a regular crossbody is fine if it can be worn toward the front of the body. You can then rest your hand on top and see the bag if something happens to the strap.

Really, if would be interesting to know how many people have had their bags cut off as have lost valuables to light fingers into pockets, or bags hung from cafe chairs, or zippered bags with no locks, etc.

Kate, I don't know how common this is, but I do know that my friend's mom, who lived in Poland, had this happen to her.

ricruns, if you do a search, you will see that this topic comes up often, and opinions are usually split between: 1. No. Why would anybody need one? Europeans don't carry them, and they're fine. You don't want to look like a tourist. You'll be dragged if someone tries to grab it. A money belt is more secure. Just be aware of your surroundings, etc. etc. and 2. Yes. It's a good idea. Pickpocketing is such a problem in some places, and these add an extra layer of security. It's a pain to deal with losing your money/passport/etc in a foreign country. Money belts are uncomfortable, etc., etc.

I fall into the latter camp. I don't want to waste valuable time dealing with loss when I'm visiting another country. When a person is in their own country, the stakes aren't as high. I tried a money belt on an early trip. I couldn't stand it. It was uncomfortable. It made me hot. The stuff in it got bent and sweaty. I do use a neck wallet when in transit between locales, but not when I'm out and about on a daily basis, as I find it makes me hot, and the straps show, and sometimes the wallet shows weird lumps under my clothes, anyhow. So, those are my reasons. YMMV, and both camps have valid points.

I used to use this Travelon Heritage Hobo Travel Tote, and I really like the look of that bag and the compartments it has. However, I'm less likely to reach for it these days, as I prefer something a bit smaller for every-day walking around. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01CG1MW2Y?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7&th=1

So, now I use this: https://www.nordstrom.com/s/prima-anti-theft-crossbody-bag/8838977?srsltid=AfmBOorFfRXE0YixI_B43hCn8dXtMc83ql6IeR9g-LSGO5D7iuCo7e61 I have the Sakura print one, and I think it's really cute and doesn't look out of place at all.

I also sometimes use this anti-theft water bottle bag. I have it in heather gray. I bought it at a second-hand store, and I've used it in places such as Angkhor Wat, where it was hot and I was doing a lot of walking, but not entering a lot of stores and restaurants and such. https://www.travelonbags.com/shop-the-look/tote-bags/all-bags/anti-theft-boho-insulated-water-bottle-tote/43426.html?srsltid=AfmBOooxUwhbuExviJ1KM-sxItIK7ac-gJBZUAqRJ32mR466t6Bt1M3b

Edited to add that I also have my phone on a short lanyard that goes over my wrist.

We had two travelon anti theft bags. One a backpack and another a crossbody small purse. They were both fine and nothing happened when we were in Paris. I was more concerned about my one not anti theft camera bag that has a side access panel. I just went ahead and zip tied it and no one bothered me. I think also it depends where you go and how unaware and if you scream tourist 24/7. Be smart. Stay off your phone and pay attention to surroundings and you should be ok. The highest risk areas are when it's densely packed with people or metro during rush hour.

Why not use an antitheft bag? For those of us who aren't used to using public transportation or being in large crowds, I think it works good for another layer of protection. You should still be cautious, but I think they are helpful.

Sometimes I use one, sometimes I don't. It depends on where I'm headed, but I'm definitely glad I had one for our first trip to Europe when I encountered two pickpockets working together in Vienna.

Who has had their purse strap cut from behind? Me, at the Vatican.

onide747, please come back and tell us the rest of the story. Did you lose the purse? Feel it as it happened……? Wearing it crossbody….?

I was interested in reading all the posts on the subject as I have been trying to figure out for several years what might work best. I can't carry much weight on my shoulder so large-ish or heavy bags are out of the question for me. In fact, any weight at all can be problematic after a few hours. What I've settled on is
1) most important, a money belt worn under my pants as I cannot use a neck purse. ALL my most important things go in there, i.e.: ALL ATM or credit cards, Metro passes, and money except for may be $20-$50 which I keep in a front pocket. I leave my passport where I'm staying if the place seems secure enough.
2) I do, however use reading glasses and sunglasses so I have a small waist purse (used to be called a Fanny pack but this is smaller and definitely does not go on my fanny). I wear it on the front of my body near my right hand. The only incident I've ever had with a pickpocket was on an escalator in Barcelona. While I do not constantly keep my hand on my waist purse I certainly touch it every so often. On the Metro escalator I brushed my waist purse only to find the zipper open and a young woman's hand inside! She then withdrew her hand. I said in a loud voice "no money! No money!" Although she would not have gotten anything of monetary value it would've been pretty annoying to have to replace the glasses.

