GUYS! Wherever you are in the world, I'd love to know if your town/city has changed at all and is feeling unsafe! And if it's not, do share your region so we all know where's great!! PLEASE NOTE: These types of crimes are on the rise globally in many places, not just London. Don't let the news articles put you off visiting, it's still for sure a 'bucket list' type of place, you just have to be careful. And whatever you do, DON'T WALK AROUND WITH YOUR HEAD DOWN LOOKING AT YOUR PHONE!
This is what happens when the police and prisons are defunded year over year! The reason these crimes go unpunished in the UK is because the police don’t have enough resources to investigate and if they are caught the prisons don’t have enough capacity to take them! I’m in Scotland and tbh I still feel safe enough to wear my items in Edinburgh/Glasgow centre. We need to speak up to our elected officials about this or it’s only going to get worse! Whenever I’m in London I avoid public transport and Uber wherever I can. My mum emigrated from HK 20ish years ago and she said she can’t believe how bad it’s gotten she never wears her items out anymore due to fear which is a huge shame! We talked about this topic a few nights ago, she said it rarely happens in HK and other SEA countries because the punishment is severe and the justice system is properly funded.
I feel these types of theft have going down in Bucharest. Ladies, gents, you can wear your expensive items as long as they can't be easily recognized - lesser known brands of good quality, for instance.
It makes me crazy when I see women hang their bags on the back of their chairs in a restaurant. I used to do that until I was robbed in a San Francisco restaurant. It was summer and this man and woman sat down at the table in back of me, both wearing coats. Not sure why I got a bad vibe but I did. I grabbed my purse and my wallet was gone. I knew immediately he had taken it so I caused a scene yelling at him. His response was so weak. He said he found it on the floor and was going to turn it in. Ok, sure, then why was it under your coat?! I asked the restaurant to call the police. They talked me out of it and now I know why. They don't want any bad publicity on their restaurant. The good news is that I got my wallet back.
This is regular occurrence in San Francisco because in California they make excuses for people that commit crimes, give them all kinds of welfare, and help them to continue to do crimes.
I’ve been thinking of buying a new luxury watch when I’m away on vacation, but part of me is like why? I would just stress out about it and never wear it. What’s the point?
Switzerland so so safe..... everyone wears designer watches and bags. we have a LOT of undercover cops.... they follow these gangs and catch them when they target tourists etc
@@sandraankenbrand People need to be less addicted to their phones anyway. Just be discreet when checking your phone, do it in a doorway or inside a building not in the street. These are just normal precautions.
Safety tip for everyone, the best thing you can do if you notice someone following you is when you are around enough people is shout “stop following me” this draws attention to that person and usually will deter them. Another is if you are alone you can pretend to be on the phone and wave down the street saying I’m almost there I can see you can you see me waving?
D.C. here in the U.S.! Its not only the "smash and grab" robberies of the designer stores BUT its also trickled down to "porch" robbies in which delivery vans from Amazon, UPS, to grocery delivers are being followed and your items stolen before you can retrieve them from the front porch of your home! In some states, I've heard that UPS drivers have been robbed of packages before they've had a chance to deliver them! It's crazy!
Here’s a ring story in USA. A woman went porch to porch stealing packages. Each house had the ring app. They put together the videos and called the local news who did a segment on her. Exposing her face etc. the cops caught her!
Here in the US we have an opportunity to turn things around. Vote Trump 2024! He’s vowed to clean up Washington DC and make it safe again. If Kamala gets in crime will only get worse. Elections have consequences
Please do your homework. Violent crime is lower now than when Trump was president. And if you’re a woman, your rapidly eroding rights will take you back to the 50s pretty quickly.
@@TTrain2088 He didn’t do squat in his last term and he won’t do squat now. Can’t even answer basic questions, we need someone with a high IQ. Not a felon who can’t pay his bills.
I'm always baffled by all the influencers who wear their birkins or their kellys in the streets of London or NYC. 20 years ago, nobody knew what a birkin or kelly was and how much it was worth. Nowadays, thanks to social media, everybody knows!!
To be fair, I feel like NYC is (or at least was) quite safe! There’s NYPD everywhere. Now there are a lot of illegals associated with gangs (yes not all but enough that crime has spiked).
Arab Gulf countries + Singapore + Japan are the safest when it comes to thieves crimes and other crimes. Because they got strict rules against thieves and criminals in general
I am legally blind. I navigate pretty well in daylight, but I'm truly disabled in low light situations. No possibility of situational awareness! So, I have a large loyal intact male dog. He's not officially a guide dog, but an 80 pound dog is an excellent deterrent to criminals and Charlie is MUCH more aware of our surroundings and much more capable of spotting/smelling ill-intent in strangers. There's actual scientific research about this - dogs are much more attuned and discerning about ill-intent than people are. I trust Charlie (literally) with my life!
@@francescathegreat1 So true! What breed is he? I have a labradoodle - larger than either parent, less allergenic, and with a "harder" more protective temperament.
You can ask the boutique to send your purchases to your house. I always ask them to ship items I buy in person, most boutiques offer free shipping (in Rome they literally ask you what hotel to deliver to because it's so unsafe to carry designer items there...)
A friend of mins daughter got snatched on the underground when she was coming back from work, she is terrified of going on the underground and working late. No camera’s or security was working at the time, her mum reported it but police won’t do anything. The girl is at Uni and her mum is 2 hours away and frustrated at how little she can do. The more they get away with these crimes the worse they get. I’m sorry for anyone who has been targeted..
And women are always targeted, cause we are more vulnerable. It's gets me so angry, thinking about how many women had to stop going for an education because they were afraid of going back home late at night. we sometimes stop getting that job or studying a course cause we we'll have to get public transportation. People don't talk about it enough.
I had my limited edition mobile snatched by moped thieves who actually rode the pavement and grabbed it off me in Oxford Street with people watching and cameras everywhere. The police said they couldn't do anything about it because of staff shortages and because they're generally afraid to pursue mopeds in case the thieves fall off them and get injured and sue the police!!! I was gobsmacked! Thieves have more rights in the UK than victims. And that's why I too am leaving. The UK is broken.
Hi Sophie!!!! 1hr late😢 Ive said this before but I was mugged in Harrods many many years ago. Well before mobiles. I was punched in the face and knocked down just as the lift doors opened. They didnt get anything as all my shopping bags got tangled up with my designer handbag that they were after and they ran off. I still travel to London but it was scary at the time. Hugs xx
I went to my local mall (US) and there has always been sketchy people around since forever, but it really has gone downhill since the pandemic. I wasn't even going to a high end store, I was in H&M with a non-designer bag minding my own business but aware of my environment when this young guy came up to me. I mean in the middle of the women's section. He starts acting really weird, mumbling I couldn't understand at first what he was saying but my hair was rising so I stepped back and gave him a "I will fight you face" and asked him what he wanted. He spoke about my appearance and then acted more flaky and then I said okay, well bye. Then watched him leave. I spent about 30-45 mins in there. He must of been watching me the whole time because as I'm leaving the store (I didn't buy anything) I suddenly see him following me. I mean my mall is really long, so he keeps walking on the other side of the walkway keeping pace. So, I slow down and started staring him down. He kept following me and I kept looking for security, who were nowhere to be found. I ended up slowing my pace a lot so that he was ahead. I'm pretty sure he was in a group because he was making weird moves like signaling people. He ended up going into another store ahead and I thought okay, maybe I'm overreacting. Nope! He was waiting for me as I passed and started following behind me. So, I stopped at that point with people around and just stared him down. I just sat there and sat there and then finally he turned and took off into one of the department stores. I guess he figured I caught him and wouldn't back down. I ended up running to my car while widely looking around incase he followed. The world has really changed.
