Need Anti-pickpocket purse recommendations
Jan 2nd, 2008, 11:35 AM
#41
I don't like any of the purses made specifically for traveling because they have too many zipper and various compartments. I find that confusing. I like a one-compartment style pocketbook that I am familiar with already (like shoes, I never take a brand new purse on a trip).
Jan 2nd, 2008, 11:54 AM
#42
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Don't carry a purse, or carry anything decorative you like and don't put anything important in it. Your important documents should be in a wallet, and that wallet should be in an interior jacket pocket, or a front pants pocket, just like a man has his. Lock your passport in the hotel safe when possible, or hide it in your luggage in your accomadations when not. I will also sometimes stuff really important items in my bra, but that can be uncomfortable, and some individuals have more cargo capacity there than others. I mostly travel in the US, but I've never had a problem with this strategy.
Jan 2nd, 2008, 11:57 AM
#43
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"You seem to think a thief on a motorbike would never steal a handbag? It happens all the time." - mariposa85
You haven't a clue what I think. I know that purses get snatched from motorbikes. What I'm still trying to find is an authentic report of someone being dragged by one. The physics just don't seem to compute.
You haven't a clue what I think. I know that purses get snatched from motorbikes. What I'm still trying to find is an authentic report of someone being dragged by one. The physics just don't seem to compute.
Jan 2nd, 2008, 12:11 PM
#44
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Jan 2nd, 2008, 12:52 PM
#46
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http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...51C0A966958260
A Brooklyn man was arrested on Monday and charged yesterday in the killing of a woman who was <b>dragged</b> beneath the wheels of a van last month as her purse was being snatched, the police said.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1060.html
Motorcyclists are known to snatch bags, cameras and other valuables from pedestrians or passengers riding in "cyclos" (pedicabs) or riding on the back of rented motorcycles. Serious injuries have resulted when thieves snatched purses or bags, which were strapped across their victims' bodies, leading to the victim being <b>dragged</b> along the ground by the thief's motorcycle. In November 2003, an American citizen victim of a drive-by purse snatching was <b>dragged</b> to the ground and seriously injured in this manner.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english...ent_524395.htm
It is common for people to carry their bags in knapsacks in front of their chests instead of on their backs in many Guangdong cities. Local television sometimes shows gruesome footage of people being <b>dragged</b> behind motorcyles when they refuse to let go of purses grabbed by mobile thieves. Criminals bent on making speedy getaways are also known for hacking off the hands or arms of victims who hang on to their purses and bags.
A Brooklyn man was arrested on Monday and charged yesterday in the killing of a woman who was <b>dragged</b> beneath the wheels of a van last month as her purse was being snatched, the police said.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1060.html
Motorcyclists are known to snatch bags, cameras and other valuables from pedestrians or passengers riding in "cyclos" (pedicabs) or riding on the back of rented motorcycles. Serious injuries have resulted when thieves snatched purses or bags, which were strapped across their victims' bodies, leading to the victim being <b>dragged</b> along the ground by the thief's motorcycle. In November 2003, an American citizen victim of a drive-by purse snatching was <b>dragged</b> to the ground and seriously injured in this manner.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english...ent_524395.htm
It is common for people to carry their bags in knapsacks in front of their chests instead of on their backs in many Guangdong cities. Local television sometimes shows gruesome footage of people being <b>dragged</b> behind motorcyles when they refuse to let go of purses grabbed by mobile thieves. Criminals bent on making speedy getaways are also known for hacking off the hands or arms of victims who hang on to their purses and bags.
Jan 2nd, 2008, 05:29 PM
#47
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Those draggings are the exact reason why the experts don't recommend that you carry your purse strapped across your torso - it's far better to let the thief get your purse than to have you dragged along the street because you couldn't let go of the purse.
I know just as many local people who have been pickpocketed or their purses stolen as I know people who were in tourist situations who have been pickpocketed or their purses stolen. To me, I make keeping my purse safe a top priority whether I'm home or traveling - that way when I do travel, I don't have to think differently about my belongings or my safety. It's already ingrained to be careful.
I know just as many local people who have been pickpocketed or their purses stolen as I know people who were in tourist situations who have been pickpocketed or their purses stolen. To me, I make keeping my purse safe a top priority whether I'm home or traveling - that way when I do travel, I don't have to think differently about my belongings or my safety. It's already ingrained to be careful.
Jan 3rd, 2008, 05:15 PM
#49
Did you not follow the link I posted? Quote: "One common method of purse snatching used throughout Vietnam employs two people on a motorcycle with the passenger snatching the victim’s bag, camera, cellular phone, etc., often while traveling at the same speed or faster than street traffic. This method can be especially dangerous to victims if the straps of the bag are over the shoulder or around the neck, as the victim can be pulled down or dragged by the strap until it breaks.
