Safeguard Your Hermès and Chanel Collections from Theft

photo courtesy @ec24m

Hold on to your handbags… crime is becoming a real problem. And it’s not criminals picking your pocket(book) for the contents – although that occurs too – but getting the bag is the goal. Or, should we say bags, as these thefts go far beyond individual snatch-and-grab-crimes, and involve organized groups of perpetrators targeting boutiques, expensive homes, and places where the wealthy gather.

photo courtesy @rinyks

There are multiple steps you can take to keep your priceless (at least to you) purses protected. Do not ignore these tips.

photo courtesy @hermesbible

The Rising Trend of Luxury Handbag Thefts

photo courtesy @chanellover

In recent years, there has been a rash of thefts involving high-end handbags and other luxury goods in major cities worldwide, including Paris, London, and Los Angeles. Not just random grab-what-you-can robberies, these are meticulously planned and executed efficiently by organized groups or crime rings that know exactly what they want and where to get it.

photo courtesy @tamara

Not surprisingly, high end boutiques often are the sites of these raids that have occurred in broad daylight and overnight, in stand-alone buildings and within malls. Common MOs include groups rushing in, perhaps armed, to break a display case and cut security wires, holding sales help hostage while helping themselves to items, and using a vehicle to smash into the store.

photo courtesy @rinyks

Stores, however, are no longer the only marks, as thieves target seemingly wealthy individuals at home and in public. Reports of home burglaries, robberies in broad daylight while sitting outside at cafes, and home invasions surface in the news and on social media daily. Law enforcement agencies acknowledge that these crimes are often linked to organized crime networks, some local and others from out of the country, which have the resources and expertise to target, identify, and steal valuable items.

photo courtesy @elegancebyjuliet

To a large extent those sought-after valuables are luxury handbags, along with jewelry, watches, and other logo-items. Hermes and Chanel bags are top of their list. These symbols of luxury, status, and impeccable craftsmanship are valuable on the secondary market – whether holding or exceeding their original value. Indeed, some items garner premium prices on resale, fueling crime rings to gather as many as possible.

photo courtesy @classybubbly

The Obvious Appeal of Hermes and Chanel Bags

The relative scarcity and high resale value of both Hermès and Chanel bags make them particularly attractive to criminals. These handbags hold their value and often sell for more than the retail cost depending on the condition, age, and inclusion of the “full set.” A full set implies the bag comes with all the items included at the time of initial sale such as the original box, receipt, dust bag, shoulder strap, key, clochette, raincoat, care booklet, etc.

photo courtesy @wholovespastel

Stolen Hermes and Chanel handbags often end up on the black market. There, they may be sold to an intermediary who then sells them to a respected reseller. These bags can yield significant profits for the thieves and others who profit off the misfortune of their victims.

photo courtesy @three.over.six

Complicating matters further, resale platforms may or may not be aware that the bags they are purchasing originally were stolen. Some red flags include the absence of a full set, but that’s not necessarily determinative. Even without these items, the bags are valuable.

Steps To Protect Your Collection

photo courtesy @stellaw2021

Given the increase in home invasions, burglaries, and thefts, Hermes and Chanel handbag collectors should consider taking proactive measures to protect their valuable collections.

Remove all valuables from the master bedroom closet. This is known to be the first place thieves target for luxury items. Consider moving your collection to hiding spots in lesser frequented areas of your home.
Install or update a security system within your home. An alarm is essential with a backup in the event a wifi jammer is used to upset the detection of activity inside. Investigate off site 24/7 security systems which offer monitoring services that could prove useful.
Install glass breaking sensors on all glass sliding doors and french doors which are connected to your security system. Criminals are gaining access to homes undetected by shattering the glass which bypasses the alarm system on the doors. Alternatively, consider installing security screens on your windows and glass doors which cannot be kicked in or pulled loose.
Add cameras inside and outside your home that alert you to the presence of unwanted individuals.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to determine if your handbag collection and jewelry is covered if stolen. It may be necessary to obtain a separate policy or rider that details the collection. Be sure to keep your list of handbags updated with photos, copies of receipts, serial numbers, and both retail and replacement values.

photo courtesy @iamrenatabarros

Consider what you post on social media and when. Many avoid posting in real time and safeguard their collections by not showing them on social media.
Install Apple air tags or other tracking devices in each of your handbags.
Protect your home’s circuit breaker box which is usually located outside the home. Consider installing a strong padlock to deter easy access to burglars who may try to interfere with the security system in place.
Invest in a high quality safe, vault door, or safe room, that can be bolted to a concrete floor so it cannot be removed. The trend is to remove the safe unopened. Seek out a safe that weighs 1,000 pounds or more and has steel and concrete doors. Hide the safe in an unlikely spot within the home, outside the master bedroom.
It has been reported that criminals are becoming increasingly technologically advanced, using drones and hidden cameras in trees and bushes outside to case homes and monitor the activity within. They also use rented or stolen vehicles to escape. Some people have hired private security companies and armed guards to protect their homes.

photo courtesy @undercover.chic

Final Thoughts

photo courtesy @pastel_latte

The value of Hermes and Chanel handbags on the secondary market makes them prime targets for theft. As these luxury items increase in popularity among fashion enthusiasts worldwide, it is crucial to remain vigilant and take definitive steps to safeguard your collections.

By enhancing security measures, being aware of your surroundings, and using technology for monitoring and tracking, collectors can protect their investments and continue to enjoy the timeless elegance of their handbags.