A friend recently returned from Thailand where he’d been robbed by thieves who’d cut his locked backpack open.

The incident took place on a packed commuter bus. My friend felt himself being jostled but it wasn’t until he disembarked that he noticed his backpack had become much lighter. Thieves had sliced the bottom of his rucksack open and removed his camera and other valuables while he was distracted by the jostling, probably created by accomplices on the bus.

This technique is not uncommon in asia where backpackers are well known to be carrying valuables including passports, travellers cheques and cameras, in their backpacks. While its easy to lock the zippers most backpacks are made from tough nylon or canvas that can be easily cut open with a sharp blade.

Travellers are warned to be vigilant and, if possible, carry passports and money in a separate pouch kept close to the body.