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Suitcase padlocks don’t keep your luggage safe

How thieves can get into your suitcase with just a pen. - by Laura Barry
  • 02 Jan 2020

WATCH: Sarah Ferguson rides through airport security on electric suitcase

Anyone who travels via plane regularly knows about the importance of securing your luggage and valuables to ensure everything arrives safely at your chosen destination. However, new reports reveal that security measures, such as applying a padlock to the zips on your suitcase, may not actually be securing your belongings as well as you thought.

In an interview with The Sun, a baggage handler revealed that when thieves see a suitcase with a padlock attached, it makes them believe there are valuables inside, making your suitcase a target.

built in suitcase lock

A suitcase design with built-in lock may be safer.

Getty

Furthermore, padlocks on your suitcase really aren’t a deterrent for those who decide they want to break in, as all a thief needs to get inside your suitcase is a pen.

The zipper on a suitcase can be popped by pushing the pen tip through the zipper, and then the suitcase can be zipped back up simply by moving the padlocked zip heads along the teeth.

It may be better to purchase a suitcase with a lock built into the design, so thieves cannot cover up their attempts at breaking and entering. Another tip is to apply ‘Fragile’ stickers to your suitcase, as it may be treated with more care throughout its journey.

You might also like:

How to keep your luggage safe and secure while travelling

The $15 mistake you're making at the airport

  • News
  • Travel
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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