Do NOT use zip-up suitcases

shown73

Amongst the inevitable wierd e-mails that circulate at work was one recently which showed just how childishly simple it is to unzip and reclose a suitcase, using nothing more sophisticated than a ball point pen. Doesn't matter if it is locked or not. You wouldn't know that it had been tampered with, and for insurance purposes, I don't see how you could prove that it had. I've tried it on my own cases, and it works, open, steal, close, all in a matter of seconds. If you value your possessions, don't use a case with a zip, or at least do not put anything of real value in one.
I'm sure that this e-mail has been widely circulated, and by now loads of people know about it. Any suitcase with a zip is wide open to theft, quickly, easily, untraceably.

Donnie

Actually, that's not strictly true.
It will only work if they can re-zip the bag. Impossible if the zipper is locked in one place. It is only possible if the zippers are locked together, but moveable.

shown73

Works a treat on both of mine, regardless where the zippers are...Yes, if the zip was locked to a fixed point on the case it would not be possible to reclose it, but there are usually two or more zips anyway, and it may not be too important to the thief whether he re-zips it or not. The fact remains that zips are laughably insecure.

Nordictat2

shown73 wrote: »

Works a treat on both of mine, regardless where the zippers are...Yes, if the zip was locked to a fixed point on the case it would not be possible to reclose it, but there are usually two or more zips anyway, and it may not be too important to the thief whether he re-zips it or not. The fact remains that zips are laughably insecure.

Well with all the security they have these days IN AIRPORTS...they should have some kinda way to prevent theft! We are paying customers so they should have camera's in the workers area to prevent it

KarenG

All my six suitcases have zips, I can't say it's ever concerned me.

Cable ties are a good security measure; just snip them off the other end (unless security have beaten you to it )

turtle2k1

What other sorts of suitcases are there? Everyone I have seen has got a zip?

Incapuppy

turtle2k1 wrote: »

What other sorts of suitcases are there? Everyone I have seen has got a zip?

Umm, suitcases without zips (none of mine have zips)

Nordictat2

turtle2k1 wrote: »

What other sorts of suitcases are there? Everyone I have seen has got a zip?

An example of a suitcase withOUT zip

M4RKM

my suitcase doesn't have zips. saying that, i've never locked it, and am not paranoid about things going missing.

the only way to ensure that nothing goes missing is to take everything as hand luggage..

paranoia. a wonderful thing innit!

phatbear

I suppose you could call me somewhat of an expert in getting in and out of people baggage without them knowing about it and also having to get into bags for stranded passengers.

Anyway I can assure you there is no such thing as a secure bag the only thing you can have is a tamper evident bag, i personally, as someone else has already mentioned, use a cable tie through the zip holes and fix them to a secure point, however there is a way into the bag still with out a passenger noticing but im not going to go into that here.

Locked bags are usually a joke, especially when most people never re set their combination from 000 or go the obvious route of 123 etc etc.

The fact is if someone wants to get into your bag they will so my top tip is if youve got anything valuable put it in your hand luggage and carry it on, if you do have to put things in the hold make sure u get the serial numbers down and get proper insurance.

And of course if your not sure if someone has messed with your bag and you need help you can always approach a friendly customs officer.

all the best

the bear

trets77

we always use the circular key ring bits that you loop your keys onto between zippers on a suitcase. okay it won't stop anyone who is determined to get into your case , but it will be more time consuming target than a suitcase with no protection.