PUTTING a padlock on your suitcase could make your bag a target for thieves when travelling through the airport.
A baggage handler has explained how locks don’t stop people breaking into your luggage – and instead think they have high value contents.
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They explained on a Reddit forum asking what secrets airline staff knew that passengers don’t: “It’s literally not even a deterrent.
“Some might take it as a sign that the bag is worth searching.”
Others explained how it is still very easy to break into a bag, even if it is locked, simply by using a pen.
They added: “You can pop a zipper with a pen and drag the locked zipper pulls around the bag to close them back up.”
A video shows how easy it is, simply putting the pen tip into the seam of the zip, which opens it, before sealing it again without any damage to the bag.
Some suitcases have TSA approved locks, which means they can be only be opened by TSA agents in the US without breaking it during routine checks.
However, new technology has revealed that anyone can break into a suitcase using the locks, after a report found master keys have been replicated using 3D printers.
Experts have also warned travellers never to have their home address on luggage tags.
If thieves steal your entire suitcase – containing your keys as well – this means they can easily break into your house and car.
Instead, they recommend putting a work address or a mobile number.
Not locking your suitcase could cause problems for your insurance claim – with electronics thefts not covered by some travel providers if there is no lock on them.
If you want your suitcase to arrive first, you should put a fragile sticker on it, according to travel experts.
You should also put some of your items and clothing in a partner’s suitcase and vice versa – so that if one bag is lost, neither of you are left without anything to wear.
