Train Baggage Security
Oct 2nd, 2003, 10:58 AM
#21
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I'd take a cable lock for my bags, but they are so darn big I can never find one that will fit around those bad boys.
I keep telling the "little wife" to leave something back in the cabin, but that crazy gal has to have the latest K-Mart fashions to impress folks in the old world.
And besides, I wish a low-life would yank those bags off the rack and save me the risk of another hernia.
Seriously, it does no harm and just might do some good with a cable lock.
They are cheap, light and easy to use. Don't see all the fuss if it prevents a robbery and gives you some peace of mind.
I keep telling the "little wife" to leave something back in the cabin, but that crazy gal has to have the latest K-Mart fashions to impress folks in the old world.
And besides, I wish a low-life would yank those bags off the rack and save me the risk of another hernia.
Seriously, it does no harm and just might do some good with a cable lock.
They are cheap, light and easy to use. Don't see all the fuss if it prevents a robbery and gives you some peace of mind.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 12:50 PM
#24
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Hey NYCFoodSlug,
Let's take a moment to discuss your ridiculous claim that "my insurance policy provides a certain sense of security, too." Now, how can that be? What kind of insurance is this? Does this type of insurance exist for the casual traveler, on a short-term vacation? Please be specific.
Thanks, Granny.
Let's take a moment to discuss your ridiculous claim that "my insurance policy provides a certain sense of security, too." Now, how can that be? What kind of insurance is this? Does this type of insurance exist for the casual traveler, on a short-term vacation? Please be specific.
Thanks, Granny.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 12:59 PM
#25
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In a possible wasted attempt to try to revert this thread back to its original intent; hey degas and baymtnman, take a look at the following retractable cable lock I took to Italy:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...&langId=-1
Small, light and inexpensive. Very hassle-free...quick to secure and release.
However, I did sense during my trip that I was being overly cautious compared to other tourists. But I didn't fall victim to the horror stories you hear about either.
So I think it boils down to what's more worrisome to you...the potential risk of theft or looking foolishly paranoid to others. It also depends on how many valuables you're toting.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...&langId=-1
Small, light and inexpensive. Very hassle-free...quick to secure and release.
However, I did sense during my trip that I was being overly cautious compared to other tourists. But I didn't fall victim to the horror stories you hear about either.
So I think it boils down to what's more worrisome to you...the potential risk of theft or looking foolishly paranoid to others. It also depends on how many valuables you're toting.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 01:25 PM
#26
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Bluefan, thanks for the info.
All joking aside, I've ridden plenty of trains and noticed that many people keep a wary eye on thier bags and often appear a little anxious at stops enroute.
We downsized and now each take two 22" roll-ons which fit nicely above our seats. No worry about thieves or a bad back lifting a monster-sized bag.
All joking aside, I've ridden plenty of trains and noticed that many people keep a wary eye on thier bags and often appear a little anxious at stops enroute.
We downsized and now each take two 22" roll-ons which fit nicely above our seats. No worry about thieves or a bad back lifting a monster-sized bag.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 01:28 PM
#27
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We were warned by a Dutch lady on an Amsterdam train recently that scammers were grabbing bags & detraining just before the doors shut at stations between there & the airport.
This was a new scam there.
Also, please take care not to keep valuables in your backpack when walking.I remember seeing 2 young Germans in Barcelona being robbed that way.
A guy walked along beside them waving leaflets for hotels or somesuch in their faces.As they cheerfully told him they werent interested, his other hand undid the pack at the back & came out with their money, passports etc.He then disappeared into the crowd - total time around 20 seconds.They seemed to realise something was amiss right away, stopped & discovered their loss, too late.The street was so crowded I couldn't warn them.
This was a new scam there.
Also, please take care not to keep valuables in your backpack when walking.I remember seeing 2 young Germans in Barcelona being robbed that way.
A guy walked along beside them waving leaflets for hotels or somesuch in their faces.As they cheerfully told him they werent interested, his other hand undid the pack at the back & came out with their money, passports etc.He then disappeared into the crowd - total time around 20 seconds.They seemed to realise something was amiss right away, stopped & discovered their loss, too late.The street was so crowded I couldn't warn them.
Oct 2nd, 2003, 08:01 PM
#29
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My solution to this question was simple and elegant. I went to the hardware store and purchased for cheap a six foot coated steel 1/8 inch cable, simple crimp clamps and a key lock. Took me all of five minutes to assemble and about $6 and weighs almost nothing.