If there were multiple people, it could be trafficers. We had a couple in the Target near me, but the woman got the store manager involved, and he called the police.
@@Himmiefan I believe it was traffickers. It's actually like the 3rd time this has happened to me in my area in the last year. The other two times were in broad daylight as well. My general area is known for trafficking where I am at, so I'm vigilant. Since I stick out, I guess I'm a bigger target. One other time was even scarier than this and it was in a back parking lot of a plant nursery. Unfortunately, in those instances there were no security or managers/staff to speak to. I'm glad the couple was able to get help.
@@taliajournee212 I 100% agree. Women really do need to carry protection at all times unfortunately. After 3 situations in the last year by myself, I bought a taser. Can't fight a man or group of men/people when you're a woman by yourself. We really do have to protect ourselves by any means necessary.
In places like Dubai and Saudi Arabia, you can leave anything and I mean ANYTHING on a table and it won’t get touched. A lot of places in the Middle East are extremely safe due to the consequences of stealing
Yes, only Gulf Arabia countries are safe. People don’t steal others and I would say Singapore and Japan are safe too. However, don’t let your guards down still. We never know
Living in defense mode in this time and age of civilization is unacceptable and intentionally governed to be this way. We the people must demand more from our leaders and stop aligning your votes based on divisive talking points that are merely slogans. Engage your local leadership, it all starts local. ✌🏽
I don't have a smartphone. I have a flip phone with work info on it, such as thee absence line phone number. Smartphones have gotten way out of hand. People rely too much on them. We need to get back to simpler times. My other phone is a landline with an answering machine. That's the number I give out. People can leave a message. (Jan Griffiths).
backing up sentimental pictures and videos from your phone onto an external hard drive, and requesting a single-use online card from your bank or moving money off your checking account into an account that is not reachable from your phone is great preparation for trips! also make sure there's no valuable passwords written down in your notesapp.
I lived in Boston for over a decade and never had any issues, always felt super safe. Moved to Dallas recently and because no one is walking around or taking public transport the only thing I hear about is the occasional car break in. I never feel like I have to leave my luxury at home.
Great video Sophie, well said. Tbh I just don't feel comfortable wearing anything designer in the UK cities. Be that a watch, ring or bag. I have also seen too many videos of phones being snatched in London. Totally off putting visiting from Scotland. 100% agree with you.
I'm from the US, and the last time I was in London 2011. I was a nanny, and the family I worked for brought me with them on vacation. I had a fabulous time, and I really wanted to go back again. How sad this has become. These crimes are everywhere.
The thing with London is not just overt 'official' crimes but the general air of menace, aggression and utter filth-- everything is on the rise. You have to be careful to even have a phone or a camera out as they'll just swipe it from you and run. Nobody will jump in to help as the threat of being stabbed or beaten badly is very real. I'm tired of the selfishness, the fighting, the bad energy, violence, jaw-dropping levels of litter and rubbish everywhere, high prices and just... where's the soul in London?! I never commute into London anymore unless I absolutely have to for an appointment or something.
Hi Sophie, I love your videos! I was targeted in London back in 2012 for my Rolex. They followed me home and waited until dark and then broke into my apartment in Clapham and started to beat me up until I surrendered my watch. They pulled a knife on me and I still resisted because I was like no way are you stealing my watch because I’ve worked hard to achieve it…. But I then thought I’ve got to give it up for my life… it was a sad day.
We left Germany a couple years ago for a couple of reasons, but also in anticipation of rising crime… Now living in one of the safest countries in Europe - Croatia and finally directly by the sea 🌊 Never felt so safe before and leaving our house and car doors open every day. The capital of Zagreb is one of the safest cities in Europe and also you get a lot more for your money here. Wishing you all the best! Love your videos ❤
The Lululemon bags are very popular where I live. They aren’t $$$ and everyone wears it in front of them and inside a jacket. It honestly is a fashion trend born out of safety and necessity.
A friend told me to get a cheap cross chest bag after getting pickpocketed in london and I noticed so many people wearing them afterwards. I got it from uniqlo for maybe £14.
Good tips Sophie. Theft is rampant in London. I am from NYC and we don't even have that level of theft here. No one is gonna take your phone from your hands in NYC, whereas that happens everyday in London.
I believe everywhere is different now. Mass migration everywhere. Too many young men with nothing to do and no one to guide them. Impossible situation.
No, my hometown for example has about 48% migrants, loads of them after 2015, Nr Munich.... Still one of the safest cities in Europe. You can leave your bag on the table alone when heading to the restrooms Its a lot of the poorer people with the same nationality... and, at least in Bavaria regarding robbing: eastern Europeans make up the highest percentage in jail
I work at a high end department store in California, and I wanted to move to San Francisco because they had a branch of my work there and I could transfer. But they had to close the branch in San Francisco because there was too much theft, so I couldn't move there anymore. Or if I move there I'd have to find another job. It's really sad, I can see theft on the rise right in front of me.
@@sidviscus I honestly don’t feel bad for California. That state is complete disaster and only getting worse. Although not sure what else to expect when people keep voting for the same sh!t!
Crime is on the rise in all bigger cities in my country(Germany) as well. Smashing car windows to loot handbags or luggage is a classic. My backpack always goes to the front when I'm around people, even in my local supermarket. Our supermarket has security guards now. These thieves are such worthless individuals...targeting the "weak" ones, looking to grab things from the pram when your baby is crying/distracting you...never put your handbag or phone in the pram! They also tried to snatch my 85 year old grandmas purse from her walker, almost knocking her over doing so and my great-aunt was robbed on the cemetery while tending to her husbands grave. There is nothing that these maggots respect. Very sad!
Idiot Former Chancellor Merkel has RUINED all of Europe with her "Welcome Migrants" campaign. Now all we hear about are Syrian migrants stabbing and killing people in Germany. OMG and the guy who just killed all the children at dance class in the UK. Western civilisation is over.
@@Pemma200 the truth is no theyre not all immigrants. theft has always been high, people just hear about it more due to social media now. and we have more to lose because our purchasing power is higher and we all carry $1k phones/tablets/laptops on us. tourists have always been targetted, back in the day fanny packs and hidden pouhes were what people used to protect themselves.
