Theft in lounges - how frequent?

[Lynda2475]

Checked in bags going to the USA need them (unfortunately), but that's not relevant to carry-on bags in lounges!

Yes and when I travel to/from/within the USA I use a TSA lock, but I always also carry non TSA locks with me to use once in hotel room or on ground transportation or other countries on the itinerary.

Although my hard cases have a built in TSA lock, they also have loops that allow you to use you own lock as well. For my travel packs(I have one planet and pacsafe) I have both types of padlocks (TSA and non TSA).

 

[dajop]

I've always assumed that a lock on a bag is a signal to a potential thief there's something valuable in the luggage. I take the view that if anyone wants to steal my dirty underwear and smelly shoes, they're welcome to it

 

[NoName]

Locks are just visual window dressing when you consider the bag can still be opened with nothing more than a ballpoint pen.

 

[Lynda2475]

Locks are just visual window dressing when you consider the bag can still be opened with nothing more than a ballpoint pen.

That depends on the bag:
1. Not all bags have zippers; and
2. Some bags (especially quality travel packs) have puncture resistant double zippers which the pen trick doesn't work on.

Sure all bags if damaged enough will offer up their contents BUT if your bag is next to others with fewer/inferior security features, an opportunistic thief will generally go for the easier access.

In the lounge situation, using a pen to open your own bag would raise suspicion.

Whilst I dont travel with anything that cant be replaced, it can be mighty inconvenient to replace items in some locations where the average local population is perhaps a different stature to yourself or doesnt stock specialist hear you may need.

Different people have different risk appetites and different levels of trust.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

If you leave your bag unattended in a lounge, you invite trouble -- *ESPECIALLY* in a western country.
The same goes for unlocked bags in overhead lockers.

Theft happens far more than you can imagine -- even in first class lounges.

 

[Cossie]

A few years ago, Auckland to Christchurch on Jet*, I had to put my bag several rows forward from where i was sitting. Accidental or not, a bloke took my bag when exiting, I was shocked, took a while to register, called out, and he left it on a seat and kept walking. Plane was full, so I had no chance to catch up, couldn’t see him once we exited.

 

[pauly7]

They still have them in the AKL F lounge.

Never a bag there, it’s where they keep the Hokey Pokey icecream

 

[blackcat20]

I wont leave anything valuable unattended in a lounge. If I'm on my own, I'll leave a jacket etc on the seat so I can reserve my spot while I grab food etc, but everything else goes with me. Fortunately I don't travel alone very often these days.

 

[JohnK]

I've always assumed that a lock on a bag is a signal to a potential thief there's something valuable in the luggage. I take the view that if anyone wants to steal my dirty underwear and smelly shoes, they're welcome to it

My wife likes to lock her luggage when we are travelling. There's nothing ultra important inside but she doesn't want the opportunistic person going through her luggage or worse still someone planting something inside luggage. I stopped locking long time ago.

Not being critical, but just curious as to why males leave wallets inside bags. Surely wallet belongs in back pocket? Comfort should never be a consideration for something that important.

 

[Matt_01]

.. and consider locking bag if leaving it unattended.

I should have mentioned I keep my cabin bag locked and on my backpack I sometimes carry a couple of small locks to lock the zippers together on the 2 main parts that may contain my computer, iPad and headphone. The parts of the backpack that cannot be locked is for the umbrella, spare glasses/ sunglasses (prescription) and my universal power adaptor.

 

[Quickstatus]

puncture resistant double zippers which the pen trick doesn't work on.

They only slightly increase pen resistance...

.....

Must be the type of lounge.
Ive heard F Lounges have "better" patrons....

 

[NoName]

BUT if your bag is next to others with fewer/inferior security features, an opportunistic thief will generally go for the easier access.

Of course, and the reason I still put a lock on mine. I’m just not fooled into thinking that it makes any more than a superficial difference to the ability of a potential thief in accessing the contents.

 

[p--and--t]

Surely wallet belongs in back pocket

Easily stolen in Asia - razor blade around pocket outline and wallet drops out. Seen it happen and happened to a friend.

Besides orthopaedic specialists say never put anything in back pocket otherwise potential damage to spine due to slight twist when sitting.

Waist travel belt, hanging travel pouch around neck, inside jacket pocket, front pocket if too hot or only in shorts & T

 

[Lynda2475]

Inside pocket of a jacket better.

When I travel I take a smaller wallet with fewer cards/contents. No need to take things like medicare card, local transport or loyalty/coffee cards etc when away from home.

Whilst I keep 2 debit/credit cards in wallet/handbag I always have back-ups securely stored elsewhere i.e. in hotel safe, one of those small security things that can clip on bra, or around ankle under long pants or belt (cant be bulky or its obvious) or worse hidden in another locked bag or with travel companion; plus digital versions on my phone.

 

[jukebox333]

Easily stolen in Asia - razor blade around pocket outline and wallet drops out. Seen it happen and happened to a friend.

Besides orthopaedic specialists say never put anything in back pocket otherwise potential damage to spine due to slight twist when sitting.

My wallet is too empty to create even a slight twist...

 

[JohnK]

Easily stolen in Asia - razor blade around pocket outline and wallet drops out. Seen it happen and happened to a friend.

Besides orthopaedic specialists say never put anything in back pocket otherwise potential damage to spine due to slight twist when sitting.

I've never seen it happen in 20+ years going to Thailand but I guess lots of things happen that I never see. How about front pocket? By your logic a wallet is not safe, even bumbag, anywhere in Asia. Jacket could be OK but one does not always wear a jacket.

I will never be convinced that a wallet/passport belongs in any type of bag away from the person at an airport or on a flight. People cannot be trusted when presented with simple opportunities to take something.

Note I often come across people while we travel where they do not appear to have any pockets anywhere on them. T-shirt without pocket and pants without pockets and no jacket.

 

[p--and--t]

I've never seen it happen in 20+ years going to Thailand

In Vietnam 3-4 teens around you in the street, distract you with "where you from", "can I practice english". While you distracted one behind in a flash has cut your back pocket and caught the falling wallet and runs off. Heard it happens in China also.

 

[JohnK]

In Vietnam 3-4 teens around you in the street, distract you with "where you from", "can I practice english". While you distracted one behind in a flash has cut your back pocket and caught the falling wallet and runs off. Heard it happens in China also.

Thanks. Note to self. Stay away from Vietnam and China.

 

[Quickstatus]

Surely wallet belongs in back pocket?

Wallet in phone unless I carry cash

 

[Beano]

Perhaps it was the isolated location with no one else around? If it had been more crowded the thief might have been more reluctant. I have often left bags, laptop etc, but never wallet or phone. I used to feel secure in lounges!