Theft Proof Bags

Hi, I’ve been in Paris a few times, and I typically:
Wear a money belt and keep only small currency or coins in pockets for easy access for small purchaes. I use a soft-sided small backpack that I can more or less tuck under my arm and keep in front of my body when on trains or in crowds.
I use twist ties (bread wrapper twists) on the zippers of my backpack.

You’ll receive a variety of responses here, but I don’t know that a “theft-proof” bag exists. Anyone can take a bag that isn’t kept within your awareness or control. Also, I would not hang any bag on the back of a chair in a cafe or restaurant (I don’t do that In the U.S. either).
Have a great trip!

Theft-proof bag snatching and pick-pocketing are two different things. Take a look at Rick's tips on the menu on the left of this page under Travel Tips or here theft tips

Hi there FW,

I don't know if you're male or female. So, I will suggest some bags that are unisex in style and color. (Messenger or Tablet styles for a masculine look)

I favor Kipling bags for traveling. Most of their bags are made with a crinkled nylon and have strong straps. They have a ton of pockets in the bag. And, some bags have zippers and zipped pockets on the outside. (You can get lost in your own bag.) They are very roomy, lightweight, and pliable.

If interested, check out https://www.kipling-usa.com/handbags-crossbody/?banner=01262019.springrefresh.product.hpcategory to get some ideas of what kind of bag you may like. Yes, Kipling is on the more expensive end.

But, you can find nice Kipling bags, backpacks and luggage at TJMaxx (and Marshall's); although TJM usually has the most and best selection of the two stores. Or, it has been my experience as I am surrounded by a ton of TJM's.

Kipling bags are also sold at Macy's. They are usually on sale. And, if they offer a coupon, you can apply it to the sale price for even more savings! If you have a Macy's cc, the savings can be even better.

Check out QVC. com for Kipling. Some are on sale or clearance now. And, you can get a good idea of how the bag will be and fit to your body based on the presentations.

You Tubers will also put up their own reviews of the bags. Many are favorable.

Another brand is Pac Safe. But, they tend to be heavier because of the mesh panels and the metal (cut proof) straps. They could irritate necks and shoulders. It may be overkill, but some like the brand.

Have fun!

No, it's not needed if you are diligent about your purse on a regular basis - but if you are one of those people who walks around in a daze with her purse dangling off one-shoulder and all the compartments unzipped, then you probably can benefit from other options on the market if you are really concerned you are too much of a target. I've traveled to Paris many times, along with other cities noted for higher rates of pick pocketing and never had a problem, but I live in a city so I'm typically on alert at all times as to what is going on around me.

And I can actually speak to carrying one of those "theft-proof" bags since someone gave me one as a gift last year because they know I travel a lot. Even empty, the bags are much heavier than a standard purse as most have some sort of "slash-resistant" material inside the straps and often within the body of the bag. Yes, they have some additional gadgets that let you do things like clip your purse to a fixed object like a chair or table in a restaurant - just makes it a little harder in the event you have a purse snatcher situation, and the zippers on the purse usually have some clips or latches so you can secure openings. The problem is, you have to be super diligent about securing all of them at all times for the bag to actually do what it's supposed to. I've had better experiences just using a standard cross-body purse that I happen to own which has a thick leather strap (no steel cables inside it) and a flap that completely covers the zipper along the top of the bag, plus I keep my wallet (with just a day's spending money) inside an interior zipped compartment. I practice situational awareness and always wear the purse with the flap against my body and all zippers closed. The crossbody strap is long enough that I can just continue to wear it while seated and it just stays on my lap.

Another far less clunky option if you want to feel secure (but don't want to wear an actual money belt) is to buy a Shold-It infinity scarf with a hidden pocket. They come in all sorts of materials, colors and patterns. The pocket is just large enough to hold cash, credit cards, keys, a passport/ID and cell phone.

I’ve been visiting Paris for many decades and I’ve never bought a special anti theft bag .

I prefer a lightweight nylon canvas bag that has a zipper on top and a flap that clicks shut over the zipper - mine is a Derek Alexander . You do not need metal in your purse - how heavy those bags are to me and overkill .

