Funny that you mention this. I do that sometimes, such as when I stop in my local liquor store for a few minutes. I can see the bike, but someone could hop on a try to speed off. Just yesterday I was wondering how well it would actually work from a physical perspective as opposed to a psychogical deterent one. Seems quite possible that the buckle would simply snap open. Maybe when I retire one of my helmets I will give it try.