I want to give a reason to like antitheft bags. i love bags of all kinds and I often buy bags... BUT I am coming to the realization that I always go back to my antitheft bags...I've particularly come to this conclusion as a result of several recent out of town excursions and short trips, which threw this hard fact into my face. While several of my leather bags or such might look cuter, I never find anything that matches the organization of my antitheft bags. And I love organization.

The organization is what attracts me to these bags and is far superior to other bags that I've found. I like smaller medium to small bags. I don't like to carry a lot. I like to have a place for everything so I always know I have everything I need: passport, wallet, glasses, keys, phone. Organization is my thing, but I do sometimes use the zipper locks, particularly on the small purse I use during public transportation in pickpocketing cities. I've lived in urban areas since becoming an adult so I don't put my purse on chair backs, open in shopping carts, set things on my table, disregard the people around me, etc. It is always on me. I don't use a money belt. The only time I ever did use such an item was years ago when I first came on this forum and received the impression I should. I've been over that for years. But, it is a way to keep your stuff safe and everyone has different ways of keeping their items safe. If you wear a money belt, I don't know why you would worry about locks on purses as there shouldn't be much in your purse.

As for being geeky, if I am, it's not because of my purse. LOL I dress reasonably well. I don't care what other people think about my clothing choices or me. It's a good lesson I learned long ago.

For regular backpacks and purses (not antitheft bags), my wife and I use tiny carabiners to secure zippers. We feel they are a reasonable deterrent, offer some peace of mind, yet allow for fast access.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BKVPU08

As others have said - aside from basic safety and awareness measures - a good crossbody bag with internal zips should absolutely serve you well but if you want to be extra secure, why not do an anti-theft bag? I never used one until I went to Mexico City and have since used it in Paris and London and love it. I have the Travelon Metro Small Crossbody - first of all - it's low profile, cute and looks like a cool Japanese bag and doesn't scream "tourist". The organization of it is perfect for me. I use the back slip pocket for my map (yes, I still use a real map) and my notes for the day. The outside small zip pocket holds my tissues, lip balm, hand wipes for easy access. The outside zip pocket that is secured with a clip holds a small amount of cash and a cc or two and my keys clipped to a chain. The main inside compartment holds my glasses and a small bag with daily emergency items (band aid, eye drops, dental picks) and the internal zip pocket for the passport and anything else important. Everything is SO secure and locked down and I love the freedom of not thinking about regularly patting down my bag to confirm that everything is in there. Note - I live in NYC and am very security & style conscious and do not use one at home. But being away brings a different level of awareness and would be a bigger inconvenience if anything was lost/stolen.

Posted by Tim

a real diaper pin (do they still make them?)

Yes, they still make them. I bought the Dritz brand on Amazon. They come in a 4-pack and are curved which makes them handy as an attachment point inside a bag or pocket to attach a tether.

It's ok to "look like a tourist" since we are! No one really cares unless you're Tiktok famous and I don't think that applies to this crowd.

That Sherpani Prima bag mentioned by BB is on sale for $28 at the Sherpani site right now: https://sherpani.com/products/prima-travel-crossbody-copy?variant=52408019157292

I depends on what you want or need to carry with you when you’re out for the day.
I don’t have a special anti-theft bag, just a lightweight crossbody bag with lots of zips and pockets that can be extra-secured with little carabiners.
I carry only one credit card with a very low limit, plus about $30 worth of cash in the currency of the place I’m in, tissues, small hand cream and sunscreen, travel umbrella, lip balm, my glasses and a fold-up shopping bag.
Spare glasses are back at my accommodation.
That’s it.
If it’s stolen it’s not the end of the world.

In my secure under-clothing money belt is a second credit card and a debit card, both from a different bank than my daily card in my bag.
Also, my passport, some written info about allergies and meds, about my emergency contacts at home, $100 worth of the local currency in cash and the address of where I’m currently staying.
It never sees the light of day except in a dire emergency.
That’s it.
I feel safe and secure wherever I am.
My phone is tethered to the inside of my crossbody bag, mainly so I won’t drop it!

The only time I was a victim (touch wood ) was years ago at an outside ATM machine in Italy.
Now that nearly all purchases are card, phone or watch paid for, I haven’t been to an ATM in years.

BTW: I found proper diaper pins at a dollar store.