If someone is that intent on stealing your items then short of an armed security guard nothing will stop them. Locks on your car and/or home only stop the honest people from becoming dishonest. If they ar willing to go trotting off with a 6 foot reclining chair, I would think they wouldn't get too far. These portable security items are just another cog in the wheel for thieves. A set of bolt cutters will cut through the steel cable but it would look kind of out of place to be on a beach carrying a set of bolt cutters. While nothing is perfect these seem to be a deterrent at the least.