Sophie, you did exactly the right thing by staring that creep down and letting him know that you are not a target! When you sense someone is following you, the most powerful thing you can do is turn around and let them know you see them and are not to be messed with! There’s a GREAT book called “The Gift of Fear,” that talks about always heeding your instincts. As women, we are more vulnerable, but we also have stronger instincts about dangers around us. “Women’s intuition “ is REAL. The book makes the point that humans are the only animals that don’t runaway from danger when we detect it, usually as not to appear “rude.” 🤦🏼♀️ This book is a must read.
@@seabreeze4559 I'd rather be labelled as crazy and have my peace and safety. Some people made this a tactic and it's a really good one but you need to have some of it in you to play it well.
What you were saying about being watched really resonated with me. I used to work in a shop and I'd been watching the counter all day and I had to pop round the back literally just to put something away and then came straight back out and something had been stolen. I remember not really being bothered about the stock as it was a big chain store but I knew that this person must have had been watching me for ages for an opportunity to make their move and I felt so unsettled by that because Id have to get the bus home later in the dark on quiet street. I've lived in my hometown my whole life and I sometimes feel a bit demoralised by the fact I still feel unsafe. There have been times when I've gotten scared and had to ring my dad to meet me. It's so frustrating but sadly the reality.
I wouldn’t even leave a Tesco bag in view just in case a thief thinks it’s hiding something valuable. Bottom line is thieving brats operate because there are no consequences for their actions.
That is it rampant crime as no consequences to the perpetrators , the law/ police too soft in European cities now too much of a focus on the individuals rights, once you commit a crime I i think you should invalidate your human rights. Not a popular view but this is the only way we the majority of law abiding citizens will ever be safe again.
A few years ago, I parked off Bond Street. I left two new Chanel bags on my mini car boot. I came back and the car was opened and the bags were stolen from the boot! So even the boot of the car is not always safe! The police told me that there are gangs that do this…
I don't think in America it is the economy. I feel it is NO PUNISHMENT. When you can go in a store an rob, take out an item of 900.00 or less and not get punished, "WHY NOT". These people are not doing this to feed their family or pay the house payment, they are mean people, probably selling this for drugs and other things.
I completely agree! It’s become a lawless society- I saw a bunch of people get in the bus and not pay. Just walk in and sit down. A friend also witnessed some walking out of Home Depot with garbage bags filled with items. No punishment. No arrest. Just enough incentive for people to go ahead and steal. So sad!
totally agree. i used to work at Nordstrom rack and people would walk out with carts full of things because nothing could be done and the cops wouldn't do anything.
London is not what is used to be. Glad I escaped years back before it got this bad. Being safe is just a priority and working hard for things to be taken with no respect is not on anymore
Not really not in the Middle East although many of those countries are going through war but it never reached this insanity because laws are so hard in them in Europe it is because of laws and many times police do not even chase them that is why it got to this level
I absolutely LOVE this top on you omg it's so amazing, darling! Sorry about the crime. It seems as though western society has culturally moved to a point where criminality is not only tolerated but encouraged. I'm sorry this is happening in London.
This is not a problem in Norway 🇳🇴 I’m going to Paris this week and it’s almost like a culture shock having to be this «careful» when you never usually worry about it…
@Lena-cl6ye can't remember where exactly. Got my wallet and another my phone. So relieved the 3rd time I went to Paris nothing bad happened. Just have to be careful. I was an easy target last time.
Although, in fact, the crime rates for most crimes per head of population in London were higher in the 80's. Mobile phone theft is obviously much higher now, as mobile phones barely existed for many of us in the 80's but crimes of violence are lower.
@@Missfrankiecat wow!Fooled me!I lived in Parsons Green SW6 and I went out all the time ...mind you Susie Lamplugh worked at Sturgis on the corner of our street.Aside from that all I remember were threats of the IRA.Yes, my husband was carrying a brick phone back then-pretty hard to steal!😂🤣
@@MissfrankiecatI was pickpocketed in the mid 90s in Covent Garden. The local police station said it was a huge problem. My cards were cancelled straight away and the theives got away with a fiver. A cheap lesson, that I've taken to heart.
lol my parents lived in london in the 80s... it was not safe then either. muggings were common and random beatings for no reason. they find it safer now!
I haven’t been to London since Covid. I’ve always been careful walking in London and wear an obviously inexpensive crossbody. I may get one with the straps that are hard to cut for my next visit. Mostly I need to be mindful of my bad habit of putting my phone in a rear pants pocket. We have a same uptick in crime in Southern California but pickpocketing is not one of them. I used to be so naive in Europe. Once in Paris, a woman walked up to me and asked if I was American and told me to remove my phone from my back pocket because someone will steal it.
Besides wearing a crossbody bag, u can always put a unbuttoned coat or buttoned down sweater on top of the bag. U will look a little lumpy but u may be a bit safer.
Thanks for posting. This is just so sad. I’m so sorry you have had those scary experiences. We moved from the states to the UK about two hours north of London. There have been a few times on the tube in London that I have felt uneasy wearing my rings and handbags especially leaving Harrods. I wasn’t aware that the crime was this bad.
Sophie I had this happen to me in Knightsbridge at a small cafe off a side street. They saw my bag through the window and decided to walk in. I was scared for my life as they waited so long in the cafe not ordering anything. I let the staff know and they asked them if they were not ordering they need to leave.
THANKS FOR THIS SOPHIE. More of this kind of vids please. I am a Londoner and the level of crime in this city has grown to a level where it's so awful. I now try to avoid certain areas and esp buses and bus stops.
I have lived continuously in London since 1984. I have been burgled twice - once in 1986 and an attempt this year (nothing taken). My car has been broken into once (2000's). I have had a wallet stolen twice - in Harrods and at ROH, Covent Garden both in 1990's and a mobile phone snatched (moped) in 2019. I have never been hurt. I continue to walk alone at night if I need to, being sensible about where and when. All big cities have crime; London's figures compare very favourably with most similar sized European cities and much better than most cities of any size in America (North and South). Violent crime is statistically very rare (and usually, if you are a woman, domestic rather than street). Nearly all London crime rates, statistically, are steady and have not increased in the past decade (mobile phone crime is an exception). I'm sorry you feel so unsafe in London, Sophie, and sorrier yet that this video may make others think London is a violent, crime ridden city when the statistics say otherwise. Personally, I felt far unsafer in the 1980's when parts of South London, in particular, were no go areas after dark.
@@deborahcurtis1385 The sort of crime Sophie is talking about generally is reported - theft of luxury items - for insurance purposes. You are right that sexual crimes in particular are probably very under-reported but there is no reason to think under reporting is more now than in the past.
I'm from Texas and will be in London and then Paris next month 😮 I appreciate your "disclaimer" in the beginning of the video. Watching the remainder and hope to learn things to be aware of.
