Looking for a new bag for travel or everyday? Worried about theft? This is an anti-theft bag project roundup.
Introduction
One of my suitcases broke a few years ago. While researching new luggage l found some “anti-theft bags”. I had never heard of these. What features do they have? Can I add anti-theft features to an existing bag? Can I make one from scratch? I’ll share what I’ve learned in this anti-theft bag project roundup.
1) What Is An Anti-theft Bag
Travelon and PacSafe are two well known brands that manufacture a variety of anti-theft bags. These backpacks, messenger bags, crossbody bags, sling bags, waist packs, etc have slash-proof fabrics, cut-proof straps, hidden pockets, and difficult to open zippers. Other brands are available and the implementation of the anti-theft features will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from bag to bag.
In 2022, United Locksmith published their list of every anti-theft measure a bag can have:
- slash-proof wires
- effective fabric
- locked zippers
- crossbody style
- hidden pockets
- not noticeable
- good strap
United Locksmith expands on each of these points and also suggests “…very few theft-proof bags have every single..[feature so]… you can mix and match several of these features… [depending on which]…are more crucial to your specific situation.”
Buying an anti-theft bag with all or most of the features you want may be cost prohibitive. Two other options are altering an existing bag to add anti-theft features and sewing an anti-theft bag from scratch.
2) Alter An Existing Bag
I found several online tutorials for adding anti-theft features to a bag you already own.
a) Luna Mach: 6 DIY Travel Anti-theft projects
Replace existing straps with chain; convert purse to fanny pack; add chain to items to secure them; insert thin, flexible plastic between layers of a backpack to make it slash-proof; use paperclips to make zippers more difficult to open.
b) JenOnLife: Turn Your Backpack Into An Anti-theft Bag
Make zippers lockable; add RFID protection.
c) Crafty Staci: DIY Theft Resistant Purse Strap
Make a cut resistant purse strap with a wire embedded inside to replace your existing strap. You can also buy these straps premade and attach them to your bag.
d) Wandrd: Worryless Locking Zipper Pullers
An example of locking zipper pullers you can buy and attach to any bag.
e) West Coast Prairie Girl: DIY Anti-theft Purse
Use carbiners to make zippers difficult to open; fasten wallet to interior of purse.
f) Corporate Travel safety: How To Pickpocket Proof Your Purse Or Shoulder Bag
Use split rings and swivel clips to make zippers difficult to open.
3) Sew An Anti-theft Bag
I found some free and paid patterns for anti-theft bags.
a) So-Sew-Easy: Anti-pickpocket Bag
Free advanced pattern and tutorial for a 17″ by 11″ bag featuring a secure main zipper, zippered inner pockets for money and valuables and strong twisted fabric handles.
b) Linds Handmade: Guardian Anti-theft Backpack
Paid intermediate PDF pattern and video for a backpack featuring main opening against the wearer’s back and an optional shoulder strap.
c) Eizor Handmade: Anti-theft Backpack Free pattern & tutorial
Free video tutorial for a backpack featuring main opening against the wearer’s back, an optional shoulder strap, hidden zippered pockets and side pockets.
d) Luciana Guterres: Mini Mochila Malu
Paid pattern for a backpack featuring the main opening against the wearer’s back, and additional interior and exterior pockets. At the time of writing this pattern can only be purchased by residents of Brazil.
e) Cork And Thread: Ansel Backpack
Paid advanced beginner pattern for an anti-theft backpack. Features include large main opening near the wearer’s back, side pockets and roomy interior.
f) Qting Craft Studio: DIY Cara Membuat Tas/ Anti-Theft Backpack Tutorial & Pattern
Free video tutorial for an anti-theft backpack with a similar shape to the Mini Mochila Malu. Features include the main opening against the wearer’s back and fewer eternal pockets.
g) Miarti Reuse: How to sew a handmade mini-backpack simply!
Free video tutorial for a backpack with a similar shape to the Mini Mochila Malu. Features include the main opening against the wearer’s back and fewer eternal pockets.
h) NScott70: Theft Proof Backpack
Free pattern for an unlined theft proof backpack featuring a main opening that can be worn against the wearer’s back or on the outside (front side) of the pack. This project is meant for experienced sewers.
Conclusion
Cut-proof, slash-proof and cut-resistant fabrics suitable for bag making may be difficult to obtain economically. Nylon, kelvar and canvas are common fabrics for slash-resistant bags. These fabrics aren’t necessarily pierce-proof and once pierced, could be cut. Wire mesh between the fabric layers is the best way to keep your belongings safe.
You blending into a crowd, your bag blending into your clothes or having a subtle color and your bag’s zippers blending into the bag reduce your chances of being targeting by thieves in the first place. Unattended, unsecured bags and open bags are also tempting for thieves. Both buying and making things to make a bag you already have less tempting to thieves may be worthwhile. That may be all you need or you may want the additional features that sewing or buying a theft-proof bag provide.
Do you have an anti-theft bag? Did you have any tips for keeping your bags safe? Would you like me to review any of the patterns in this anti-theft bag project roundup? Comment below and/or Pin me for later!
Tanya
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