City trips are popular. But also the city stroll at home, whether as a shopping tour past the colorful shop windows or as a cultural trip in search of exhibitions and events. Even if we want to carry as less utensils as possible, we usually have a few things with us. And they are often particularly valuable or important. The wallet holds a good supply of cash, especially for shopping trips. Or also the credit cards. In addition, there are other cards such as ID cards, health insurance cards, key cards – who unpacks all that for a stroll through the city. We also have our smartphone and house key with us.
Anyway, a lot of utensils, the loss of which can cause us some trouble. With an anti-theft bag you can prevent pickpocketing.
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Anti-theft bags – precaution for relaxed city explorations
Unfortunately, in city centers, but also at tourist hotspots, traffic junctions and everywhere where many people are together, we must always expect theft – attempts. Of course, it’s usually cash or perhaps smartphones or a bit of jewelry. But for some thieves, digital data mediums such as bank cards or ID cards are equally valuable targets. And for us, personal items that disappear as „collateral damage“ of a theft are often even more important and valuable than a few banknotes.
A sufficient caution and attention is in so far always appropriate, while we are city strolling or on sightseeing – trip. But there are also ways to make life much more difficult for pickpockets. A tip for this are anti-theft bags. These are similar to theft-protected backpacks with some technical features that are designed to block pickpockets from quickly accessing other people’s property.
How do pickpockets succeed?
If you want to buy a real anti-theft bag, you should pay attention to certain features. Unfortunately, online retailers often advertise with slogans such as anti-theft bag, without really telling what’s behind it. Thefts of handbags often occur in crowds – in crowded buses or subways, in front of spectacular sights, while queuing for concerts and events or in crowded stores. In some cases, pickpockets slit open bags and quickly and carelessly „transfer“ the contents into their own bags. This is sometimes possible without mechanical force, in that the pickpocket simply opens the zipper or other closure and removes the contents.
To do this, the thief needs some time and as much distraction of the victim as possible, so that little attention is left for the bag. Another method is to steal the entire bag by cutting the straps. This is usually much faster and is often successful even if the victim becomes aware of the theft. The thief has already taken the bag into his possession and only needs to flee, while the victim, caught off guard, must first understand the situation.
Technical equipment for anti-theft bags
Effective means can prevent the quick theft, however, by anti-theft bags. Especially theft-proof bags and backpacks have been developed by the company pacsafe, whose specialty are theft-proof handbags, purses, backpacks and travel bags. Sophisticated technical precautions thus prevent any quick casual theft. Moreover, the element of surprise is virtually reversed – when the thief unexpectedly encounters insurmountable barriers.
Carrying straps of anti pickpocket bags are secured against cutting, for example, with inserted steel cables. Straps are made of cut-resistant materials such as dyneema. Carabiners have an additional twist-lock mechanism, which can actually only be operated with two hands, is tight and can hardly be opened unnoticed. And all anti-theft bags have cut and puncture-proof pouch materials, which are not quickly cut in the subway. At pacsafe, this is mostly due to so-called exomesh fabrics, in which thin stainless steel nets are woven. Or other stab-resistant fabrics. Zippers for anti-theft bags are highly effective stab-resistant and resist even the pressure of screwdrivers and iron points. When closed, the zipper tabs meet at a point where they are secured with a case lock or integrated locking mechanism. Often, a lock is riveted to the theft-proof bag right away.
In this way, the quick casual theft of handbags and daypacks is effectively prevented.
Meanwhile, there is a wide range of anti pickpocket bags – handbags as well as larger shopper, courier bags, small daypack – backpacks and shoulder bags. So you can get back a piece of your security for the city trip or the shopping – afternoon and be more relaxed on the road with theft-proof bags and backpacks.
Some models of theft-proof bags
Anti theft Shoulder bag citysafe CX
The theft-proof ladies shoulder bag Citysafe CX* has it in it. And that’s where it stays. The environmentally friendly econyl nylon made from recycled plastic components protects with the hidden stainless steel mesh from punctures or cutting even with cutters.
Also protected are passport and cash cards from data theft with RFID secured inserts. The carrying strap is protected from cutting with stainless steel wires and can be opened with twist-lock carabiner only awkwardly and with both hands. The closure of the anti pickpocket bag is lockable. So you can stroll through the city with cash, credit cards and smartphone calmly and hardly need to worry about pickpocketing. The pickpocket proof bag is available in two colours – black and storm.
Stylesafe Crossbody anti pickpocket Bag
A shoulder bag Stylesafe anti pickpocket bag Crossbody* with a volume of 4 liters takes the most important utensils such as wallet, cash cards, passport and smartphone and keeps them safe from casual – thefts. Even a 10 inch tablet fits into the bag. Stainless steel wires reinforce the bag fabric. Wire cable and carabiner with anti-theft twist-lock closures keep bag and shoulder strap tightly together. The anti-theft shoulder bag Stylesafe Crossbody is offered in kombu green.
Messenger bag Vipe 325
The Vipe 325 anti-theft bag is a „messenger bag „* that is worn like a messenger bag only over the left shoulder. At least when you wear it on your back. Because the cut of the strap is asymmetrical. Space is for up to 10 liters of necessary things for your city exploration: Water bottle, wallet, tablet, travel guide, sunglasses*… in a front compartment and the divided main compartment. The closures are lockable, the carrying strap is equipped with slashguard straps, the main compartment blocks RFID readers against data theft and of course the bag material is also protected against cuts with sharp knives. Color options include „coyote„, „jet black“ and „granite melange„.
Anti-theft shoulder bag Cruise
The theft-proof shoulder bag Cruise* makes a good figure – on bus trips, weekend trips and even on cruise. Especially the shade pinot makes the bag handsome, the long strap portable. All important utensils can be stowed in the bag and lie protected by steel wire-armored fabric as well as stab-resistant closed zippers. As a companion for the big trip, the anti pickpocket bag can be attached to the trolley „on top“. Wire cables additionally secure the carrying strap.
Women’s Stylesafe Tote
Shopping is fun when all your belongings are safely stowed away. With Women’s Stylesafe tote* Money cards and passport can be stored RFID-proof in a side pocket and a laptop compartment is also available. Otherwise, plenty of space for shopping. Two handles (ca.50cm) and an extra shoulder strap (adjustable up to 140cm) are cut protected and make it comfortable to carry. The zippers can be secured by lock. The shoulder strap can also be used with the lock to secure the anti pickpocket bag, for example, to a railing or table.
Digit Key Lock Prosafe 1000 for Bags, backpacks, Mountain huts….
If you want to make an existing bag or backpack a little more theft-proof, a simple travel lock often helps. The Prosafe 1000 – luggage lock* is available in black. The hardend steel shackle through the zipper tab and a carrier ring or similar pulled, already can at least no longer be opened unnoticed the zipper. Also for some of the above anti pickpocket bags the reinforcement of the closures with a dial combination lock is advisable for longer stays – this prolongs effort and time to break in e.g. on bus tours or similar occasions, where thieves can work on the access for a long time. With a cable lock like Prosafe 800*, objects can additionally be chained to chair backs, etc.
Not really your’s?
Follow the link and you will find a lot more modells of anti-theft bags for all occasions and in many styles* with the search-word „pacsafe„!
Image – source product photos: Manufacturer/Dealer
Note on advertising – links
Some of the links in this article are marked with * and refer to store offers. If you buy there, „sunny trails“ receives a small commission for the operation of the blog. For you nothing becomes more expensive, since the commission is already considered by the dealers with the price formation.