Anyone can be targeted by pickpockets, even the most frequent travelers.
While big tourist destinations that draw large crowds tend to be hotspots, it can happen anytime, anywhere.
To protect yourself and your belongings, it’s wise to invest in a few key pieces of anti-theft travel gear. Even if you stay alert and aware of your surroundings, these travel accessories can both protect and deter physical and digital pickpocketing and add an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
From anti-theft bags to trackers, these accessories will help to safeguard your items and outsmart pickpockets, no matter where you are in the world.
In this article
An Anti-Theft Money Belt
Storing money or your passport in your pocket or loose in a bag may be convenient when you need to grab it, but that also makes it easy for pickpockets to snatch.
You can still keep your cash close and concealed, but better protected, by wearing a money belt.
The Alpha Keeper Money Belt is a thin and discreet anti-theft travel accessory that’s designed to be worn under your clothes. It’s just 0.2 inches thick, making it virtually invisible and difficult to detect.
Despite being thin, it has two zippered compartments that can fit a passport, a large smartphone, up to six credit cards, money, and other small valuables.
The money belt is also made of RFID blocking material, giving you 360 degrees of protection from electronic theft.
An Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Crossbody bags are typically worn in the front or side of your body, which can be a smart strategy as they keep your belongings in your line of sight at all times. You’ll avoid pickpockets while still enjoying their hands-free design.
I recommend the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Memento Crossbody, which is a lightweight option that weighs just 8 ounces, but is made with security in mind.
The fabric of the slim anti-theft crossbody bag is not only water-repellent, but it also is designed with slash-resistant panels. That means pickpockets won’t be able to cut your bag open to steal its contents, and they'll also stay dry in the rain. The adjustable strap is also cut-resistant, and locking zippers add an extra layer of security.
Inside, there’s an RFID-blocking passport pocket and a back wallet to keep your personal information and documents safe.
Anti-Theft Messenger Bag
If you want a little more space to carry the essentials, the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag offers anti-theft protection and a more spacious interior than many compact crossbody bags.
With a five-point anti-theft protection system, this bag has a cut-resistant strap, locking zippers, lockable hardware, a slash-resistant body, and RFID-protected pockets and slots. These features cover many pickpocket tactics, from electronic pickpocketing to physical theft.
The bag is also well-organized with various pockets and compartments. My favorite is the front zippered pocket that’s hidden under a flap. It’s easy to grab what you need, but also feels like an extra secure spot that’s difficult for pickpockets to get to.
There’s also a back zippered pocket on the outside. Inside, there are drop pockets, a zippered pocket, a key clip, and two water bottle pockets.
Even with all of the organization options, the bag and material are lightweight and durable, weighing just over a pound.
Anti-Theft Zipper Clips
Bags with easily-opened zippers are a dream for pickpockets. One of the easiest ways to deter them? Make accessing your bag even more difficult.
One of my favorite tactics is with zipper clips, like the Zelin Anti-Theft Zipper Clips, which clip double zippers together, making it more difficult to open your bag. The clip alone acts as a first line of defense, since it makes you a more difficult target off of visuals alone.
But if a pickpocket actually tries to remove the clip, it creates strong resistance, which will likely make you more alert when you feel someone trying to fumble around your bag.
I also love how you can use them as carabiner clips for keys when you’re not using them for travel.
A Bluetooth Tracker
Bluetooth trackers may not ward off pickpockets, but they can give you peace of mind that if you do lose your bag, you’ll be able to trace its whereabouts.
With a Bluetooth tracker inside, local authorities are more likely to find and retrieve your belongings.
And even if it’s not stolen, trackers can keep tabs on your luggage to ensure it doesn’t get lost in transit to your next destination.
Apple AirTags are my go-to’s, and they haven’t failed me yet. When I travel, I like to keep one in each of my bags, usually my carry-on and everyday travel bag. In addition to that extra layer of security, I love how I can set off a sound with the Find My app to make sure the tracker (and my item) is still close by.
There are also passport holders, wallets, money clips, and wallet inserts with built-in AirTag holders to keep track of travel essentials if you want to cover all your bases.
The Shortcut
RFID-blocking belts and bags shut down the digital theft you can't feel happening.
Slash-resistant panels and locking zippers offer protection from cutting and unzipping, two common pickpocket moves.
A zipper clip is the cheapest way to deter a thief from unzipping your bag.
Drop a Bluetooth tracker in each bag. It won't stop the theft, but it can help you track it down.
