How to pickpocket proof your purse or bag while traveling

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Travel Tips By Laurie has a bunch of helpful anti-theft tips, too - a couple of my favorites are, when at the beach, put your valuables in your glasses/sunglasses case so that no one's the wiser, and, when at a restaurant or similar, if the chair allows for it and you want to hang your purse on the back of your chair, use a carabiner to attach the straps of your purse together in between 2 rungs of the chair (kind of hard to describe but when you see it it makes sense) so if someone tried to grab it, the carabiner would catch on the rungs of the chair.

[@PaperMaps]

I like the carabiner idea.

[@maresilever2249]

Hi great tips. I have a chain with a little bell on my wallet. I clip the chain on the hook in the inside of my handbag and also put the wallet into a zipper compartment of the interior of my bag. Potential pickpockets wd not be able to detach my wallet from its chain and also the little bell wd ring alerting me to the theft.You can buy the little clips, and bells cheaply enough. Great video Thank you

[@PaperMaps]

Awesome idea to add a bell!

[@yourmomissussy5674]

For all the people commenting to “just buy…(such and such a brand)”, the whole point of this is to make a bag you already have work! Thanks for these tips!

[@kaydublin5164]

I love the Kipling purse, I have it in pink. Definitely perfect for travel.

[@PaperMaps]

Pink? I want one!

[@dustycoutu2721]

Fantastic ideas!

[@PaperMaps]

Thanks

[@swanradha]

Love the purses but sometimes pick pocketers cut from the bottom of the purse. Especially in crowded areas, so best option take as little as possible. I like the scrunchies that have hidden compartments .

[@PaperMaps]

Scrunches with hidden pockets is a great idea.

[@jinde75]

Pacsafe has an inner lining that is slash proof, the straps also have wires that are slashproof. I have a cheap phone and never a lot of cash, but it's a hassle to get new cards etc.

[@vinotania4324]

Thanks for thinking of all this idea .

[@PaperMaps]

You’re welcome

[@ginamills5597]

Great tips, kind of obvious clever yet I wouldn’t have thought of doing it. Now I’ll be sure to utilize those tips.

[@PaperMaps]

Glad I could help!

[@ginamills5597]

@@PaperMaps 😁

[@lydvincecruz8395]

Amazing tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing 👍 I appreciate it very much 🙏

[@nancyadams9228]

I am a big fan of Pacsafe cross bodies, daypacks and luggage. They have safety locks, rfid protection and a steel mesh in the body and straps to prevent slash and grab.

[@PaperMaps]

Cool, I’ll check them out.

[@amybradley5821]

I absolutely love them too! Can’t imagine anyone could get into one of them!

[@orthodiva7487]

I brought Travelon crossbody twice in Europe. I just got a Pacsafe sling for our next European trip.

[@chcnsac]

Great tips!!!

[@PaperMaps]

Thanks

[@Babycakes6211]

These are great! As a mom, I am frequently distracted and an easy target for a pick pocket. Thank you for sharing!

[@PaperMaps]

Thanks for you comment. I hope these tips helps a little. We need to not live in fear but always aware of our surroundings.

[@karendewillers5190]

8

[@gaila.8830]

Thank you for the video and sharing your tips 😄

[@PaperMaps]

You’re welcome!

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I use locking micro S-biners, and if there is a spot I want to lock the zipper pull to but there isn't something small enough for it to clip onto right there, I just add a keyring. My travel purse is black, so I removed the removable zipper pull extensions (the zipper pulls themselves are really small, so hard to grip without the extensions), used black keyrings and S-biners, and used black sharpie to color over any of the silver printing on them. My mom used a backpack whose zipper had 2 zipper pulls, so, since the zipper and zipper pulls were silver and the openings on them are where the pulls attach to the slider, and there was a flap over the zipper, she used a silver locking micro S-biner. Easy for us to get into, but hard enough to deter an opportunistic thief. Works like a charm.

[@PaperMaps]

Great ideas

[@SheriWinston]

I made a bunch of my bags anti theft. If the zipper pulls have an opening in them, I will keep those zipper pulls. If not, I will swap them out for zipper pulls that have an opening. When I use small S. biner clips to lock the pulls together. It works like a charm. Easy for me to open. But would definitely slow down a pickpocket.

[@PaperMaps]

Great idea!!!

[@pinkpotatoes9849]

Exactly the hack I am looking for. Thank you. I'd also wear the small cross body bag under my clothes.

[@msladylalae4985]

I use a slim fanny pack for my good stuff & my purse with bit of money & other stuff. Works for me

[@PaperMaps]

Good idea.

[@paulinecallaghan6526]

A tip for cross body bags with an internal key strap. Pull though and wrap round/feed through handle then when almost used up clip to zipper clasp. No-one will be able to undo the zipper.