Truly great advice. I see no reason to walk around in big European or USA cities carrying Hermès or Chanel. I am Scandinavian and in our 5 Scandinavian countries, we still are rather safe. I do not have Hermès, because I do not like their bags (sorry), but I do have Chanel, Vuitton, and Fendi. While traveling, I carry a very flat crossbody bag underneath my coat or jacket and keep my money, cards, and passport there. The bag that is in sight is a pretty Italian leather bag or canvas. If it should suddenly be pulled off, I´d not cry. Never bags on the floor and certainly not bags left open/unzipped. I do not like to carry a watch, but even those few times I do, my answer is always: "No idea, I do carry one". A friend 3 years ago was Christmas shopping in Hamburg when a male voice asked her if she had the correct time. While looking at her watch another man on the opposite side emptied her handbag. The following day the same man asked her the same question. As she was looking at him, she realized it was the same bloke and told him she recognized him. During this short conversation, her bag vanished. Apparently, 2 thieves work better. - Stay safe.
I'm also from Scandinavia and feel the same. Our countries are still relatively safe. But in the capital cities there are areas you need to avoid. In Helsinki, there are some areas that I will never ever go to again!
@@maijam6709 That's really news for me, which areas in Helsinki should one avoid? I've lived in Helsinki for a bit many years ago and everywhere was perfectly safe. It's a real shame it's not like this anymore...
It's crazy. I've been travelling to London for business. I always spend a few days in our London office. I'm not from the UK. And I remember being surprised the first time when my colleagues told me to be careful, never to carry my phone in my hand, and not walk around late by myself...which I did a few times before they told me. I didn't think it could be that dangerous...and I do carry designer bags. However, now I'm more aware of my surroundings.
That's what people from my country have also been told and they were absolutely surprised. And I told them that the locals were absolutely right and you should take it seriously when they tell you so.
Birmingham UK is extremely unsafe, from road rage that happen daily, from targeting "rich" people, from gangs traumatising kids, cars being break in regularly even in nice places and so on. And I am an immigrant to UK from Italy, lived in Uk soil since 2016 and really considering leaving in 2-3 years. One of my friend got beaten and threaten in London in July 2023 for her engagement ring, which is beautiful and is a Diana Spencer copy with a real blue sapphire. She got lucky, they got caught immediately thanks to normal security guy that push on the floor and the ring fell off. Snatching phones is a national sport in UK. Visit UK but treat is as it is Cairo Egypt or something like that. It's becoming wild. I am looking to move in Eastern Europe, with my partner, as it seems a bit more safe and with less gangs.
Well, good luck with feeling more safe in "Eastern" Europe (if you mean Poland, Czech republic, Hungary or Slovakia, it's Central Europe). I was born and bred in Slovakia, moved to the UK (Wales)15 years ago...and never looked back. About 10% of the population of Slovakia are Roma people. You know those "lovely" folks who will do everything you have listed in your comment and more. They start early as they use their own children to take advantage of the target. Similar situation is in the other aforementioned countries. The UK is super safe compared to that.
Yep. Moved from a large city in California to a smaller suburb. Best decision I ever made for my family. Just remember you vote for the policies of your country so choose wisely.
I keep thinking all the people commenting all probably voted democrats in. They are literally trying to cause the most chaos in our society. Blows my mind that people aren’t catching on to this
Studied in London a few years ago so of course I had a backpack. Never kept anything valuable in the outer pocket-usually just hand sanitizer and lip balm. It was a pain to dig for my keys and wallet at the bottom of the main compartment, but not as much of a pain as if things had been stolen.
I live in Los Angeles. I hear a lot that there is crime, but personally, I’ve never had anything happen to me. Knock on wood. One thing I always am sure to do, is take my purse with me and never leave it on the front seat when I’m pumping gas. That is a big issue in LA. People leave their purse on the passenger seat, a thief opens the passenger door (people usually don’t lock their car if they are pumping gas next to it) pump their gas/petrol, and when they get in the car, their purse is gone. I never leave my purse in a shopping cart when I’m in the grocery store either. I always have it zipped and on my person. It never leaves my sight. Sadly, I also always have pepper spray in my hand, just to arm myself. This is more so being a woman; but I don’t want to be perceived as vulnerable.
When I last went to Paris last week, people said - beware - crime is really bad. Big cities everywhere - big problems. The greatest luxury you have - is the choice to stay or leave. London remains and will always be one of the worlds most amazing cities. Some common sense and you should be fine. Keep visiting peeps
I've been to Paris many times before and never felt unsafe before. But after hearing all the stories I was a bit unsure when I was there again last week, but I felt completly safe! I did take some precautions, the day I had my passport on my for tax free shopping I had a small padlock on my zipper pull so it couldn't be opened easily. And we didn't use the meteo this time, mostly because we enjoyed walking the city but also because I didn't want to get targeted when I wear a lot of expensive things.
I hear you! I didn’t know crime was that bad in Paris but I immediately understood that as I left the airport. There was a creepy taxi driver that oogled my ysl woc and the girl at dior insisted to hide the dior bag I bought in a Plain bag. It was worse than expected
Hi Sophie, this is the main reason I stopped watching luxury YT content. I’ve lived in London for five years and feel unsafe when traveling about central London. Everyone I know has a moped or phone theft story. I am still traumatized being profiled and followed into a London store and getting my designer bag stolen. I hide all my fine jewelry with long sleeves, scarfs, jackets especially when I ride the tube. I also have a stretch band costume bracelet I wear over my Rolex. It’s very expensive to insure your fine jewelry in London. The monthly insurance quotes for coverage are outrageous. I also put my designer handbag in a shopping bag during my commute. I never let my handbag out of sight, ever. Once you’ve been robbed, you are on high alert.
@@katrinaevans7872 I’ve stopped buying handbags for this reason. I’m down to just one handbag purchase a year. I’ll never sell my collection. I enjoy them when I travel and also when I take a taxi to my destination in London.
The last time I went to London for holiday early this year I didn’t bring any luxury bags with me. It was during winter and used my coat and didn’t shop luxury as well. I love London and it’s a shame what’s been happening there. The issue now it’s not only targeting ppl of the streets, I’ve heard horror stories of hotel rooms being robbed not even at cheap hotels!
It crazy that people have to be like that. My husband says the same to me . He will not want me to wear expensive stuff. So I stopped buying them. I stay with simple high street stuff. To be honest they are just as good. Or lux which is not well known. I find nobody identifies them. It reality of what economic down turn does to society 😮
Less safe in Canada too. It's not the economy; time to wake the heck up and take a good hard look at the actions and policies of the people in charge that led to this massive mess we're all in. You'll probably notice a pattern.
Wearing a fake engagement ring because of the fear of theft is CRAZY. I hate that law abiding citizens have to feel this way about simply going out of their homes... I blame the lack of enforcement and the culture about sympathizing for criminals.
Paris is the worst for this, I heard so many horror stories especially on the metro. I got followed outside gallerie Lafayette too. Not just a London issue
You have to be conscious about your surroundings. Everywere. And you should try to look inconspicous. That helps. I stayed in Paris only the week before last. Nothing happened. Professional thieves have their seasons which is summer or Christmas markets. What I noticed though is that there was no jewellery displayed in the windows at Place de la Vendome area on a Sunday. But that could be bc. of design theft too.
