As crime rates in London continue to rise, many residents are grappling with a growing sense of fear and anxiety, particularly those who own luxury items. While phone thefts and e-bike robberies dominate the conversation, a new trend has emerged on TikTok, highlighting the lengths some are going to protect their luxury handbags, especially high-end brands like Hermès Birkin.
In a viral video, a woman shows how she keeps her recently purchased Birkin bag safe—by slipping it into a simple Waitrose plastic bag. The caption humorously reads, “POV: You just bought a Birkin but you live in London,” capturing the absurdity and relatability of trying to protect a six-figure bag in a city grappling with rising crime. This playful yet concerning trend has since inspired other TikTokers to share their own strategies for safeguarding their designer purchases.
TikTok Trend Highlights Growing Fear Over Luxury Item Theft
One influencer, @somedayswithm, demonstrated her strategy of hiding her Gucci bag inside a small, branded red bag within her purse. Another TikToker, @viktorija_l, documented her elaborate precautions, which included concealing her Birkin bag and diamond ring upon arriving in London. These videos resonate with many in the city who are worried about becoming targets for thieves, especially given the high value of luxury items.
The Birkin bag, a highly coveted status symbol, is known not only for its steep price but also for its exclusivity. The waitlists for Birkins can stretch months, if not years, and acquiring one often requires cultivating personal relationships with sales associates at Hermès. Despite this rarity, the trend reflects the increasing anxiety among Londoners about the safety of their expensive possessions, particularly on the streets of the capital.
Fear of Theft: The Dark Side of Owning Luxury in London
Commenters on these TikTok videos shared similar concerns, with some even going as far as to sell their luxury items. One user, Elle, admitted to selling her Birkin after the constant fear of becoming a target of theft became overwhelming. Others questioned the point of owning such a high-value item if they were unable to show it off in public for fear of theft.
Though these videos often serve to flaunt wealth, they also underscore the reality of the rising crime rates in London. Phone snatchings, a crime that often involves thieves on bicycles or mopeds, have surged in recent years. According to Home Office data, approximately 78,000 people had their phones or bags stolen in the year leading up to March 2024, marking a shocking 153% increase from the previous year. Notably, London accounts for 74% of these incidents, making it a hotspot for such crimes.
Is London Safe? A Closer Look at Rising Theft Statistics
Although these numbers are alarming, London’s crime rate remains lower than many other global cities, including Paris. Still, the rise in snatch thefts and robberies has raised significant concerns about personal safety in the city, especially for those carrying valuables. Metropolitan Police officials advise Londoners to exercise caution in high-traffic areas such as train stations, shopping centers, and concert venues, where snatch thieves are most active.
A Call for Vigilance in London’s Streets
While the trend of hiding luxury bags in grocery store bags may seem amusing or over-the-top, it reflects a real and growing fear among residents of London. Whether it’s the theft of a phone, bag, or luxury item, the city’s streets are becoming increasingly unpredictable for those carrying valuable possessions. As the trend highlights, staying aware of one’s surroundings and taking necessary precautions is crucial in navigating the streets of London—no matter what you’re carrying.
