Beware of bag snatchers on motobikes in Luang Prabang

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<hr>On thing "I Do Not" suggest you do is attach the bag to you body, either over your shoulder,on your chest or similar,as they may still make a try for the bag, and this may case you to come off the bike ,injurying or possible killing you, as does happen regulary in Malaysia where I read articles in the paper all the time about deaths and injuries involving bag snatching.<hr></blockquote>

wizeman--sorry that this also happened to your brother and his girlfriend.
humm, I don't know if purse/bag snatchers in LP are brazen enough to impose bodily inury [which I would assume the penalty would be considerably higher than property theft] if one were to wear a daypack on one's back [straps slung over each shoulder] or worn bike-messenger style. I would think the delinquents are seeking more easy prey via bike basket snatchings or bag slung over only one shoulder thefts. Still it's a sad statement that it's come to wanton bodily harm in Malaysia. Does this occur in KL or Penang or any specific cities/towns? Does anyone know if this [more physical form of theft] happens in Saigon or Phnom Penh?

As an aside, I rarely hear or read about such incidences in Siem Reap, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. I wonder if this is because the authorities impose harsher penalties or if they are more effective in someway in preventing such crimes? Or if the local population are more effective in catching the criminals?

Bag-snatching can happen anywhere - not just Laos, and not just Luang Prabang. In the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, you name it...

The biker should have used more common sense. If you leave something in your basket, or leave your bike unlocked - it just screams "Take me, please!". Put valuables in your backpack and wear it on your back. Put only water, bananas, etc, in your basket.

Just like you would in any other country.

Use common sense and you'll have a wonderful holiday.

Cheers