Maybe the change of population and values occurring everywhere in Europe… in Paris it’s hell as well, not as bad as London I think but I never go out alone with anything designer or nice. It’s really sad.
This is sickening! I was in Barcelona w a former boyfriend and we were told for him to keep an empty wallet in his back pocket & his real wallet in a pouch on his belly under a tucked shirt. We were going onto a subway (we‘re American) and wouldn’t you know… a Gypsy woman grabbed it out of his pocket. As a reflex he fought back, but the doors were closing & he let go. I put a note in it that said, “ha ha ha… I hope you enjoy dying tonight“ in Spanish. To this day, I wonder if it gave her the paranoia from hell… Anyway, I’m so glad that we took the advice! I swear, I never felt so violated, and it wasn’t even me that was attacked! 21:03
No,it didn’t,gypsies don’t give af, even if it was true they would call all their “cousins” and if they find you,you would go to the USA in a body bag. You don’t mess with gypsies in Europe unless you have bigger balls and friends than them even the police is scared of them.
No,it didn’t,gypsies don’t give af, even if it was true they would call all their “cousins” and if they find you,you would go to the USA in a body bag. You don’t mess with gypsies in Europe unless you have bigger balls and friends than them even the police is scared of them.
No,it didn’t,gypsies don’t give af, even if it was true they would call all their “cousins” and if they find you,you would go to the USA in a bag. You don’t mess with gypsies in Europe unless you have bigger balls and friends than them even the police is scared of them.
No,it didn’t,gypsies don’t give af, even if it was true they would call all their “cousins” and if they find you,you would go to the USA in a bag. You don’t mess with gypsies in Europe unless you have bigger balls and friends than them even the police is scared of them.
Deffo be vigilant on the London underground, I rarely use it these days. Someone even stole my hair clip on the tube... seriously a hair clip! Everything else on me was practically bolted down.
It’s not just London. It’s happening everywhere. San Francisco is unrecognisable from 20 years ago and even some of the surrounding areas have changed drastically from how I remember them.
Once I saw a guy grab a designer duffel bag from someone at a restaurant in Duke of York Square and started running, the guy started chasing and the thief dropped the bag and run off. Crazy world 🌸
I had my cell phone stolen out of my hand by two guys on a moped in London in 2016. It was 10 am on a Sunday morning in Bloomsbury and I was going to get a coffee. Went to the police station (literally around the corner) and it was closed on Sundays. I went back to my hotel and remote wiped my info and it was insured so I got a new phone eventually but it was pretty unsettling.
I’m going to be back in London again in two weeks and I only use public transport. I’m also from NYC and travel around a fair bit. There are thieves everywhere. So thank you for reminding people to BE SMART IN PUBLIC and in our own cars. ALWAYS keep your bags in front of you, don’t flash your expensive items, only load cars when LEAVING an area, and stay alert (off your phones). Just exercise street smarts. Sophie’s advice about your car is so very important. Never leave ANYTHING visible to tempt thieves; load cars when leaving an area, not on arrival; and don’t put your handbags or valuables on any seats. I had three break-ins in NYC, once for a quarter on the console, another time bc we put our backpacks in the trunk on arrival, and a third time for no reason at alliteration parking in an isolated area. All lessons learned.
Yep! This is why I only wear predominantly smaller crossbody bags, and I leave them on when I’m out to dinner, drinks etc… and never leave anything in my car. It’s pretty bag in some of the larger cities I’m in.
Luxembourg changed so much in recent years, government was pretending that nothing is wrong because they don't want to scare the international capital/ investment/ directors and even foreign professionals (on which the country is dependant on) coming in, which made it even worse, gange of young illegal immigrant started to form stealing chains, phones even shoes (like niki), burglaries on the daily etc.
Sophie, thanks for the warning. So HOW and WHERE do you enjoy your luxury items (watches, jewelry, bags, etc.) outside of your home?? And also, if this is a problem across the globe (and I believe it is...), how will a move from the UK help you avoid this kind of robbery? Thanks so much for your input! 😊
I guess that’s why you are looking to possibly move to Singapore. It’s very safe and police there punish these criminals dearly which is what other big cities need to do to deter these petty crimes but they don’t. I would say you should move to a new city (be it Singapore or other cities) for few months first before totally uproot your family to see what it really is like living there.
This really hits home coz I recently moved to London and the first week almost got my phone taken off my hand but luckily I held tight and feel so traumatised
PEOPLE NEED TO START DEMANDING MORE IS DONE ABOUT THIS. AFTER ALL, WE ARE PAYING HIGHER AND HIGHER TAXES AND YET THIS STUFF IS GOING UNCHECKED, WHY ARE WE PAYING TAXES?
That’s awful! 😮 It’s out of control in many cities. I’m lucky I live in Arizona and I can wear my luxury bags without worry. Having a tough on crime sheriff and strict laws is so important. I feel totally safe where I am thank goodness.
We are facing the same thing in San Francisco, CA. It is horrible. Sad to see it in London as well. I visit London 4 -6 times a year and it is my home port when traveling all over Europe. Thanks for safety tips. I love London but will be vigilant. Thanks for sharing and your great vids.
I think this is why it's important for citizens to be able to protect themselves, I don't think it's fair for governments to disarm lawful citizens but then they can't protect their citizens from the criminals. I think London should try to at least get more security or put the criminals in jail so they think twice before robbing again. If there is no repremand nothing is going to stop them.
My friend just got robbed last night. Got punched in the face and got her bag snatched. That was 10pm at night outside Sainsbury, and she wasn't even wearing a nice watch. They just saw a woman on her own and targeted her. London is not safe.
I don’t know if I should say this but it feels like the police in London are in on this. My friend and I got our cabin box stolen at the exit of the Kings Cross Station after we got off the Eurostar at knife point. As soon as we reported this the police looked like they genuinely wanted to help us and made us write out a detailed report of the incident. But they got back to us saying the cameras outside Kings Cross station were not working which is a big joke. These thieves work in gangs and were outside every exit that night we were robbed. We knew this coz another woman at another exit was attacked. The police in London do nothing. They know who these guys are but choose to ignore. Please consider moving to Dubai as it is so so safe there. We buy nice things to sometimes mark milestones in our lives. What’s the point if u can’t safely enjoy wearing them.
I was visiting London a few weeks ago and my friends also told me not to wear designer bag and watch. I walked around London since the weather was beautiful and I love checking out all the cute cafes and buildings. Having said that, I would only check google map when I was inside the store, not on the pavement since I was alone. I am from Taiwan and it’s very safe to wear designer stuff and leave your cellphone on the table when you are having coffee with your friends.
We can’t even have an iPhone nowadays in my neighbourhood in London, let alone luxury items 😢I see in the residents’ Facebook group that the gangs have started robbing people at knifepoint in broad daylight.
