6 tell-tale signs your bag has been tampered with
Hmm…did it look like that when you packed it?
1. The lock is broken
First thing’s first – if the lock has been broken or is completely missing, it’s likely someone has been in your bag. Some customs or security departments do have the power to open bags, but they usually have a special tool and don’t damage the lock itself.
2. The zipper is broken
If they can’t get in the lock, enterprising thieves will go in through the zipper. Do a quick check all the way round and see that all the teeth are still correctly meshed together.
3. The zippers are in the wrong spot
It’s a good rule of thumb to always zip your bag up in a way that the zippers are at the same point, say at the very end on the left hand side. That way you will be able to see if they have been moved, which could mean the bag has been opened. A little movement can be caused by handling, but if the zip tabs are in a completely different spot you could have trouble.
4. Combination locks are set to 000
Just about all combination locks come with a standard factory setting that puts the open/lock combination at 000. If you see your lock is set back to 000 (and you didn’t do it) it could be a sign that someone has tried to open it. Thieves hope that you have been too lazy to change the setting and have just kept the original combination.
5. The bag has been cut
As a final resort, thieves can slit open a soft sided suitcase to get inside. They will likely cut in an inconspicuous place or along a seam, so it might not be immediately obvious. Feel along the seams and slide your hands over all the pockets to see they are intact.
6. The bag feels lighter
If a thief has been very good, you might not notice they have gotten inside your bag. But once you pick it up, the proof could be in the weight. If your bag feels noticeably lighter or you can feel things sliding around inside in an unusual way, it could be a sign that it’s been tampered with.
Have you ever had an issue with bag tampering?