Sorry if that was a bit too shorthanded. What I was trying to say is that using locks cuts way down on the hands that can get into your luggage. And the only locks you can use (that I know of) are the TSA locks. I grant you that some thieves have gotten the keys (which the customs folks have), but still it reduces the universe of people who can easily get into your bag considerably. Also, luggage thieves are pretty much snatch and grabbers; if there's an impediment they will likely go on to the next bag.