My mum almost got her wallet stolen in Zara! She had her bag on the kids buggy, and this lady was carrying a lot of clothes in her arms and approached the buggy and reached into my mums bag. Luckily my mum saw the whole thing, grabbed her arm and shouted at her. Caused a scene but at least she wasn’t robbed! Broad daylight
Unfortunately, this is happening here in Los Angeles too. People are getting drugged and robbed in bars and clubs, cars are getting broken into and robbed, stores are getting looted. Luckily, the criminals here don’t seem to be as aggressive or violent with people.
We were in. London as tourists last week. On Thursday, we were looking at the phone for directions from Victoria Station to our hotel when an American expat stopped and warned us to not have our phones out because they'll get snatched right out of our hands. She had several family and friends have that happen. Glad we got the warning. I had left all my valuable jewelry and designer bags back home intentionally and carried a crossbody with anti-theft features. It's not cute at all, but I felt less of a target. The mopeds and electric bikes weaving in London traffic was sketch.
Im so sorry this happened to you. But Im so glad that you said something to the thief! You told both of the thieves that you were not afraid of them. How about carrying a pepper spray? And what dont people carry anytime of protection with them if its that bad in broad daylight?
Heading to the office, 7am rush hour on the bus in Geneva. It was a freezing February morning and my hands were numb because I forgot my gloves. A man slashed the bottom of my tote and in the process had slashed my knuckles as I was clutching the tote like a pillow underneath. Like I said my hands were numb so I didn’t feel anything at the time. He hopped off at Gare Coravin and made eye contact when I looked up at the closing bus doors and he was actually looking at my bloody knuckles in fascination.
@@OuriLLusion Thanks, my totebag had nothing missing just a big slash on the bottom, thankfully he didn't come after me, he ran off into the rush hour crowd. I was in shock and went straight to the office, my coworker took me to a clinic to get a tetanus shot. I didn't bother to make a police report, I felt they would not have helped. Geneva and the rest of Switzerland is certainly not as safe people assume. Lots of pickpockets on the buses, trams and trains. I never wear any luxury items, especially jewelry, if taking public transport.
Where is humanity nowadays? 😢 I recently had an experience while riding a public transportation and felt weird as this person was sitting really close to me. I was wearing a crossbody bag and it was in sitting in my lap and looked down at my bag and was half open 😮 Thank goodness he was not able to get my phone and wallet 🙏🏽 We just have to be alert at all times.
Dublin is gone the same Sophie, besides the crazy hotel prices most Irish people couldn’t be bothered to go there now because of the crime…definitely something in the last 10 years especially post Covid has just made things feel a lot sketchier
You are lucky you have each other. My spouse is completely oblivious and shouts things like "how much cash you have on you right now, I want ot buy this and that" in an extremely touristy area. Are you looking to get robbed or what?
GUYS! Wherever you are in the world, I'd love to know if your town/city has changed at all and is feeling unsafe! And if it's not, do share your region so we all know where's great!!
PLEASE NOTE:
These types of crimes are on the rise globally in many places, not just London. Don't let the news articles put you off visiting, it's still for sure a 'bucket list' type of place, you just have to be careful.
And whatever you do, DON'T WALK AROUND WITH YOUR HEAD DOWN LOOKING AT YOUR PHONE!
Keep em coming Sophie! xxx
This is what happens when the police and prisons are defunded year over year! The reason these crimes go unpunished in the UK is because the police don’t have enough resources to investigate and if they are caught the prisons don’t have enough capacity to take them!
I’m in Scotland and tbh I still feel safe enough to wear my items in Edinburgh/Glasgow centre. We need to speak up to our elected officials about this or it’s only going to get worse!
Whenever I’m in London I avoid public transport and Uber wherever I can. My mum emigrated from HK 20ish years ago and she said she can’t believe how bad it’s gotten she never wears her items out anymore due to fear which is a huge shame!
We talked about this topic a few nights ago, she said it rarely happens in HK and other SEA countries because the punishment is severe and the justice system is properly funded.
I feel these types of theft have going down in Bucharest. Ladies, gents, you can wear your expensive items as long as they can't be easily recognized - lesser known brands of good quality, for instance.
@@SophieShohetOfficial yup. Canada.
DJT2024 for lower prices...safe cities...safe world
It makes me crazy when I see women hang their bags on the back of their chairs in a restaurant. I used to do that until I was robbed in a San Francisco restaurant. It was summer and this man and woman sat down at the table in back of me, both wearing coats. Not sure why I got a bad vibe but I did. I grabbed my purse and my wallet was gone. I knew immediately he had taken it so I caused a scene yelling at him. His response was so weak. He said he found it on the floor and was going to turn it in. Ok, sure, then why was it under your coat?! I asked the restaurant to call the police. They talked me out of it and now I know why. They don't want any bad publicity on their restaurant. The good news is that I got my wallet back.
do you remember the name of the restaurant? just curious
@@angelay7262 No, it happened way before covid. It was in the Financial District.
Really nice points made in this Video. I've just sent an email to you the link/website for the 1:1 you recommend *suluxy*
How On earth did the restaurant not arrest the guy! He committed theft! I would have pressed charges!
This is regular occurrence in San Francisco because in California they make excuses for people that commit crimes, give them all kinds of welfare, and help them to continue to do crimes.
It doesn’t make sense then to buy luxury items if you can never wear them 😢
Exactly and all that worry just for a watch or bag
It does not make sense to have it in general.
I don't feel safe wearing luxury items in the UK at all, regardless of which city I travel too.
I’ve been thinking of buying a new luxury watch when I’m away on vacation, but part of me is like why? I would just stress out about it and never wear it. What’s the point?
Buy fakes😂
Switzerland so so safe..... everyone wears designer watches and bags. we have a LOT of undercover cops.... they follow these gangs and catch them when they target tourists etc
We got pick pocket in Swiss train last year
Phones have been snatched in Zürich too
@@specialsasha6506 She didn't say it was absolutely safe, it's relatively safe OK?
@@sandraankenbrand People need to be less addicted to their phones anyway. Just be discreet when checking your phone, do it in a doorway or inside a building not in the street. These are just normal precautions.
If it's so safe...why do you have undercover cops watching out for these people?
My bag never goes on the floor.
Mhmm my bag is crossbody and placed near my lap.
We just got back from London to the U.S. Had a great time and no crime.
Bag on the floor, money out the door!
Never ever!
Same here and I always keep an eye on people
Safety tip for everyone, the best thing you can do if you notice someone following you is when you are around enough people is shout “stop following me” this draws attention to that person and usually will deter them. Another is if you are alone you can pretend to be on the phone and wave down the street saying I’m almost there I can see you can you see me waving?
D.C. here in the U.S.! Its not only the "smash and grab" robberies of the designer stores BUT its also trickled down to "porch" robbies in which delivery vans from Amazon, UPS, to grocery delivers are being followed and your items stolen before you can retrieve them from the front porch of your home! In some states, I've heard that UPS drivers have been robbed of packages before they've had a chance to deliver them! It's crazy!
