Are these attacks, when they're aimed at cyclists, aimed at nicking bikes, panniers, or both? Is there an argument for switching to a rucksack on the basis that these scrotes seem to adopt a grab-and-run approach, rather than actually tangling with the individual?
Again its one of those things that comes down to "maybe".
If you've got all your stuff in a pannier and your bike gets nicked, all your stuff is going too. If you have a rucksack and your bike gets nicked, you might end up keeping your valuables if they grab the bike and do one.
Are these attacks, when they're aimed at cyclists, aimed at nicking bikes, panniers, or both? Is there an argument for switching to a rucksack on the basis that these scrotes seem to adopt a grab-and-run approach, rather than actually tangling with the individual?