Padlocks
Warning: a padlock does not prevent break-ins "on the fly" and will never resist unscrupulous people a little equipped. Above all, it allows you to immediately notice the break-in, especially at the airport.
The mini-padlocks make it possible to secure your luggage during transport and highlight any attempted break-in. There are all formats,the largest and most robust being reserved for metal trunks and large suitcases. For bags, colorful padlocks can help you identify your luggage faster. For more security, opt for all-metalmodels, with a metal arc of good diameter, compatible with the diameter of the eye of your zip.
Padlocks exist with keys and code, 3 or 4 digits; for the USA,code padlocks, approved TSA (travel security administration)are strongly recommended or even mandatory if you do not want customs officers to cut yours with a bolt cutter. These padlocks are indeed equipped with a lock, in addition to the code, of which only the American customs officers have the key,which allow them to open your luggage without breaking for inspection during their transport. Elsewhere in the world, run away from these padlocks,because it is possible that passes to open them circulate in professional crime circles…
Some padlocks have a steel cable instead of the metal arc,which makes them lighter and just as efficient; the most elaborate have a retractable cable. You can also find a long metal cable with a classic padlock,which allows you to attach the bag to a fixed point or secure several loops at the same time.
Price: about 10€ to 20€
Finally there are also padlocks without code or key, but punched card,a little gadget for my taste.
Price: about 15€.
Luggage straps
Security straps make it possible to prevent your luggage from opening,to secure it (by the presence of a lock),and to identify it more easily by the colors they wear and by the possible presence of a business card pocket. The straps are generally at least 50 mm wide and 1.80 m long; they are adjustable in length.
Price: about 15€.
Packsafe and safety nets
To really and effectively protect your luggage outside the classic airport/transport route, especially in "moderately civilized" areas, you can use stainless steel safety nets. There are some of all sizes, corresponding to the volumes of the bags. They also allow you to attach your bag to a fixed point,with a lock by key padlock. Only the use of a bolt cutter will allow thieves to open it.
Price: from 70€ to 90€
Secure panniers
If you need a purse or pouch to carry a camera or papers in"pick-pocket-rich"environments, you can find on the market panniers lined in metal mesh and with the belt or shoulder strap reinforced with an internal metal cable,preventing any cut and any snatching. You can also find secure "safe" bags, on the same concept, to chain to a fixed point and that prevents theft by snatching or by cutting. Be careful, however, not to attract attention with this type of product,and to remain discreet.
Price: from 25€ to 65€.
Labels
The labels facilitate the identification of your luggage,limit the risk of error and allow you to hope to find your luggage in case of loss during transfer to an airport. Owning some of them is always useful,because it has become mandatory to label your luggage on public transport (planes, trains…).
Price: about 8€.