Porch pirates are so bad in my city. It's all people post about in the ring doorbell app. The police can't do anything because it's hard to catch them
Here’s a ring story in USA. A woman went porch to porch stealing packages. Each house had the ring app. They put together the videos and called the local news who did a segment on her. Exposing her face etc. the cops caught her!
Here in the US we have an opportunity to turn things around. Vote Trump 2024! He’s vowed to clean up Washington DC and make it safe again. If Kamala gets in crime will only get worse. Elections have consequences
Please do your homework. Violent crime is lower now than when Trump was president. And if you’re a woman, your rapidly eroding rights will take you back to the 50s pretty quickly.
@@TTrain2088 He didn’t do squat in his last term and he won’t do squat now. Can’t even answer basic questions, we need someone with a high IQ. Not a felon who can’t pay his bills.
I'm always baffled by all the influencers who wear their birkins or their kellys in the streets of London or NYC. 20 years ago, nobody knew what a birkin or kelly was and how much it was worth. Nowadays, thanks to social media, everybody knows!!
Over exposure kills luxury. The whole point of real luxury is that it’s emphatically NOT ubiquitous.
totally agree! also same with the chanel classic flap. i feel like you're a target.
Yup this is a big part of the problem!!! I think they are also specifically targeting the influencers and their groupie crowds
To be fair, I feel like NYC is (or at least was) quite safe! There’s NYPD everywhere. Now there are a lot of illegals associated with gangs (yes not all but enough that crime has spiked).
Arab Gulf countries + Singapore + Japan are the safest when it comes to thieves crimes and other crimes. Because they got strict rules against thieves and criminals in general
japan has capital punishment, this deters them
I am legally blind. I navigate pretty well in daylight, but I'm truly disabled in low light situations. No possibility of situational awareness! So, I have a large loyal intact male dog. He's not officially a guide dog, but an 80 pound dog is an excellent deterrent to criminals and Charlie is MUCH more aware of our surroundings and much more capable of spotting/smelling ill-intent in strangers. There's actual scientific research about this - dogs are much more attuned and discerning about ill-intent than people are. I trust Charlie (literally) with my life!
A cop told me once a big dog is the best protector. Mine is 110 pounds.
@@francescathegreat1 So true! What breed is he? I have a labradoodle - larger than either parent, less allergenic, and with a "harder" more protective temperament.
You can ask the boutique to send your purchases to your house. I always ask them to ship items I buy in person, most boutiques offer free shipping (in Rome they literally ask you what hotel to deliver to because it's so unsafe to carry designer items there...)
I’ve done this when travelling! Such a good idea!
Sounds like a good idea until reception tells you they never received any items, yes you cannot trust hotel staff either!!
@@anonymousbyname1121 then you file a claim with insurance company or open a dispute on your credit card for not receiving the item...
A friend of mins daughter got snatched on the underground when she was coming back from work, she is terrified of going on the underground and working late. No camera’s or security was working at the time, her mum reported it but police won’t do anything. The girl is at Uni and her mum is 2 hours away and frustrated at how little she can do. The more they get away with these crimes the worse they get. I’m sorry for anyone who has been targeted..
And women are always targeted, cause we are more vulnerable. It's gets me so angry, thinking about how many women had to stop going for an education because they were afraid of going back home late at night. we sometimes stop getting that job or studying a course cause we we'll have to get public transportation. People don't talk about it enough.
I nearly got kidnapped in Soho, crowded place, but i could feel the others wouldn't have helped me. :/
@@sapphirecamui6447oh my gosh! I always see influencers posting from there. It looks so safe.
police get more money for their pensions, the more crime there is
makes those untested kits make sense now, huh?
police all intend to retire abroad
@@carlahaiduk1878 yep happened to me, can't get certain jobs because using certain train stations is dangerous and that was WITH other people
I had my limited edition mobile snatched by moped thieves who actually rode the pavement and grabbed it off me in Oxford Street with people watching and cameras everywhere. The police said they couldn't do anything about it because of staff shortages and because they're generally afraid to pursue mopeds in case the thieves fall off them and get injured and sue the police!!! I was gobsmacked! Thieves have more rights in the UK than victims. And that's why I too am leaving. The UK is broken.
that's an excuse, they want more crime so their pensions get fatter for dealing with higher crime, all cops intend to retire ABROAD
Yeah police in this country useless rubbish! Waste of our tax money!!!! I wish i had a choice of not paying any taxes as i don’t trust poluce, nhs!
Hi Sophie!!!! 1hr late😢 Ive said this before but I was mugged in Harrods many many years ago. Well before mobiles. I was punched in the face and knocked down just as the lift doors opened. They didnt get anything as all my shopping bags got tangled up with my designer handbag that they were after and they ran off. I still travel to London but it was scary at the time. Hugs xx
I went to my local mall (US) and there has always been sketchy people around since forever, but it really has gone downhill since the pandemic. I wasn't even going to a high end store, I was in H&M with a non-designer bag minding my own business but aware of my environment when this young guy came up to me. I mean in the middle of the women's section. He starts acting really weird, mumbling I couldn't understand at first what he was saying but my hair was rising so I stepped back and gave him a "I will fight you face" and asked him what he wanted. He spoke about my appearance and then acted more flaky and then I said okay, well bye. Then watched him leave. I spent about 30-45 mins in there. He must of been watching me the whole time because as I'm leaving the store (I didn't buy anything) I suddenly see him following me. I mean my mall is really long, so he keeps walking on the other side of the walkway keeping pace. So, I slow down and started staring him down. He kept following me and I kept looking for security, who were nowhere to be found. I ended up slowing my pace a lot so that he was ahead. I'm pretty sure he was in a group because he was making weird moves like signaling people. He ended up going into another store ahead and I thought okay, maybe I'm overreacting. Nope! He was waiting for me as I passed and started following behind me. So, I stopped at that point with people around and just stared him down. I just sat there and sat there and then finally he turned and took off into one of the department stores. I guess he figured I caught him and wouldn't back down. I ended up running to my car while widely looking around incase he followed. The world has really changed.
Very little punishment for crimes, therefore no deterrent. It’s just getting worse with the influx of criminal illegals.
If there were multiple people, it could be trafficers. We had a couple in the Target near me, but the woman got the store manager involved, and he called the police.
That is so scary. This is why I am for women carrying protection...and by protection I mean any thing you need to protect yourself!
@@Himmiefan I believe it was traffickers. It's actually like the 3rd time this has happened to me in my area in the last year. The other two times were in broad daylight as well. My general area is known for trafficking where I am at, so I'm vigilant. Since I stick out, I guess I'm a bigger target. One other time was even scarier than this and it was in a back parking lot of a plant nursery. Unfortunately, in those instances there were no security or managers/staff to speak to. I'm glad the couple was able to get help.
@@taliajournee212 I 100% agree. Women really do need to carry protection at all times unfortunately. After 3 situations in the last year by myself, I bought a taser. Can't fight a man or group of men/people when you're a woman by yourself. We really do have to protect ourselves by any means necessary.
