In 1999 the DAC Research Initiative, in response to persistent student experiences of bag theft, developed an interest in preventing theft of, and from, people’s bags in public places and bars or cafes. Such thefts are commonplace, and victimise people from all walks of life. For all victims, the consequences range from nuisance and immediate loss of valuables (costly or sentimental items such photographs), to serious ‘knock-on’ effects including burglary, identity theft as well as emotional impacts.