I've been reading the threads about pick-pocketing in London. I was there last year & saw the warning signs posted in various tourist areas. I was always very conscious of my leather backpack (almost obsessive) & the people around me -- especially in crowds and on the tube. We didn't have any trouble.<BR><BR>Question: When I was in London last year, it was with my big, strapping husband. This time I will be with my Mother. We'll both have leather backpacks & again, we will be extremely conscious of our surroundings, etc.. Are two women alone more easily targeted for someone grabbing your bag?? <BR><BR>We have theatre tickets for most of the evenings we're there -- so we'll be out at night & probably taking the tube. Is this a worry?<BR><BR>Other than just what I've read about this possible problem, I did feel very safe during our stay in London.<BR><BR>Jill

It is the backpacks, not your companion, that a thief will notice. They are just too easy for a fast-fingered thief to get at before you are even aware he's there.<BR>If you are worried, leave the backpack at home and use a very small purse with a long strap. Wear it under your coat or sweater, strap diagonally across your body, and carry a tote of some kind for your umbrella, guidebook, etc. A shoulder bag that you can swing around to clutch against your chest is easier to maneuver in crowded places than a backpack.

Or buy a $10.00 money belt to wear around your waist under your clothes. You can each carry a backpack, but put the *really* valuable things - passports, credit cards, theatre tickets for that hot show - where a pickpocket can't get them.

<BR>You could go to the theatre carrying one purse between the two of you, as ladies once did, and no backpack. The purse would hold a few ten-pound notes and a credit card. Your passports, tickets, spare credit cards and spare cash can stay in the hotel manager s safe.<BR><BR>Please write if I can help further. Welcome to London.<BR><BR>Ben Haines<BR>

kd's right, backpacks are touristy and vulnerable. Last summer I spent 2 weeks in London with my sister and two teens and never felt threatened, even in the evening. Sis used a "bum bag" (known to Americans as a fanny pack), which I think is ridiculous but she loves it. Myself, I like a tote bag with short-ish straps -- my dd and I call them "armpit bags".

Thanks everyone for your replies. Our backpacks can be worn as shoulder bags too by adjusting the straps... maybe we should do that. <BR><BR>Ellen, I agree-- fanny packs are the worst! <BR><BR>Maybe we should re-think our purse situation & switch to shoulder bags... <BR><BR>Also I guess the most important thing is simply to be super aware & cautious, always conscious of your belongings & who is around you.<BR><BR>Jill

Message: Jill, I recently bought a great bag from Tumi for 90.00. I absolutely love it. I have traveled the past 6 weeks or so to some major US cities and felt completely safe.<BR><BR>Next week I head to Paris for 12 days and plan on taking it. I will also wear a small silk neck pouch that will hold my valuables. I plan to carry my maps,umbrella, some small change and other unimportant misc. items in the Tumi bag. Following is a link for you to check it out.<BR><BR>http://www.tumi.com<BR><BR>The style # for the bag is 533.<BR>The bag is to be worn across the body.<BR>It basically hugs your hips. The main compartment zipper is completely hidden.<BR>I bought the all black bag.<BR><BR>HTH,<BR><BR>KJL<BR><BR>

Thanks everyone for your replies. Our backpacks can be worn as shoulder bags too by adjusting the straps... maybe we should do that. <BR><BR>Ellen, I agree-- fanny packs are the worst! <BR><BR>Maybe we should re-think our purse situation & switch to shoulder bags... <BR><BR>Also I guess the most important thing is simply to be super aware & cautious, always conscious of your belongings & who is around you.<BR><BR>Jill

Does anyone know why a post will post again several hours later? Mine appeared twice in this thread. It's happened before too. Computer glich?<BR><BR>Anyway, KJL -- thanks very much for the handbag recommendation. I'm going to check it out right now. I appreciate it!<BR><BR>Jill

I have always carried a Coach Station bag, they have good fasteners on them, and the strap goes across your chest,with the bag in front- never had a hint of trouble in London,even on crowded trains.<BR>Sometimes I think those signs are for the people who are really new at travel and sort of ask for trouble, you know, like counting their money in a crowd..You will be fine

Coming home from the theater on the tube in London had my wallet taken from my purse. Don't know if I had left the purse unzipped or had it opened by the thieves. Now when I travel to Europe I use a pounch which I wear under my clothes. Think this is definetely the way to go. Be aware of your surrondings and keep your purse close to your body. Good luck and enjoy1

Jill - back pack are handy for the flight but are definitely not the best choice for day to day touring. Many museums, theatres, stores, etc will not allow you to enter with a backpack. Now a small leather pack that is more of a ladies handbag or a "back bag" sort of kidney shaped shoulder bag that rides in the small of your back are OK - but luggage type back or day packs are not. So you end up having to check it everywhere and waiting in line to check it and again to pick it up.<BR><BR>A handbag with a long strap that you can wear across your shoulder and chest is much better. And definitely get a money belt or silk pouch to wear under your clother.<BR><BR>All that being said, London is very safe compared to any other city of its size. Some purse snatching/muggings but very little actual violent crime. I travel there solo frequently and always feel totally safe. just take simple precautions and you wil be fine (Just leave the back packs and fanny packs at home)

Janis:<BR><BR>I understand leaving the backpacks behind if you have to check them (and am glad you mentioned it, as my husband always wants to carry one when traveling), but why do you say to leave the fanny packs at home? Is that a fashion statement, or do you have to check those, too? I get a neck ache from carrying stuff on my shoulder or back, and LOVE fanny packs when traveling.

Jill,<BR><BR>I just returned from a week in London with my mother and sister-in-law. We traveled mostly by tube, did quite a bit of walking in all areas of London, and were out many nights. We never felt unsafe and never had a problem with our purses. We each had shoulder bags (mostly carried around the neck & over the shoulder) and kept them positioned in front of our bodies. I am always aware of my purse whether in London or USA. You shouldn't have any problems if you are always aware of your surroundings. Have a great time!!

Cindy - my comments about packs were re safety and security.<BR><BR>But the comments about fanny packs were more than just re fashion. (BTW - NEVER EVER call it a fanny pack in the UK. If you must take one, always call it a Belt bag, Brits are used to daft Americans calling them fanny packs but it is still not a good idea. In old UK slang a fanny is a completely different part of the female anatomy than whe Americans call a fanny - you get my drift?)<BR><BR>Anyway - I do ocassionally take a belt bag - but ONLY to use when hiking or on long distance walks when I don't want to carry something heavier. Europeans never use a belt bag as a handbag. Besides being a uniquely American they have no place in a city - I doubt you'd use a fanny pack in NYC, SF or shopping downtown in your hometown so don't use one in London or Paris.

I agree wtih you completely about "belt bags" being gauche, but that darn sister of mine uses hers if she's going anywhere farther than the supermarket. She's turning 50 next week - I think I'll see if Gucci or Louis Vuitton makes a bum bag.

I've been to London 47 times and have never encountered a pickpocket. But then I don't look or act like a naive,backpack wearing golly gee tourist

Actually, I would and have and do! But thanks for the advice about what to call it!

Well when I went to London the first time in 2000. Three things I noticed about Londoners where 1) cell phone attached to one ear. 2}walkman attached to the other ear. 3} and a back pack. I used a leather back pack and found it to be very convient, it had a double zipper that i put a small luggage lock on. In the tube took it off my back and carried it. Only had to check it at one of the palaces, cannot remember which one. I have never understood the obsession with not wanting to look like an american or a tourist.