Stop pickpockets in their tracks by attaching £1 item to bag

Many of us love exploring the world or going into busy city centres for days out, but you must be wary when you venture into touristy areas.

These locations tend to be targeted by criminals - leading to incidents like purse snatching, pickpocketing, and phone grabbing - and it can really put a dampener on your experiences.

To prevent pickpockets, it is important to keep your bags zipped up, especially in crowded areas. Many bags now have smaller, more secure pockets inside which can be good for valuables.

What's more, this £1 hack could help to add another layer of security. A woman shared the clever method to stop thieves zipping open your bag without you noticing.

All you'll need is a humble hair clip. The owner of Lulu Gigi accessories, with an Instagram page, has shared how to attach these claw clips to your bag to stop thieves.

The video said: "Point of view: you found a way to protect yourself from pickpockets."

In the short clip, she shows a belt bag with a zipper on - commonly used at festivals, on holidays or on a night out scene. Then, she attaches a blue flower claw clip.

To keep everything secure, she pokes one of the 'claws' through the metal hole on the zip. By taking this measure, it's hard to move the zip without removing the clip altogether.

These crucial extra seconds to alert you to thieves - so it really can make all the difference. And judging by the comments section, people thought the idea was genius.

One gushed: "So smart", while another branded the hack "very clever".

Meanwhile, others shared their own tips in the comments section. One said: "Better yet, use a metal claw clip because it won't break."

And another recommended: "I always do that. Helps a lot. Also put some plushies or those kpop keyrings that are heavy and you'll notice if someone is trying to open your bag."

However, others weren't so convinced. One complained about not being able to get into the bag yourself, noting: "But it's a pain when you want to use it!?" Another agreed, writing: "It will only irritate me."

What's more, others feared it could push thieves to go to even more drastic measures. One said: "People always cut the bags and put their hands inside."

A second echoed this worry, asking: "Do you know they use blades to cut the purse?"

Whether you are trying this method or not, it is important to stay vigilant to your surroundings and keep an eye on personal belongings at all times.