London has seen a rise in crime rates, leaving many residents worried about phone thefts and thieves on e-bikes. However, not everyone feels the same way about their expensive belongings.
A recent TikTok video by @bagista.uk showed a woman demonstrating how to protect her new Birkin bag, which costs around £30,000. In the video, she takes the designer bag out of its fancy Hermès box and puts it into a simple plastic Waitrose bag.
The video has gone viral, gaining over five million views. The caption humorously states, “POV: You just bought a Birkin but you live in London.” Other TikTok users have shared similar experiences, saying that owning nice things in the city feels risky.
Another TikToker, @somedayswithm, hid her Gucci purchase in her handbag. Meanwhile, @viktorija_l filmed herself concealing her expensive items, including a Birkin bag, when arriving in London. Many influencers have echoed the sentiment that it’s hard to enjoy luxury items in the city.
Birkin bags are not just pricey; they are also hard to get. You can’t just walk into a store and buy one. There are long waiting lists and you need to build a relationship with sales staff first.
Despite the high crime rates, a recent survey shows that Londoners are less likely to experience crime compared to the national average. About 14.9% of Londoners faced crime in the past year, which is slightly lower than the 15.7% national rate.
However, the fear of theft is real. An estimated 78,000 people had their phones or bags stolen in the year leading up to March 2024. The Met Police warns that thieves often operate in busy areas, targeting people who are distracted on their phones.
While the videos may seem about flaunting wealth, they highlight a genuine concern for safety. Many people can relate to the anxiety of holding onto their phones tightly in public.
Image Credit: metro.co.uk