This is an ongoing and often dangerous trend. In some cases, a knife or other sharp cutting instrument is used by the perpetrators to cut the strap, or to make a hole to reach in and steal valuables. In 2001, a British woman was killed when the strap of her purse failed to break and she was dragged to her death into a tree;"
This is an ongoing and often dangerous trend. In some cases, a knife or other sharp cutting instrument is used by the perpetrators to cut the strap, or to make a hole to reach in and steal valuables. In 2001, a British woman was killed when the strap of her purse failed to break and she was dragged to her death into a tree;"
Jan 3rd, 2008, 06:45 PM
#50
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Oh, blind is he who will not see.
I will repost mine as well, with emphasis.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1060.html
<font color="red">Motorcyclists</font> are known to snatch bags, cameras and other valuables from pedestrians or passengers riding in "cyclos" (pedicabs) or riding on the back of rented motorcycles. Serious injuries have resulted when thieves snatched purses or bags, which were strapped across their victims' bodies, leading to the victim being dragged along the ground by the thief's <font color="red">motorcycle</font>. In November 2003, an American citizen victim of a drive-by purse snatching was dragged to the ground and seriously injured <font color="red">in this manner</font>.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english...ent_524395.htm
It is common for people to carry their bags in knapsacks in front of their chests instead of on their backs in many Guangdong cities. Local television sometimes shows gruesome footage of people being dragged behind <font color="red">motorcyles</font> when they refuse to let go of purses grabbed by mobile thieves. Criminals bent on making speedy getaways are also known for hacking off the hands or arms of victims who hang on to their purses and bags.
I will repost mine as well, with emphasis.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1060.html
<font color="red">Motorcyclists</font> are known to snatch bags, cameras and other valuables from pedestrians or passengers riding in "cyclos" (pedicabs) or riding on the back of rented motorcycles. Serious injuries have resulted when thieves snatched purses or bags, which were strapped across their victims' bodies, leading to the victim being dragged along the ground by the thief's <font color="red">motorcycle</font>. In November 2003, an American citizen victim of a drive-by purse snatching was dragged to the ground and seriously injured <font color="red">in this manner</font>.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english...ent_524395.htm
It is common for people to carry their bags in knapsacks in front of their chests instead of on their backs in many Guangdong cities. Local television sometimes shows gruesome footage of people being dragged behind <font color="red">motorcyles</font> when they refuse to let go of purses grabbed by mobile thieves. Criminals bent on making speedy getaways are also known for hacking off the hands or arms of victims who hang on to their purses and bags.
Jan 3rd, 2008, 10:02 PM
#51
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This arguement has been on Fodor's before.
All I know is that I take whatever day purse I would use here at home when I go to Italy and I pack a small one for evening events.
I have many Italian friends in Italy and not one of them will ever carry a purse with the strap going across their body as they consider that quite dangerous because of the reasons stated here. They just use a "regular" purse and have the strap over their shoulder and keep their hand on the top of the purse. Their pursess have a zipper which keeps the purse closed.
No need to argue..one must do whatever they are comfortable with.
Are you from a small town MissAmanda? I ask as personally I don't feel in any more danger when in Italy then when in say San Francisco. Anyway, I hope you have a lovely time in beautiful Italy.
All I know is that I take whatever day purse I would use here at home when I go to Italy and I pack a small one for evening events.
I have many Italian friends in Italy and not one of them will ever carry a purse with the strap going across their body as they consider that quite dangerous because of the reasons stated here. They just use a "regular" purse and have the strap over their shoulder and keep their hand on the top of the purse. Their pursess have a zipper which keeps the purse closed.
No need to argue..one must do whatever they are comfortable with.
Are you from a small town MissAmanda? I ask as personally I don't feel in any more danger when in Italy then when in say San Francisco. Anyway, I hope you have a lovely time in beautiful Italy.
Jan 4th, 2008, 01:58 AM
#52
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"strange city where only a foreign language is spoken"
They don't speak a foreign language at all, the tourists who can't speak the local language are the ones speaking the foreign language.
They don't speak a foreign language at all, the tourists who can't speak the local language are the ones speaking the foreign language.
Jan 4th, 2008, 04:39 AM
#53
A zipper is no protection, I had a wallet stolen from a zippered purse on a Rome bus. I had the purse (a small one) clamped under one arm, I allowed myself to be distracted, and someone opened the part of the zipper behind my arm! I only lost one day's money and an expiring bus pass, but I rather liked the wallet, and it didn't do the zipper any good, either.
Jan 4th, 2008, 04:45 AM
#54
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There is no 100% sure way to stop pickpockets.
All you can do is reduce the risk.
The chance you'll be pick pocketed is quite small anyway.
A few simple precautions as mentioned above and the small risk is reduced further.
Even with the smallest odds you could be just that unlucky but don't let it worry you or ruin your holiday.
All you can do is reduce the risk.
The chance you'll be pick pocketed is quite small anyway.
A few simple precautions as mentioned above and the small risk is reduced further.
Even with the smallest odds you could be just that unlucky but don't let it worry you or ruin your holiday.
