Why should you consider a security waist pack?

Good question.  Consider this, while out during the day enjoying the sights, using public transportation, shopping or dining, where do you carry your wallet, passport, money, credit cards, digital camera, and other valuables?  If you use a regular waist pack or purse, they can easily give you a false sense of security, no matter how close to your body you carry them.

Ask any Resident Security Officer (RSO's) who works at an international U.S. Consulate what the number one security issue travelers face and the answer will be the same. It won't matter if you are in Berlin, Rome, Timbuktu,or Mali, it will still be the same -.....theft, theft,....and more theft!  Not robbery, not hotel break-in's, but the age old crime of theft and it will usually involve the someone falling victim to pickpockets or sneak thieves. Both men and women will be equally at risk because like the photograph which is spray painted on walls around the world "pickpockets love tourists." 
Imagine your frustration, and the precious amount of vacation time wasted on making police reports, notifying credit card companies, and waiting in line at the local embassy in an attempt to obtain another passport and/or identification document if they were stolen.  

This photograph was taken at a police station on a Saturday afternoon in Barcelona Spain. Notice the amount of people, mainly tourists, are in line just to get in the door.....another 10 people are inside waiting too. Guess what type of report most of these people are waiting to report....You guessed it - theft, theft, theft, and more theft. With the majority of these tourists being targeted by pickpockets and distraction thieves.

Nothing will spoil your vacation more than having to wait in a line like this, coupled with the language issues trying to make the report so you can fly home and or get a replacement passport.

Consider a Security Waist Pack as a Possible Solution

A security waist pack, or security fanny pack as called by others looks like a regular waist pack from the outside, but it's the built-in security features that makes them stand out from the crowd. You would use a security waist pack anywhere you would need to carry valuables or items you don't want to loose, especially while vacationing overseas. Of course it goes without saying that you should never carry anything in a waist pack, or on our person for that mater, it the items are that valuable. However, many times we carry other items that we want to provide additional protection - especially when we are in areas that are known to be frequented by opportunist or professional thieves and pickpockets. 

What makes security waist packs so special?

The security waist packs on the market today provide a variety of protection. The following is a breakdown of the the most common security features found in security fanny packs today.

Rear Security Strap Embedded with Steel Cables

The rear of a waist pack is very vulnerable. Young street thieves in parts of Europe, Asia, and South America have become very aware that when westerners carry waist packs, they have a good chance of carrying something of value. These thieves have also learned that the rear strap of a waist pack is usually made out of simple material that is easy to cut with a pair is scissors or knife. It only a street thief only a second or two to cut the back strap of a cheap waist pack and have it fall into their nimble hands. To combat this type of theft, most security waist packs sew security cables into the rear straps. The security waist packs shown at the bottom of this page have dual, slice-resistant and flexible stainless steel braided cables sewn into the entire length of the rear straps. The steel cables then travel from the rear straps then go into the rear panels of the security waist packs in an effort to help provide additional strength from the strap being yanked out of the waist pack body.

These steel cables are invisibly sewn inside the entire length of the straps.  In order to increase the cable's strength, they are made of 1/16 inch diameter stainless steel cables. The cables are woven into a hex pattern, which looks like this:.

This exclusive design feature keeps the strap from being sliced by a razor blade or knife from behind. Slicing the back strap of waist packs is common on a busy streets, in tourist areas and on crowded train platforms by thieves.  The rear strap of the security waist packs are adjustable like a regular waist pack and typically expand from 29 inches to 42 inches. Adjustable strap extensions, expand the length of the strap an additional 20 inches are available as an accessory. Here is a photograph of a rear strap of a security waist pack with the outer material cut away. Two flexible stainless steel cables can be seen and are woven into the sides of the strap with double stitching.

Zipper Security Lock Protects the Contents of the Main Compartment

The below security waist packs feature two various types of zipper locks. The Daymaker brand features a "zipper security catch" which locks the zipper pull in place. This"zipper security catch" secures the top zippered compartment, as well as the secondary "organizational pocket on an optional model. When used, this feature requires two hands to open the pack.  Easy for the wearer to do, but extremely difficult, if not impossible, for even the most experienced pickpocket to open without getting caught.  

The PacSafe brand used a physical lock to secure the main compartment. This type of security fanny pack also allows the entire bag to be locked and secured to a stationary object if needed - a unique feature.

Rear Buckle Security Wrap

Both the Daymaker and PacSafe brand security fanny packs incorporate a special Velcro® wrapper that covers the strap buckle preventing it from being easily opened from behind (a big flaw in the cheaper non security waist packs.

Additional Product Information and Specifications:

Materials:  The security waist packs are available in three materials:

Black Microfiber
The perfect travel fabric it has a more softer look.  This is a lightweight super-fine, high density, soft material that is often compared with a "soft satin" feeling.  The material used is microfiber is even finer than luxury natural fibers, such as silk. It is easy to clean with a damp cloth.   

