In Dallas, getting to a group ride early, I wandered over to the local bookstore and offered to keep my bag behind their counter (thinking I have no REAL valuables in it, and they don't have to wonder about what all I'm stealing). They said No Thanks, and I shopped without even being watched. I know this particular instance is not average, but it did happen. I imagine if I went to a store and they asked me to keep my bag behind a counter, I would ziptie the zipper pulls closed. Maybe if stores kept zipties just for the purpose of mutual security, would people (both store managers and customers) be more comfortable?