With international travel on the rise for most Malaysians, many people are gearing up to experience new and exciting journeys in different countries. But just as visiting a new location can bring tonnes of fun and adventure, it’s also important to keep one’s attention on high-alert when you’re in an unfamiliar surrounding.
Malaysian content creator Sry Khairudin recently shared a neat trick to her TikTok page @srynotsri on a method to avoid getting pickpocketed on a trip to Paris. Funnily enough, her clever tactic seemed to garner much attention from other Malaysians and travellers in general who are looking to go overseas.
In the video, Sry shared the use of a bag that resembled a belt bag, containing important items such as her wallet, power bank, and chargers. Zipping the bag closed, Sry uses the strap of the bag to wrap it around her waist, clipping it in place to herself firmly. Sry then tucks the strap underneath her sweater, pulling the garment out and over it slightly, so that it is not noticeable at first glance.
After that, Sry takes out one of her more elegant-looking handbags, placing it over her body before grabbing a trench coat to complete her outfit. In this handbag, Sry places items such as hand sanitiser, breath mints, snacks, wet wipes and toilet seat covers. Overall, the items in this handbag are what most would consider replaceable in comparison to the items in Sry’s first bag.
“You want to steal this? Go ahead!” said Sry in reference to her handbag.
By placing fungible items in her more noticeable handbag, Sry therefore redirects potential attention towards it rather than to the belt bag which contains more important items.
Sharing in Sry’s perspective, multiple TikTok users alluded to using similar methods to what she shared when they go overseas.
“I’m still using the old travel purse underneath my clothes. But it’s safe!” commented one user.
On the other hand, some people also shared various alterations Sry could make to her current idea so as to enhance her safety even further.
“Put the belt bag under your sweater on your side or your tummy area so it doesn’t bulk up in your back. Otherwise, your coat will be slashed,” advised one user.
Nevertheless, a few users couldn’t help but make some jests at the situation, saying that while Sry’s advise was helpful, the potential of coming across pickpockets does somewhat deter them from wanting to travel overseas.
“You should replace everything in your purse with active mousetraps,” jokingly commented one person.
Watch the full TikTok video below:
@srynotsri Brain working at 110% #paris #pickpockets
Do you have any neat tricks to avoid getting pickpocketed when travelling overseas? Let us know!