What you really need is to be self aware . I don’t let people stand to close to me - no one can pick a pocket they aren’t close to . I also only carry one days cash and leave the rest and my passport in hotel safe .
If you wish to carry all your stuff on you then perhaps a money belt ( worn UNDER your clothes and only accessed on private !) is something you should consider - I have one I use when in transit from city to city or country to country - still keeping my daily spending money in my purse

You don't need special purses or bags; you need common sense. A cross body bag carried in front and with your arm across it in crowded places is sufficient. Don't carry more than today's walking around money and one card. Keep your additional cards and money and other valuables in the hotel safe or apartment. I use a money belt in transit when I am carrying passports and all my money and cards and then stow it in the safe. A money belt is a body safe not a purse to be accessed when out and about.

In all but hot weather, I use clothing with hidden inside pockets e.g. I have a trench coat from Scottevest.com which has 18 hidden pockets and is great for travel. I have a lighter weight jacket from Magellan similarly well endowed with hidden pockets. And many of the standard travel shirts which make good top layers over t shirts have a hidden zipped pocket behind the breast pocket or on the side seam (that one is less secure). If it is very hot then I use a cross body purse.

I have been traveling in Europe since 1960 including every year in the last 35 or so and have not yet met anyone who has had a bag slashed or snatched. I have met many people who have been pick pocketed on public transport or in museums or have had small bags stolen on trains, hotels, restaurants. I know violent theft CAN happen but it is very unusual while pickpocketing is very very very common. It is by stealth so if you don't have valuables in pockets, backpacks or on cafe tables where they are easily stolen you are unlikely to lose anything. The style of purse doesn't really matter and you don't need metal cables or whatever in the straps.

I've never needed a special bag solely for traveling. But there are purses/bags that close all the way and others that don't. Definitely use one that has deep storage/ zipped compartments, where valuables can't easily fall out, and of course always be mindful of where your bag is at all times. Pick pockets are skillful so you have to not be an easy target for them.

While a safety bag might not be necessary, I love my cross body anti theft bag from Travelon. It is a light weight cleanable fabric, and I love the locking zippers which are very easy to use. It was affordable and makes me feel more comfortable. I still use caution and am aware of my surroundings.

There are many ways to protect yourself from pickpocketing. Money belts, special clothing and anti-theft bags are just some of them. I have quite a few Travelon bags that I use at home and when traveling (and baggallini, not theft), which I love. Most are small bags that will fit in other bags...except for the two that will also hold my DSLR. I do not find these bags heavy at all. I like them because they are so well organized for me and I like that I can lock the zippers. You need to figure out what system will make you the most comfortable, and that you will follow every day. If everything you carry has a place, you are less apt to lose it, one way or another, and you can tell immediately if something is missing. This being said, I've never felt threatened by pickpockets or scammers in all my travels, but I'm prepared, nonetheless. Be aware of your personal space while you interact with others.

My 2 cents:

Yes, there are plenty of pickpockets and scammers in Paris, especially during the height of tourist season. You will (hopefully) notice them, and (hopefully) not interact with them, at all the major attractions as well as the Metro and RER trains. Some are trying to put bracelets on people, some are trying to get you to sign a petition, some stop at the bottom of an escalator while their companions behind pick pockets in the pileup. Any time you are in a crowd or someone approaches you with a bizarre request, assume it's an attempted theft. It's best to say "non" forcefully (don't yell unless you need to) and walk away briskly.

There are things you can do to increase your chance of being targeted (conversely not do to avoid being targeted). Remember thieves are looking for targets who they believe will be both easy to rob and likely carrying valuables. They don't want a scene, they want to get something and disappear before you notice you've lost something. If you want to be targeted:
1. Dress in expensive clothes and wear flashy jewelry.
2. Look lost or in awe. Be unaware of your surroundings. Stop in the middle of crowds to check a map.
3. Carry lots of things carelessly (shopping bags, purse, wallet, cell phones).
4. Use an ATM without considering safety (location, people around you, covering your hand while you enter your pin).

To counter this I dress neatly but not ostentatiously. I wear very little jewelry (including an inexpensive travel watch). I keep a game face on in crowded places and walk as if I know where I'm going. I don't stop until I find a non-crowded place to sit down and take my time checking a map. I reduce everything I'm carrying to one bag (one handle) because it's much easier to pay attention to one item than many. I keep anything that would be a major disappointment to lose (ticket, credit card, passport, etc.) in some form of money belt (for me a neck wallet) under my clothes and don't ever access it in public. I keep some money and possibly a debit or credit card in a front pocket. When I get into a crowded area, I keep my hand in the pocket.

I don't know if this is the perfect answer. I lost a camera at Oktoberfest years ago because I was carrying too many items to keep track of. The best answer includes being aware of your surroundings and paying attention to your stuff.