I once left my bike parked in the center of Istanbul, fully loaded, with the keys in the ignition. I came back to find a load of kids sitting like an urban installation � it hadn't even been started. Oops.

Although I wouldn't recommend repeating act of stoopidness I must admit that been lucky enough to get away with it all thus far. Nowadays I usually have locking Gobi panniers and a Pacsafe chain thingy around my drysack/tent. Like the guys say, the important stuff would normally be on your person anyway.

I think in most cases chancers steer clear of nicking from bikes. Well, I hope so at least.