Grab Guard- A traveler's snatch and grab protection device

It can happen in only a second. You are enjoying your vacation and go to grab something out of your purse only to find its gone!  I know, I know, I probably sound like a cheesy infomercial but I can say from experience that it truly does only take a second.  It happened to me while bending over to pick up a heavy flower pot to put it in my shopping cart. In that split second, somebody grabbed my purse and dashed.  It happened to a friend last year while eating lunch in an upscale New York City neighborhood. We sat at a table for two, gabbing away, only to find someone had walked off with her purse without either one of us noticing. As a matter of fact, according to the 2010 National Crime Victimization Survey an attempt to steal a purse or personal item occurs every three minutes. Those nasty thieves!

Recently I was sent the Grab Guard to review. The Grab Guard is basically your own personal anti-theft devise.  A simple padlock is taken to another level with a cable that extends and retracts, allowing users to lock their purse, laptop, or suitcase to stationary objects such as chairs and shopping carts. The cable secures and locks into place, kept locked until the 2 digit combination is entered and the release button are pressed.

Pros

·         Cable is long enough to wrap around most objects and retracts for a snug fit

·         Two digit code is customizable

·         Prevents snatch and grab crimes

·         Ideal for travel

·         Comes in a variety of colors and patterns

·         Lightweight

Cons

·         Thieves could still reach into an unzipped purses and steal contents

·         Doesn’t come in black!

I have had the Grab Guard on my purse for over a month now and try as I may, I can’t seem to find any thieves attempting to steal my purse.  I have had my 6’5” husband try to pull my purse off my chair in a restaurant and out of a shopping cart and he had no success.  It is nice to go to the grocery and grab a can of beans of the shelf without having to have my purse in hand.  It was also nice to arrive at the airport and lock my carryon to my chair while waiting for the plane to arrive. I still kept an eye on my things, but it gave me piece of mind to know something was there to serve as my second line of defense against thievery.

Bottom line:

While I initially felt the $19.99 price tag was a bit high, I do feel like it is justified considering the lock could save a user one of the worst feelings in the world, being a victim of theft.  I have had more than few friends notice the lock, show satisfaction with how it works, and express interest in purchasing one of their own.  Any product that can help this mom travel easier is a product I recommend and I feel the Grab Guard does just that.

Disclosure: I was sent the Grab Guard to review. The company did not ask that I express any particular opinions and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.