Originally Posted by CDTraveler

Actually, a cross body bag strap can be cut, and can even be more dangerous than the average bag when getting grabbed because someone pulling on it can pull you down. Years ago, a friend of my mother's, a mature lady who was born and raised in Europe, lived in a dozen countries as a diplomat's wife so not a naive traveler, was in (I think) Florence when a pair on a vespa came up behind her, the pax on the vespa cut the strap on her bag with a knife, and when she tried to hold on to the bag, they rammed her with the vespa, knocking her into some object that broke her cheekbone, and she broke her arm hitting the ground.

Personally, I try to carry the critical stuff in interior pockets rather than a purse - one reason I prefer not to travel in summer, when wearing a rain jacket with interior zipper pockets really looks odd. But in reality, thieves are a risk no matter when or where you travel. The trick is trying to travel in a way that leaves you less exposed to risk if you are targeted - which is why my friend is flashing back to traveller's checks.