Have you ever had an issue with Pickpockets and bags that don’t zip?

[livinginnw]

I have been so hesitant to carry my NeoNoe on travel with me but I think I may be overly concerned.
Has anyone ever experienced any issues with bags that are open top?

 

[GJ*]

I prefer to use the neverfull in everyday life and have no problems. but when i'm traveling where it's cramped, crowded or confusing the cities are known for pickpocketing i always use closed bags, often with a lock. my husband therefore laughs at me until a friend in barcelona stole his wallet from his pocket. I don't want to be clenching my bag all the time, so I feel more comfortable that way.

 

[Melli12]

To be honest that is why I‘m using my LV bags with top zipper or flap closure when traveling. And always in front of my body and not on my back. I heard so many bad examples from friends and colleagues so I‘m very careful.

 

[jaskg144]

The best thing to do is to put a scarf or a cardigan at the top of an open bag to hide what is inside. It would be easy to do with the neo noe because you can put half in each side and drape it over the top. I used to carry my Neverfull every day in London when I was at university with my laptop, phone, etc. inside and I never had an issue

 

[boyoverboard]

Not personally, no. I’ve even heard of people having items stolen from coat pockets though, so it’s definitely possible. If I’m carrying a bag with an open top, I make sure to have it on my shoulder or close to my body in crowded spaces.

 

[snibor]

I would not travel with an open top bag. It’s asking for trouble.

 

[blushnbellinlvoe]

There was an incident where a girl had an apple airtag in her purse tracking her for a week since being in a bar. If I find it again
I will post it here. No mention of type of bag but I would imagine an open top would be much easier for a stranger to drop things in too and not just take things out for pick pocketing. I don’t like the risk of being an unwitting mule for someone else’s nefarious intentions

 

[Kylie M]

A good option is to get a bag insert that has a zipper for security, if and when in doubt. Good luck

 

[Kylie M]

A good option is to get a bag insert that has a zipper for security, if and when in doubt. Good luck

 

[jayjay77]

Yes, I have been pickpocketed from an open top bucket bag (Coach); this happened in my home town New York, not while traveling but could happen anywhere. I think partially because it had a long strap drop. And the wallet I lost was LV, so the wallet was worth more than the cash inside. So far I have been lucky with my Petite Noe since it has a shorter strap and is held closer to my body. But I prefer to travel with zip top bags, just one less thing to worry about and sometimes I also use a relatively inexpensive travel wallet depending on where I'm traveling.

 

[blushnbellinlvoe]

I can no longer edit my earlier post but here is the incident I was referring to thanks to @lill_canele for posting in another thread. Just an FYI.

 

[keishapie1973]

A good option is to get a bag insert that has a zipper for security, if and when in doubt. Good luck

This is what I did with my NF. There are zip top organizers on Amazon.

 

[Penelopepursula]

I travel frequently with my NF. Before I had an organizer with a zipper, I would put the organizer in a dust bag and then place inside the NF. it was then easy to pull the draw string tight on the dust bag to keep anyone from reaching in. And often I will throw a sweater or a scarf on top of that.

 

[MariaB]

I definitely prefer bags with a zipper on top. I am very aware of pickpockets. I do have a few open top bags but I never carry them on the underground or other places where I know it will be crowded.
I am especially careful when on vacation in certain European cities, they tend to seek out tourists.
My friend was on a weekend holiday in Austria recently, carrying her Pallas Clutch (zipper on top). Suddenly 3 girls surrounded her on the street, asking for directions. A few seconds later they all ran in separate directions and her wallet fell to the ground. They had opened the zipper, taken the wallet out of her bag, then taken the cash from the wallet - all in about 10 seconds without her noticing anything! They only took cash from the wallet, none of her cards...maybe they did not want anything traced back to them...? Her wallet was also LV and worth more than the few Euros they took...

 

[livinginnw]

Thank you all for sharing these experiences! I purchased a zip top organizer and will for sure be quite careful in situations where I could be distracted. This discussion has been extremely helpful!