Recent reports of brazen bag snatchings from high-end restaurants in global cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, and Paris have underscored a growing concern for personal safety and security. These incidents remind us that our handbags, often exquisite and prized possessions, are vulnerable when we least expect it.
Handbag thief takes woman’s Chanel purse at Avra in Beverly Hills. Image courtesy @streetpeopleofbeverlyhills
Purse thieves caught stealing handbags from chairs in Beverly Hills restaurants.
Purse hanging from chair stolen at a restaurant in Nashville.
Bag Snatching on the Rise
While handbag security concerns were once primarily associated with travel, they have now become a daily worry for many luxury lovers. As we navigate city life – whether shopping, dining out with friends, or simply exploring – the threat of opportunistic theft is a growing concern. Criminals have been targeting unsuspecting individuals, often seizing handbags during moments of distraction and taking not only their contents but the bags themselves.
Prada handbag stolen from the back of a chair in New York City. image courtesy @kendallippolito
In Miami, brazen thieves were caught on camera stealing a tourist’s Gucci handbag from a crowded restaurant. Similarly, The New York Times reported on armed, moped-riding thieves targeting diners in Williamsburg and Manhatten, staling watches worth tens of thousands of dollars before fleeing the scene. Reportedly, one incident involved a timepiece valued at $100,000.
Read also: Moped-Riding Thieves Frighten Diners at Upscale N.Y.C. Restaurants
However, these incidents aren’t just impacting US luxe lovers. European capitals such as London and Paris have also witnessed a rise in incidents of opportunistic thieves targeting diners in high-end establishments.
Thief caught on camera swiping tourist’s Gucci bag at Miami restaurant. Image courtesy: NBC Miami
Beyond Basic Precautions
When navigating the city, it goes without saying that you need to be aware of your surroundings. If possible, a crossbody option is preferable to keep your bag close and secure. However, that’s not always feasible with bags like our beloved Birkins and Picotins. While tools like AirTags are useful for tracking belongings, they serve more as a reactive measure than a preventative one.
Read also: The Ultimate Luxury Travel Guide: How To Do It Safely and Stylishly
However, things can get a little more complicated when you’re relaxing in a restaurant. Traditionally, when out dining, we’ve been advised to keep our bags in sight, avoiding dangling them from the backs of chairs or leaving them unattended. We’ve all experienced the discomfort of trying to enjoy an evening of drinks and dinner with our handbag on our lap, awkwardly tucked under a napkin — it’s neither comfortable nor stylish! Fortunately, many restaurants may even provide an additional chair to accommodate your Classic Flap or Birkin. However, despite these helpful measures, they aren’t always foolproof — a bag snatching can occur in seconds, and unfortunately, we’ve seen it happen time and time again.
Read also: Birkins and Chanel Bags are Taking Over Restaurant Seating
So what can you do? To avoid placing your bags in situations that could inadvertently invite trouble, it’s crucial to practice vigilant habits. Always keep your bag within sight and ideally within close reach. When dining or socializing in public settings, it’s advisable to keep your bag tucked beneath the table or even on your lap if you’re out of options. However, if you’re seeking a more seamless trip out, there’s a better option. Thankfully, bag holders are a petite, functional, and trustworthy solution – essentially your bag’s new best friend.
A Stylish Solution
Meet the Carrie bag holder, a discreet accessory designed to keep your handbag secure and easily accessible. Unlike more conspicuous methods, the Carrie bag holder offers a subtle way to safeguard your belongings by securely attaching them to a tabletop. This simple yet effective solution ensures peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your outings without worrying about the safety of your handbag.
And that’s not all, Carrie is back, in a range of new stylish colorways. Entering the chic new Carrie Fusion collection – choose from Pampelonne Blue, Monaco Grey, Eye Taupe, and Orange.
Updated: July 6th, 2024
Comments
3 Responses to “Fashionably Secure: Safeguarding Your Handbag in the City”
Black people are always stealing what’s new
I agree. I was in Rome and a women’s Hermes kelly almost got snatched. Everyone needs to be more vigilant!
racist much ? is there no moderation on this site ?