[@PaperMaps]

Great idea 👍🏻

[@dawnr0bins0n]

Great tips, so informative and helpful! Of course we want to know how you were gifted your purses! 😁

[@PaperMaps]

Thanks Dawn!

[@dianeadinehzadeh5443]

Hi great tips. I would like to see time stamps on your videos for a quick review of key trips or a remake of the last 5 minutes of this video. Great info and last minute tips and tricks for those that don't plan ahead.

[@PaperMaps]

Thanks for the ideas.

[@jinde75]

Get a pacsafe crossbodybag or a riutbag with zippers that face your back. Multiple backpacks are inspired by riutbag and have zippers that are at your back. Pacsafe has zippers that lock. Travelon has that too but I heard that some people say they are not well made.

[@PaperMaps]

Thanks for the information.

[@pinkpotatoes9849]

Would wearing a chain bag make it more slash proof?

[@kellybaker3360]

I have kind of gravitated toward leaving the valuables at home but when out and about I use a money belt bag that is hidden under my clothes flat and it has zipper too

[@PaperMaps]

Good ideas.

[@yourmomissussy5674]

Thanks! Will use these in Europe next spring.

[@suzanneanderson582]

Love your video! So important to keep your belongings safe while traveling and not while traveling 😁 A good friend of mine had a personal bag stolen with all of her shoes and her camera when we got off the plane in Honolulu. We had to go shoe shopping - fun but very disappointing!! When we go to the beach im always afraid to go in the water and leave bags on the beach. Do you have any suggestions for that. Thank you!!

[@PaperMaps]

Let me think about it. Maybe a new video.

[@J.gwenhwyfar]

Never travel with your most valuable, best items (jewelry, bags, clothing,;etc). During travel, keep all valuables ON YOUR BODY (cash & cards INSIDE your clothing), always stay diligent, and hold on to all your bags. Once at your destination, lock up all valuables (passport, cash, credit cards) in a LOCKED purse inside a LOCKED hotel safe. However, if no safe is available, then wrap valuables in clothes inside your LOCKED carryon, then lock your carryon inside your main suitcase. When you go to the beach, take only what you’ll need: towel, sunscreen, water, flip flops. If you must carry cash, take only a couple of bucks in a tiny zip lock bag inside your swimsuit bra or swim trunks pocket (it’ll dry). The point is to have MULTIPLE layers of security and only take items you won’t mind losing.

[@PaperMaps]

Great suggestions.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Travel Tips By Laurie also has some ideas for keeping small valuables safe while at the beach - one of hers is to put them in your glasses/sunglasses case.

[@Cindypisces]

Wow thank you for this. Some of the tips you suggested I’ve actually applied. But the one with the crossbody bags I.e. binder ring and safety pin are genius. I’m traveling to Europe which is notorious for pickpockets comes in very handy. 😁

[@PaperMaps]

Glad I could help. Stay safe!

[@J.gwenhwyfar]

I NEVER travel with wallets. I keep the bulk of my money ON MY BODY INSIDE my clothing, either in a money sleeve or in my bra (yes, I channel my granny), with a couple of bucks in a pocket for easy access. I’ve literally sewed small pouches on the inside of my jeans/pants and skirts, as well as removable ones that I tuck inside my bra. So, the best option that works for me is to use a money sleeve and also a RFID blocking card case to protect credit cards. And only use ATMs INSIDE of banks or reputable establishments. Whenever I use a bag, I use either crossbody or backpack that I wear in the front, but money always remain on my body INSIDE my clothing. Professional pickpockets won’t be deterred by locks bc they’ll just cut the bag. I’ve seen it all while traveling over the years.

[@PaperMaps]

Great idea, but not at the airport. I had a money pouch attached to my under garments and had to be searched. 🤪

[@hotjanuary]

Channel your great-great grandmother. They had deep tie on pockets. Nobody expects women to have those anymore. Look up Victorian pockets.

[@skibunny2257]

I bought a backpack purse on amazon where the zipper is against your back so hard to get in to.

[@PaperMaps]

Sounds great!

[@sheilaklee3982]

use a TRAVELON purse...it has locks on the zips plus a wire embedded into the straps

[@PaperMaps]

Thanks for sharing.

[@choosen2preach320]

Question I have a chest sling bag and I travel and it has 3 pockets and one big pocket and I travel how would I be able to lock that when I travel I got it from the goodwill. I can wear it under a coat but I live in southern California and it's always hot I can only find a way to lock the big pocket I want to also lock the 3 pockets. I need some suggestions do you have any?

[@PaperMaps]

Without seeing the bag, it’s hard to know. Could you sew a little ring next to the zippers on the other pockets?

