Stay Vigilant While Traveling: How to Protect Your Luggage from Tampering

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 8, 2024 19:30 PMNews
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A blue ballpoint pen on a white surface
An ordinary pen can be used to breach luggage security. Source: pixabay

Many travelers rely on locks and special combinations on their suitcases, believing they provide adequate security. However, there is a method that has been around for years, allowing a suitcase zipper to be breached using an ordinary pen. This technique enables wrongdoers to access the contents of the luggage easily, leaving both the lock and zipper seemingly untouched.

The breach technique involves using a pen to open the zipper. This method renders many standard locks, which are attached to zippers, ineffective since they don't provide sufficient protection. A simple pen can separate the zipper teeth, allowing the suitcase to be opened, and then by running the lock back over the zipper, the wrongdoer can close it without leaving any signs of tampering.

How to Protect Your Luggage

To safeguard your luggage while traveling, especially during holiday seasons, it is recommended to choose suitcases with extra layers of protection. The best option is zippers with protective covers, adding a barrier that prevents unauthorized access with a pen. This design makes it significantly harder to reach the contents of your luggage and serves as an extra security measure. You should also consider luggage with built-in locks and reinforced zippers, which are more difficult to tamper with using simple tools.

The Importance of Awareness

Modern travelers need to be aware of such risks. Unawareness of these techniques can lead to the loss of valuable items or important information, especially if your luggage contains electronics or documents. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s crucial to select luggage with higher security features and stay vigilant when checking your belongings into luggage compartments.

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