The $7 Find That Thwarts Pickpockets for Good

I travel frequently — sometimes to locations where pickpockets are common. I have tried various products and techniques to thwart them — such as money pouches or purses with built-in anti-theft measures like locking zippers — but some of these solutions were ineffective and, in the case of the money pouch, highly uncomfortable. 

Then, on a trip to Ecuador, my tour guide suggested a simple and inexpensive fix. Walking the streets of Quito, Ecuador’s capital, isn’t dangerous, but pickpockets sometimes take advantage of unsuspecting tourists to grab what they can out of unsecured bags, he explained. A small, subtle anti-theft bag clip helps immensely, he said, showing me one he used for his backpack. When I got home, I immediately ordered one for myself.

An anti-theft bag clip is deceptively simple. It is a small carabiner with clips on either end. One clip attaches to the bag’s zipper pull and the other clip attaches to the bag’s second zipper pull or another piece of hardware on the bag. Once both clips are engaged, a pickpocket can’t open the zipper without you noticing. It’s a rudimentary system, but like a lot of low-tech gems, it works exactly as it needs to. Plus, they’re super cheap — a set of eight carabiners will run you just $6 on Amazon.  

Opening your bag when you are ready is simple, too. Simply press down on one of the clips to create an opening, then remove it from the zipper pull while the other side stays attached. The entire process takes less than 10 seconds. To secure your bag, just clip the other end back in place. When I travel, I usually use a crossbody purse or my Fjällräven Kanken backpack. Both have two zipper pulls, so it’s easy to use the theft clip. However, I also sometimes use the bag clip on other types of bags, such as my carry-on suitcase, especially when going through crowded airports or train stations. 

Although I would easily survive being pickpocketed, having my phone or credit card stolen while on vacation would be an expensive, time-consuming, and stressful ordeal. When I travel to places where pickpockets are common, I often have an underlying fear that my things will be taken from right under my nose. I am on constant alert and unable to relax, so these clips have really helped me enjoy my travel more knowing that it’s a lot harder to steal my things without me noticing. At first, I was worried that because the clips are so small, it would be difficult to use. However, that isn’t the case at all. I can quickly open the clip with one hand and reattach it just as easily. 

I spend a lot of time finding travel bags that are both functional and look good, so I appreciate that the anti-theft clip is small and subtle. Plus, it comes in various colors, including silver, black, and gold, so there is a clip to match every bag. I’ve been looking for a solution that will give me peace of mind for years. Using the anti-theft bag clip helps me worry less and enjoy myself more.

Buy: 8 Pcs Anti-Theft Small Carabiner Clip, $5.99