My Mom and I Almost Got Pickpocketed in Paris-Here Are the Only Anti-theft Bags We Carry Now

"It happens in an instant-the thieves can be so quick and unassuming, you'd miss them if you let your guard down for even a second. That's exactly what happened when my mom and I went to Paris during Christmas a few years ago. As we stepped off a crowded bus, I turned to help her step down and caught a kid unzipping her bag, ready to grab everything inside. I yelled, chased after him, and luckily, that was enough to send him running."

"Since then, I've been scouring the web for anti-theft bags I can travel with (and gift to my mom for when we travel together). Because these days, it's not just about having bags that can lock or have tight straps-thanks to new technology, pickpockets can now steal your data without even opening your bag. Armed with small handheld RFID readers, thieves can wirelessly scan credit cards or passports from a short distance to capture chip data and clone cards without ever touching your wallet."

"So, between lockable zippers, anti-slash fabric, and RFID blockers, the right bag needs to pull quadruple duty in protecting your belongings. Still, they need to be lightweight enough to carry on long tours or bustling travel days, and stylish enough to keep you from looking like a total tourist. To help, I've found 15 of the best anti-theft bags that will protect your belongings wherever you roam, no matter your budget."

A pickpocketing attempt occurred in Paris when a child tried to unzip a traveler's bag as they stepped off a crowded bus, and a quick chase prevented the theft. Modern thieves can also use handheld RFID readers to wirelessly scan credit cards and passports from a short distance to capture chip data and clone cards. Anti-theft bags must combine lockable zippers, anti-slash fabric, cut-resistant straps, and RFID-blocking pockets to protect physical items and digital information. Bags should remain lightweight and stylish for comfortable touring. Fifteen anti-theft travel bags across budgets are recommended. The Pacsafe Go crossbody features cut-resistant straps, lockable zippers, RFID-blocking pockets, and a TurnNLock hook system.

Read at Travel + Leisure