Abstract: A bag alarm device utilizes a bar slideably affixed to the interior surface of a closure flap of a handbag extending outwardly from the marginal edge thereof. A pair of electrical contacts are urged into a closed position when the free end of the bar is pulled outwardly from the marginal edge of the flap by unauthorized means other than releasing the free end of the bar from locking engagement with a lock secured to the body of the bag. Closure of the contacts is maintained until the bar is permitted to return to its normal unextended position following opening the lock and releasing the bar in an authorized manner. An alarm device, including audible and visual alarms, is energized by a battery carried by the bag when the contacts are in the closed position.