**Expert Advises Adding Dirt and Scratches to Your Bag to Deter Thieves While Travelling**
Travelling can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with the risk of falling victim to thieves. Security experts have now shared a simple yet effective tip to protect your belongings while on holiday. Paul Evans, a detective at I-Spy Detectives, suggests making your bag look ‘worthless’ to deter pickpockets who often target travellers carrying expensive-looking luggage.
Evans explains that thieves carefully select their targets and are more likely to go after individuals with branded or new bags, assuming they hold valuable items like phones, cameras, passports, and money. To counter this, he advises travellers to make their bags appear worn out, dirty, and less desirable. By intentionally making your bag look less appealing, you reduce the chances of being targeted by thieves seeking easy and profitable opportunities.
Before embarking on a trip, Evans recommends rubbing dirt on your backpack and giving it a few scratches to make it appear well-used. However, he cautions against doing this to your favourite bag and suggests purchasing an old, unbranded backpack from sources like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, charity shops, or second-hand websites. Once you have the bag, you can enhance its worn-out look with sandpaper, dirt, and dust.
While altering the appearance of your bag can lower the risk of theft, Evans emphasises the importance of remaining vigilant during travel. He advises against engaging in obvious tourist behaviours, such as constantly checking your phone for directions, which could signal distraction and vulnerability to criminals. Additionally, he recommends keeping expensive belongings out of outer pockets, as they are easier targets for thieves.
Travellers can further protect themselves by staying alert and using discreet methods to navigate, like using a map app with headphones instead of visibly looking at a screen. By taking these precautions and making your bag less appealing to thieves, you can reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for theft while exploring new destinations.
It’s crucial to strike a balance between appearing inconspicuous and enjoying your travel experience without fear of theft. By following Evans’ advice and implementing these practical tips, travellers can enhance their safety and security during trips. Remember to prioritise your peace of mind by taking proactive measures to safeguard your belongings while immersing yourself in the joy of travelling.