Jan 4th, 2008, 04:49 AM
#55
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"You haven't a clue what I think. I know that purses get snatched from motorbikes. What I'm still trying to find is an authentic report of someone being dragged by one. The physics just don't seem to compute."
Oh right, how silly of me. You ARE aware of the snatchings, but somehow it's impossible for you to believe that anyone could be dragged along by the motorcycle. I do apologise for my assumption that you were ignorant of both things, and won't bother to link to any articles since you have totally disregarded the ones already posted.
Oh right, how silly of me. You ARE aware of the snatchings, but somehow it's impossible for you to believe that anyone could be dragged along by the motorcycle. I do apologise for my assumption that you were ignorant of both things, and won't bother to link to any articles since you have totally disregarded the ones already posted.
Jan 4th, 2008, 06:10 AM
#57
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I'm just a man, and I don't know what is carried by women in a purse when travelling.
My wife never carries a purse when with me. (This started after her purse was stolen in NYC.) I carry the few necessities (lipstick), and she may carry water and a guide book in a belly pouch.
So what is carried? Can it be minimized, culled, carried in an inexpensive bag? Does it have to be a leather purse with a 1" thick wallet and your home and car keys while in Paris?
I'm just a man, so please enlighten me. And if you can do it without flaming me, all the better. Thanks.
My wife never carries a purse when with me. (This started after her purse was stolen in NYC.) I carry the few necessities (lipstick), and she may carry water and a guide book in a belly pouch.
So what is carried? Can it be minimized, culled, carried in an inexpensive bag? Does it have to be a leather purse with a 1" thick wallet and your home and car keys while in Paris?
I'm just a man, so please enlighten me. And if you can do it without flaming me, all the better. Thanks.
Jan 4th, 2008, 06:45 AM
#58
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I have been to Europe three times. I have spent time in Naples, Rome, Milan and Paris. We took subways and trains and public transportation everywhere. I never had a problem. But I was always aware of my surroundings and my purse. I carried my purse but kept important items (credit cards, ID and cash) in my waist belt or a pocket.
My daughter studied for a semester in Milan spring of 2007. She traveled throughout Europe with a purse. No problems. The only incident she heard of was when a friend left her purse unattended on a beach in Spain. Of course, it was stolen.
Just be smart as my daughter advised me.
My daughter studied for a semester in Milan spring of 2007. She traveled throughout Europe with a purse. No problems. The only incident she heard of was when a friend left her purse unattended on a beach in Spain. Of course, it was stolen.
Just be smart as my daughter advised me.
Jan 4th, 2008, 07:06 AM
#59
Jed makes some excellent points! How much do you really need? And if you do bring your purse from home, no need to carry your normal wallet with all your home stuff.
To answer the question my small Fossil envelope style brown leather bag would have: my passport, ATM card, charge card, a coin purse with a day's worth of local currency, kleenex, lipstick, sunglasses, pen, 3x5 spiral notebook, sometimes a folded paper street map or apartment key.
To answer the question my small Fossil envelope style brown leather bag would have: my passport, ATM card, charge card, a coin purse with a day's worth of local currency, kleenex, lipstick, sunglasses, pen, 3x5 spiral notebook, sometimes a folded paper street map or apartment key.
Jan 4th, 2008, 07:10 AM
#60
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Jed-in answer to your question "what do women carry in their purse while on vacation".
I use my purse for:
financial necessities - a thin card holder that has indeed been culled of all needless items so that it only has the ATM/credit cards needed for the trip, drivers' license, medical insurance card, cash
travel documents - I carry the passports for both my husband & myself (and in past years, my children) as he carries nothing but a small wallet and one of the cameras.
travel items for all - water, guidebook, maps, snacks & xtra sunscreen (if needed), 2nd camera
personal necessities - lipstick, sunglasses, tampons
I use the lightest regular purse that I have, altered slightly with some anti pickpocket protection- i.e. zippered pencil bag that holds the passports & money, etc. is attached to inside of the bag.
I realize that I'm the "packmule" for my family, but it works well for us - my husband tends to forget small things like his credit cards. I imagine that when men travel on their own they take a daypack of some sort to hold at least their guidebook & maps?
I use my purse for:
financial necessities - a thin card holder that has indeed been culled of all needless items so that it only has the ATM/credit cards needed for the trip, drivers' license, medical insurance card, cash
travel documents - I carry the passports for both my husband & myself (and in past years, my children) as he carries nothing but a small wallet and one of the cameras.
travel items for all - water, guidebook, maps, snacks & xtra sunscreen (if needed), 2nd camera
personal necessities - lipstick, sunglasses, tampons
I use the lightest regular purse that I have, altered slightly with some anti pickpocket protection- i.e. zippered pencil bag that holds the passports & money, etc. is attached to inside of the bag.
I realize that I'm the "packmule" for my family, but it works well for us - my husband tends to forget small things like his credit cards. I imagine that when men travel on their own they take a daypack of some sort to hold at least their guidebook & maps?
