I just saw this clip of a bag that thieves use to easily steal your bags. Have never seen this before, so I don't know if this is a new trick or not. I do see people put their bags at their feet and look around, or even leave them on the seats of the Meeting Point in the airport while they peruse the arrival boards, etc. Ladies will even leave their luggage out by the sinks in the restrooms, which astonishes me. Keep a hand on your bag. All the time. The film is in English, with Hebrew subtitles. http://www.baba-mail.co.il/Content.aspx?emailid=17739&memberid=874970
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
That's why I have a one handle rule. I always reduce everything I'm carrying to only one handle (I don't do a personal item plus carry-on) then keep it with me - much easier to keep track of only one item.
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
2349 posts
I think we've figured out how Lee from Denver travels so lightly-he uses a grabber bag!
Posted by
Atlanta
4917 posts
Jo, This is a very old device and I remember seeing it in Europe when I lived there. As someone noted, alway keep a hand on your bag. If that is not possible, keep it in front of your feet where you can see it. Better yet keep it between your legs or between you and your partner.
TC
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32228 posts
Jo, I have seen that scam before, but not for awhile so I'd forgotten about it. In some locations, I often clip my Packs and Camera bag together or place the strap under the chair leg, which tends to defeat this type of theft. This is a good reminder for all here to be vigilant!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Darn your stinking hide, Jo. Now we've got one more tidbit that people can chunk in when they have nothing else to say. Actually, I think I'll number the whole list in the interest of abbreviated replies so things can move along faster and folks can just make numbered responses without typing the whole mess: 1. Wear a money belt. 2. Don't go to Naples. 3. Get an IDP. 4. Stay near a metro/tube station. 5. Wash your stuff in the sink. 6. I haven't been there, but here's what I think . . . 7. Always ride a train. 8. Use common vigilance/be aware of your surroundings. 9. Never check luggage. 10. Always go to Bath, Versailles, Windsor, and Normandy. 11. Don't drive within a thousand miles of Florence. 12. Use an ATM. 13. I don't care what you want to do, here's what I did . . . 14. Watch out for the ring/gypsy/petition scam. 15. Book well in advance to get good fares.
16. Check all suitcases to make sure they have a bottom. Actually, I'm getting ready to order one, since it looks like they'd be just the thing to catch rattlesnakes.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
All I can say is 'bloody hell' what will they think of next?
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
They'll think up anything as long as their is someone gullible enough to buy it.