Why I don't lock my suitcase anymore

Interesting incident happened to me at Fiumicino airport near by Rome in Italy. I still don't know whether I should call it a happy ending or sad story.

I reckon you know these locks used to suitcase, in case of... I actually don't know anymore what is the actual use and meaning of these locks. Nevertheless, once upon a time I also had owned one. It came with my suitcase. I happened to use it at Rome airport - not very well because I locked the keys inside the luggage. I know, not clever.

It seemed as an irresolvable situation. The thought of me conquering into my suitcase at the airport, full of surveillance cameras, cops and people seeing a terrorist at every corner, wasn't really attractive. Well I tried with a very deep doubt going to customs.

Tall Italian came to me, not-much-interested-and-even-less-understanding he nabbed the suitcase, took out his pliers like a cowboy pulling out a gun from his pocket in the Wild West. My lock had resisted for not more than a second. He seemed to be very experienced in this matter. No questions, no ID, nothing and I was walking away with opened suitcase. Thieves must have really happy life nowadays - they don't even have to take tools. I am asking myself if it was me, looking so innocent, or just Italians are so...

My advice - it is meaningless to even think that this lock on your valise will make any difference.