9 Anti-theft Travel Essentials to Prevent Pickpocketing

I used to think getting stuck in a middle seat on a long-haul flight was the worst thing that could happen on a trip. But 70-ish countries—and 10 years of full-time travel writing—later, I’m a far cry from the naive tourist I once was. When you’re on the road eight months out of the year, mostly solo, it becomes a numbers game. Eventually, something goes sideways. I’ve been pickpocketed, mugged, and far more. That’s why I now refuse to travel without a handful of crime-reducing accessories.

Has all of this turned me off from travel? Absolutely not. I don’t subscribe to fear-mongering, and I definitely don’t subscribe to victim blaming. It’s never your fault if someone harms you or takes your things. That said, I’ve learned to travel smarter. These days, I revisit the countries where I feel most comfortable solo, and I prepare better. The gear I bring—or forget to bring—can make the difference between a smooth trip and one that ends at the police station. From noise-triggered personal alarms to anti-pickpocket bags that actually look chic, here are the nine items I now pack on every trip.

Faraday Car Key Pouch

The first time I went to Tenerife, I made a beeline for Teide National Park—rental car locked, bags inside, and key fob in hand. A few hours later, my car got broken into. Turns out, thieves can intercept your key’s signal using illegal devices unless you block it. This $10 pouch does exactly that. It blocks EMF, RFID, and other signals, has 36,000-plus five-star ratings, and one shopper credited it with preventing their rental from being stolen after a previous break-in: “save yourself the headache of a stolen car.”

She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm 

After the last time I got mugged, the police said noise is often the best deterrent. This compact, keychain-sized alarm is ear-splitting (130 decibels—about as loud as a jet engine overhead) and designed specifically for women by women. It’s TSA-approved, easy to activate, and comes in fun colors.

Sabre Pepper Spray Stun Gun With Flashlight

I didn’t seriously consider a stun gun until I read a review titled “Saved My Life.” This is roughly the size of a television remote, and comes with a flashlight and built-in charger. It has 32,000-plus five-star reviews—and is TSA-approved for checked luggage (check local laws at your destination, since legality varies). It might seem intense, but when safety’s on the line, it’s worth considering.

Apple AirTag

While not technically anti-theft, AirTags have helped countless travelers recover lost or stolen items. They ping off nearby Apple devices through the Find My network—stealthy enough that thieves often don’t even know they’re being tracked. One reviewer used theirs to keep tabs on grandkids at the British Museum. The battery lasts a full year, and it’s water-resistant, making it a smart, lightweight add-on. Android user? The SmartTag2 is your best bet, with a longer battery life (up to 500 days) and rave reviews from travelers who’ve recovered everything from wallets to passports.

Venture 4TH Travel Money Belt

I used to roll my eyes at money belts—until a pickpocket got my passport and phone at the Eiffel Tower. The U.S. Embassy in France reports that 70 percent of the Americans who “lose” passports in Paris are women. This Amazon best-seller (8,000-plus five-star ratings) holds bills, cards, and two passports, and one reviewer wore it comfortably in 90-degree Fahrenheit weather across Morocco and Spain while others in their group got pickpocketed.

Hero Travel Supply Neck Wallet

Not a belt person? This neck wallet is just as discreet. It features multiple RFID-shielding layers, self-locking YKK zippers, and comes in both nylon and leather options. It’s roomy enough to fit a phone and passport, and every purchase includes a lifetime replacement guarantee.

Vantamo Shoulder Bag 

This best-selling anti-theft shoulder bag looks like it could be from Lululemon but comes with serious security perks: RFID-blocking card slots, an anti-pickpocket zipper clip, and 16-plus color options. The wide jacquard strap makes it stylish and comfy. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “If you’re looking for style and security in one, this bag is exactly what you need!”

Zpsolution Double Small Carabiner Clips

Not ready to invest in a new bag? These tiny clips work with most zippers and make it harder for thieves to open your bag without you noticing. They come in gold, silver, and black—and for every extra second it takes you to open your bag, it’s one more second a pickpocket doesn’t have. Over 4,000 were purchased last month alone, according to Amazon.

Amazon Basics Portable Security Case Lock Box Safe

Last year, I returned to my five-star hotel in Tuscany to find my jewelry missing. The hotel gaslit me; I knew better. Now, I pack this mini steel lockbox for anything valuable. It’s about the size of a Kindle, comes with a near-unbreakable steel cable, and has almost 7,000 glowing reviews. One traveler used it for passports, cash, and car keys in their Airbnb to feel significantly more secure.

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