Oct 3rd, 2003, 02:23 AM
#30
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I have also spent a lot of time on the train. To be exact four months, when I was 17, two months, when I was 22, three months when I was 26, and just recently, 2 months when I was 30 (and I dragged my mother with me on that one). My advise is to watch your luggage carefully especially when traveling in Italy, and Austria, and especially on night trains.
While on the night train from Vianna to Venice I was awakened by someone opening the door of my couchette, being that my mother was sleeping across from me, amd I knew I hadn't open the door, I opened my eyes to find a hand reaching for my bookbag. I propmtly stabbed to hand with my Swiss Army Knife, the hand yelped and then disappeared. After this incident I was unable to return to sleep and went to the restroom, upon leaving the restroom I discovered two men one with a bloody hand leaving the couchette four doors down from me carrying a bag. I knew it didn't belong to them for two reasons 1) I had just stabbed one of the thieves, and 2) I knew all of the girls who were in that room. So, being a woman of considerable lungs, and not quite sane I began screaming and chasing said thieves until I woke up the whole train and retrieved the girls bag. The train conductor never appeared during this entire commotion. I later found out that they are sometimes paid to not be around while the thieves are at work. So, watch your stuff. You're better safe than sorry.
While on the night train from Vianna to Venice I was awakened by someone opening the door of my couchette, being that my mother was sleeping across from me, amd I knew I hadn't open the door, I opened my eyes to find a hand reaching for my bookbag. I propmtly stabbed to hand with my Swiss Army Knife, the hand yelped and then disappeared. After this incident I was unable to return to sleep and went to the restroom, upon leaving the restroom I discovered two men one with a bloody hand leaving the couchette four doors down from me carrying a bag. I knew it didn't belong to them for two reasons 1) I had just stabbed one of the thieves, and 2) I knew all of the girls who were in that room. So, being a woman of considerable lungs, and not quite sane I began screaming and chasing said thieves until I woke up the whole train and retrieved the girls bag. The train conductor never appeared during this entire commotion. I later found out that they are sometimes paid to not be around while the thieves are at work. So, watch your stuff. You're better safe than sorry.
Oct 3rd, 2003, 02:53 AM
#31
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Now that everyone has thoroughly peed on everyone else during their recent slow days at the office I'll weigh in again. The PacSafe is, in my opinion, not a "heavy" piece of equipment and I don't feel foolish for having purchased or used it. I still do not feel unsafe on European trains and as I said, rarely use the cable lock.
I am surprised by all the rather "familiar" names on this thread who have, in the past, told us how they always rent cars, always take the bus or fly on Ryanair and apparently wouldn't be caught dead on a rain anywhere and now they are suddenly "experts" on railroad baggage security. Oh well, onward and upward so we can be fresh and ready to answer thwe next round of "What should I wear" questions.
Cheers!
I am surprised by all the rather "familiar" names on this thread who have, in the past, told us how they always rent cars, always take the bus or fly on Ryanair and apparently wouldn't be caught dead on a rain anywhere and now they are suddenly "experts" on railroad baggage security. Oh well, onward and upward so we can be fresh and ready to answer thwe next round of "What should I wear" questions.
Cheers!
Oct 3rd, 2003, 04:07 AM
#32
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Well, Intrepid, just in case you were referring to me, I don't mind setting my record straight, since few can think beyond the skull on this board. I never said I "always" rented a car in my 28 years of travel to Italy and France (and I never advised anyone to be lax about their security. Any idiot with decent comprehension can see that.) 28 years is one-third a lifetime and NOTHING is absolute. There were many, many years when I couldn't afford to rent a car and not share the expense. Also, there are many times when it simply makes no sense to rent a car, like this December when I'll be going straight to Venice from Rome to celebrate New Year's. None of these facts changes my preference to be in a car and on my own schedule. Nor does it change the fact that I've ridden hundreds of trains and will continue to do so. I am no "sudden" expert on all aspects of travel. But I am an expert on traveling as stress free as possible.
Oct 11th, 2003, 11:03 PM
#34
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My 2cents: I don't think train travel in Europe is any more dangerous than any public travel, but I don't want the inconvenience of having my luggage and all of my clothes, etc. taken from me while I am in the middle of a trip, so I watch my luggage at stops or lock it to something if I go to a dining car.
It is not being paranoid, it is being realistic and maybe the word is cautious, but I have seen with my own eyes a man reach into the train at a quick stop and take a bag near the door.
Maybe traveler's insurance would cover such a loss but I don't want to bother with claims and the inconvience in the meantime.
It is not being paranoid, it is being realistic and maybe the word is cautious, but I have seen with my own eyes a man reach into the train at a quick stop and take a bag near the door.
Maybe traveler's insurance would cover such a loss but I don't want to bother with claims and the inconvience in the meantime.