Drum-dyed Black Leather
This is silky smooth, top grade finished leather which improves with age and is well worth the price.  It is the finest material you will find in our security waist packs. The soft and buttery texture encourages you to touch it, while it absorbs minor scratches and nicks gracefully.  

1050-denier Ballistic Nylon 
Originally developed for use in bulletproof vests, genuine 1050 denier ballistic nylon is one of the toughest fabrics in the world.  The number 1050  "denier" refers to the weight of the fiber that goes into making a fabric. 1050 denier is a heavier fabric which is strong and abrasion resistant.   This is a more rugged looking material, similar to that which carry-on luggage is made out of.

Sizes

Regular size
This is the standard size waist pack.  It measures, 9 inches wide, by 5 inches tall, and 3 inches deep.  It will fit a standard size camera, wallet, keys, passport, and other small items.

Large Size
This waist pack is larger that the regular size by approximately 50%.  It measures as 11inches in length, 6 inches tall, by 4 inches deep.  It will hold a digital or 8mm camcorder without problem, along with a variety of other items.  As with all of the packs, the profile is flat to the body and expands as it is filled.
 
Regular and Large size with organizer
This waist pack is the same as the ones listed above, however, it also contains a zippered, organizer pocket on the front of the pack.  Even with the added organizer, the pack's profile is flat to the body and expands as it is filled. The organizer section has the following built in features:

• 4 front loading slots which are made to fit credit cards.
  

• 2 top loading mini pockets, 1 inch wide  by 1 1/2 inches deep, designed to fit change, lip stick / balm.
  

• 1 long top loading pouch with an 8 1/2 inch opening, which could hold currency, airline tickets, passport, or other similar sized item.
  

• 1 zippered security compartment with a 7 inch opening for additional storage space.

The below photos depicts the large security waist pack compared to the regular size, along the photos showing pack carrying a mid size 8mm camcorder.  Additional photos also depict the organizer section, click photos to see enlargements.

CLICK PHOTOS FOR ENLARGEMENTS

Security Waist Pack Extension Straps 
 (add up to 20 inches in length to your pack straps!)

What's so special about these security fanny pack extension straps?

Strap extensions are available for all of the Security Fanny Packs so they may be worn by anyone, regardless of waist size.  This product also enables the Security Fanny Packs to be worn on the shoulder and even across the body.  They are manufactured to the same specifications as the straps attached to the fanny packs.  Of note: These extension straps only fit the bags that sold below - they will not fit other bags.

Here are a few theft modus operandi.  You may even know someone who has  fallen victim to one of them.

Cardboard Children Scam
First off, a disclaimer.  The term gypsy used is specifically made in reference to a specific segment of the Roma population who support themselves through various organized criminal activities, and who call themselves Gypsies.  Many people are aware that the majority of Romany people are not criminals.  

While not restricted to Europe, the "cardboard children" can be seen unabashedly choosing their victims, confronting them and making off with their valuables--right outside of well know tourist attractions such as the Coliseum. This is how they operate. Roving  bands of usually 6 to 10 children of various ages, confront a tourist while holding a piece of cardboard. Usually the cardboard has something written on it like "Food Please" or some other sympathetic plea. The tourist is momentarily confused by the cardboard being shoved up against them. The purpose of the cardboard is to distract. While the gypsy children swarm the tourist and press the cardboard against the person's body, they also create a scene by shouting and begging for money or candy. The distraction de-sensitizes the tourist's body to the feel of little hands entering their pockets, wallets, purses, or unsecured waist packs. These thieves have even been know to cut the rear strap of a waist pack or strap of a purse.  The raucous event can takes less than 30 seconds to perpetrate.

As the pack of children dissipates, you regain your composure until you realize your valuable property is missing.  Seeking out the culprit is useless as all the children have quickly fled in different directions. You are left, desperately searching your pockets for the lost valuables, totally helpless.It took place so quickly.

Train Platform Scam
This scam is frequently reported to take place on train / subway platforms, as well as on trains, subways, and buses themselves. The crime almost always occurs when a crowd is present, allowing the thief to get very close behind the unsuspecting traveler.  Due to the many people, it does not raise suspicion to be standing so close.  When the train pulls up to the platform, everyone begins to "pulse" towards the opening door.  When this occurs, the thief naturally presses up against your back side, unbuckles your unsecured waist pack, or more brazenly cuts the rear strap with scissors or razor blade allowing the bag to drop or slide off.  This is all quickly accomplished and goes unnoticed by you and fellow passengers caught in the chaos of boarding.  A few moments later you go to place your hand on your pack, discovering its disappearance.  In reality, it fell into the hands of the "sight of hand" expert who removed it and most likely placed it in a shopping bag to conceal it. Often the thief does not stay on the train.  Many times he simply turns around and exits the train, leaving you  to go on to the next station. 

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Get more travel safety advice from " Traveler Beware, An Undercover Cop's Guide To Avoiding Pickpockets, Luggage Theft, and Travel Scams ". And visit the travel safety tips section at www.CorporateTravelSafety.com which offers over 130 pages of free travel safety information.