This vintage anti-theft device is a perfect example of an awful idea, perfectly executed

This anti-theft system from back in the day – 1961, to be precise, has just been going viral on Reddit for reasons which will become obvious.

It’s surely the perfect example of an awful idea, perfectly executed (or should that be the other way round?)

Either way, it’s probably not a huge surprise it didn’t catch on. Still amazing, though.

‘Awesome suitcase anti-theft system from 1961,’ said ojodefiz who shared it.

Awesome suitcase anti-theft system from 1961
by u/ojodefiz in WTF

And here are just a few of the comments it prompted.

‘I’m actually interested in how much space is there left inside with the “anti theft” mechanism build in.’
Crafty-Unit4061

‘First you have to pull the metal bar from the hearts of the two people you just killed in front and behind you.’
ringingbells

‘They seem to be British, so just a flesh wound.’
twoscoop

‘Invented by Vlad the Impaler.’
Gilgamesh2062

‘Imagine stealing a suitcase and getting “power pole extend”, “go-go gadget legs”, pole vault launched into next week.’
Maxlifts

‘You would want it going off in a plane eh?’
ojodefiz

Source Reddit u/ojodefiz