Swimming in the sea, lake or river, walks in the woods, mountain excursions, cycling, but also long trips to be planned by car if not by plane, etc. etc. Our holidays are ultimately the accumulation of things or situations that we are not necessarily always used to. And that perhaps requires some advice, often simple and also common sense, so that every time everything goes in the best possible way.
Today we are talking about transportation and more specifically about trains. Both in France and abroad, how to avoid luggage theft during a train journey?
Vigilance, discretion and security
1- Keep an eye on your luggage: It seems obvious and logical, but the best way to avoid having your belongings stolen is to keep an eye on them at all times, or get as close as possible, especially at station stops or when there is traffic in the carriages. These two times are the most favorable for theft, especially when thieves act in groups. Also, if you have to go to the bathroom or to a bar, avoid these times to stay close to your luggage.
2- Insure your luggage: with several additional options. Start by locking the closures of your bags and suitcases, then you can secure your luggage with straps to the roof racks or seats to prevent them from being taken without your knowledge. And now take advantage of new technologies by equipping your luggage with protection tags or geolocation via your smartphone with what we call AirTags or SmartTags.
3- Make your luggage discreet: It’s a basic rule, but it’s important. The more sophisticated, flashy, and original your luggage is, the more likely it is to attract attention and potentially thieves. So keep it discreet, standard, or pack your bags and suitcases in multipurpose covers.
4- Nothing of value: This is also a basic tip. Don’t leave anything valuable or important, especially in a visible place, in your luggage. Not to mention of course the laptops that you always have to carry with you.
5- Insure your luggage: While this will not prevent theft, at least by insuring your luggage or its contents, you will already be compensated in the event of loss or theft of the same.
Bonus tip: Know that in case of theft, you are responsible. However, in France with the SNCF and, a priori, also everywhere in the world. Your luggage, unless it has been registered by the railway company for a specific reason as “home luggage delivery”, always remains under your responsibility. So, in case of theft, the courier will not compensate you (the insurance remains), which does not prevent you from always having to make a loss-theft declaration in case they find the stolen things. Hence the interest in labeling your bags and suitcases with at least your email address.