[@choosen2preach320]

@@PaperMaps yes I can try. I think who ever had this bag used it when they were riding a bike or motorcycle? I will try thank you

[@xoxoxyx]

much worse here, they just grab your bag especially if you wear shoulder bag. they ride fast with motorcycle and grab your bag handle from behind when you walk thus leaving you get pulled and fall down.

[@PaperMaps]

Oh no! Where is “here” for you?

[@glenpao5647]

This scenario happened in the Philippines...the ladies drag on the street while grabbing her bag. The theft is riding in a motorbike...

[@verenaschweizer3759]

Same thing can happen in Malaysia and Thailand...

[@dNEj4q3ce]

I use the Travelon Anti-theft when I travel.

[@PaperMaps]

Awesome!

[@philipdsa7907]

Thiefs are one step ahead of common man,if you give them signals that there is valuable by holding hand on the chain or taking extra precautions one is likely to be targeted. Keep it simple, do not put in money in one place, so that you have something saved even if you are the victim. Always be present minded while you are travelling that will save your belonging.

[@PaperMaps]

Being present minded is the best advice.

[@chicanica64]

Nice! Ways to delay someone from getting into our purses. Don’t have to become a victim of “opportunity” crime.

[@PaperMaps]

Yes, do what we can to keep safe.

[@kellybaker3360]

I also have a none theft purse and wallet with a hidden inside pocket the size of the entire purse and hard to see

[@PaperMaps]

Great

[@Leonzxia]

I put cactus in my bag

[@PaperMaps]

lol 😂

[@kathygann7632]

Or just get a Travelon purse that has these features and many more including RFID, locks for zippers, wires in handles, slashproof fabric, and ways to attach the purse to your chair or table

[@PaperMaps]

Cool

[@jinde75]

I wouldn't put the key of the backpack in plain sight. You never know if irritating kids will steal it just to annoy you. Have a lock with numbers instead.

[@PaperMaps]

Awesome idea!

[@melissac.5948]

I like a small, flat and smooshy crossbody bag that hangs from a strap UNDER my top (or preferably under my overshirt, jacket or sweater). It should hang high enough to not peek out the bottom of my top. The top or overshirt should be flowy enough to camouflage any lumpiness of the bag. I can button the overshirt at a midpoint to obscure the crossbody strap. I then carry a metal thermos on a strap and/or small grocery bag filled with a few visible food items. Makes me look more like a local, and the metal thermos can act as a weapon. These items are distractions. I have to be very careful with my bag, because I must carry medical equipment and medicine with me at all times. I do have spares of medical items just in case, but of course they are at home or the hotel. I carry an elegant version of this bag for dressy occasions. It will have a thin, metal strap. I’m handbag obsessed, and have quite a collection of small-to-medium bags that I’m only using when I feel very safe. I’m thinking of downsizing - a lot, and using my Longchamp Le Pliage nylon bags when I must carry many or large items.

[@PaperMaps]

Great tips!

[@auzzygirl8175]

Great tips however a determined thief would probably just slash the bag with a knife.

[@PaperMaps]

These tips are more for the convenience thief.

[@nancyprivate6774]

I never need that "dummy wallet" because I have my 9 on my body and I practice deploying it - and thank you for the other tips - everyone should take a class on situational awareness and to be aware who is around them at all times

[@PaperMaps]

Situational awareness is sooo important.

[@katia_gabriella]

The trend right now is wearing fanny packs across your front. I'm actually going to buy a nice one for around $20 on Amazon... I'm too paranoid!!!

[@PaperMaps]

Yes, that does seem to be the style these days.

[@yulandachambers]

It's so sad that we have to do this. But necessary!

[@jcool4358]

I just heard the other day that they grabbed the strap and hauled the girl down, and took off with the purse.

[@PaperMaps]

Wow!

[@nanaforchrist915]

Best tip I can give you after 50 years: DONT carry a purse. Use a fanny pack, tightly secured on your body front. Place your sweater, coat, or sweatshirt over the back strap so they can’t come along and cut or unbuckle the strap. I’m in L.A….since the BLM riots throughout BevHills, NOBODY is carrying expensive purses or wearing jewelry while walking in the city. You’ll make yourself a target.

[@laraoneal7284]

This is BS. If they want the purse they WILL TAKE IT & will rip it apart with a knife period.

[@PaperMaps]

If a criminal wants your purse, of course they will be able to take it. This video is more about not making yourself an easy target.

[@jinde75]

Not my pacsafe. I'd be bummed if they'd damage it, but no cutting through metal wire that's in the lining. I once was almost pickpocketed. Through quick action of an old lady I noticed in time. I was then alwas vigilant till I got a riutbag and now move through crows with peace of mind.

[@laraoneal7284]

Why does she have the voice of a THREE YEAR OLD. No credibility whatsoever.

[@PaperMaps]

Lana, this is the voice God gave me. You do not have to watch.