In places like Dubai and Saudi Arabia, you can leave anything and I mean ANYTHING on a table and it won’t get touched. A lot of places in the Middle East are extremely safe due to the consequences of stealing
Yes, only Gulf Arabia countries are safe. People don’t steal others and I would say Singapore and Japan are safe too. However, don’t let your guards down still. We never know
yes but they don’t respect women
@@KuronekoDarknessneither do brits… you can’t respectfully rob someone
@@KuronekoDarknesssays who?? Western media?
Sorry. American women like me aren't about to be oppressed by extremist male-oriented countries. Head scarves my foot.
Living in defense mode in this time and age of civilization is unacceptable and intentionally governed to be this way. We the people must demand more from our leaders and stop aligning your votes based on divisive talking points that are merely slogans. Engage your local leadership, it all starts local. ✌🏽
the police want more crime, for more pension money
Exactly. 👍🏼
You’ve got me thinking……..perhaps a travel phone. Absolutely no banking on it, or anything of importance…….just a thought.
I only have an everyday account on my phone. Certainly not any banking with serious money in it.
I don't have a smartphone. I have a flip phone with work info on it, such as thee absence line phone number. Smartphones have gotten way out of hand. People rely too much on them. We need to get back to simpler times. My other phone is a landline with an answering machine. That's the number I give out. People can leave a message. (Jan Griffiths).
backing up sentimental pictures and videos from your phone onto an external hard drive, and requesting a single-use online card from your bank or moving money off your checking account into an account that is not reachable from your phone is great preparation for trips! also make sure there's no valuable passwords written down in your notesapp.
I lived in Boston for over a decade and never had any issues, always felt super safe. Moved to Dallas recently and because no one is walking around or taking public transport the only thing I hear about is the occasional car break in. I never feel like I have to leave my luxury at home.
Open carry?
Sofía!!!!! You’re here! One of your subbies 😅
Great video Sophie, well said. Tbh I just don't feel comfortable wearing anything designer in the UK cities. Be that a watch, ring or bag. I have also seen too many videos of phones being snatched in London. Totally off putting visiting from Scotland. 100% agree with you.
I'm from the US, and the last time I was in London 2011. I was a nanny, and the family I worked for brought me with them on vacation. I had a fabulous time, and I really wanted to go back again.
How sad this has become. These crimes are everywhere.
The thing with London is not just overt 'official' crimes but the general air of menace, aggression and utter filth-- everything is on the rise. You have to be careful to even have a phone or a camera out as they'll just swipe it from you and run. Nobody will jump in to help as the threat of being stabbed or beaten badly is very real. I'm tired of the selfishness, the fighting, the bad energy, violence, jaw-dropping levels of litter and rubbish everywhere, high prices and just... where's the soul in London?! I never commute into London anymore unless I absolutely have to for an appointment or something.
Hi Sophie, I love your videos! I was targeted in London back in 2012 for my Rolex. They followed me home and waited until dark and then broke into my apartment in Clapham and started to beat me up until I surrendered my watch.
They pulled a knife on me and I still resisted because I was like no way are you stealing my watch because I’ve worked hard to achieve it…. But I then thought I’ve got to give it up for my life… it was a sad day.
did you go home by train or taxi?
@@seabreeze4559 walking
I’m so sorry what a horrible experience 😢you did well to give it at the end, worst might have happened to you.
@@seabreeze4559 walked
@@mariama337 thank you and yes it could have been a nasty outcome if I had resisted…. But thankfully I’m still here to share with you.
We left Germany a couple years ago for a couple of reasons, but also in anticipation of rising crime… Now living in one of the safest countries in Europe - Croatia and finally directly by the sea 🌊 Never felt so safe before and leaving our house and car doors open every day. The capital of Zagreb is one of the safest cities in Europe and also you get a lot more for your money here. Wishing you all the best! Love your videos ❤
The Lululemon bags are very popular where I live. They aren’t $$$ and everyone wears it in front of them and inside a jacket. It honestly is a fashion trend born out of safety and necessity.
A friend told me to get a cheap cross chest bag after getting pickpocketed in london and I noticed so many people wearing them afterwards. I got it from uniqlo for maybe £14.
They're the best bags. I go everywhere with mine.
@@llkoolbean4935 I honestly didn't like them before but now I still don't like that but I use it for the practicality
Good tips Sophie. Theft is rampant in London. I am from NYC and we don't even have that level of theft here. No one is gonna take your phone from your hands in NYC, whereas that happens everyday in London.
I believe everywhere is different now.
Mass migration everywhere.
Too many young men with nothing to do and no one to guide them. Impossible situation.
It's not just young men it's young girls doing it to.
It's more like wealth inequality is rising all over while the cost of living has shot straight up. We've been seeing it all over.
@@haute03 wrong. many asian countries are still safe, while having the same economic struggles.
@@haute03 Please! These people have not worked a day in their life. More like social income giving them too much time, and no sense of responsibility.
No, my hometown for example has about 48% migrants, loads of them after 2015, Nr Munich....
Still one of the safest cities in Europe. You can leave your bag on the table alone when heading to the restrooms
Its a lot of the poorer people with the same nationality... and, at least in Bavaria regarding robbing: eastern Europeans make up the highest percentage in jail
I work at a high end department store in California, and I wanted to move to San Francisco because they had a branch of my work there and I could transfer. But they had to close the branch in San Francisco because there was too much theft, so I couldn't move there anymore. Or if I move there I'd have to find another job. It's really sad, I can see theft on the rise right in front of me.
@@sidviscus I honestly don’t feel bad for California. That state is complete disaster and only getting worse. Although not sure what else to expect when people keep voting for the same sh!t!
San Francisco has been ruined. So so sad. Thanks Dems.
@@pjh8301 VPs have little actual power.
@@Susan-kw3dtbad bot
Crime is on the rise in all bigger cities in my country(Germany) as well. Smashing car windows to loot handbags or luggage is a classic. My backpack always goes to the front when I'm around people, even in my local supermarket. Our supermarket has security guards now. These thieves are such worthless individuals...targeting the "weak" ones, looking to grab things from the pram when your baby is crying/distracting you...never put your handbag or phone in the pram! They also tried to snatch my 85 year old grandmas purse from her walker, almost knocking her over doing so and my great-aunt was robbed on the cemetery while tending to her husbands grave. There is nothing that these maggots respect. Very sad!
Who are these thieves? The undesirable immigrants?
Maggots…I like that one. 😂
@@Pemma200 you guessed it right from the first attempt
Idiot Former Chancellor Merkel has RUINED all of Europe with her "Welcome Migrants" campaign. Now all we hear about are Syrian migrants stabbing and killing people in Germany. OMG and the guy who just killed all the children at dance class in the UK. Western civilisation is over.
@@Pemma200 the truth is no theyre not all immigrants. theft has always been high, people just hear about it more due to social media now. and we have more to lose because our purchasing power is higher and we all carry $1k phones/tablets/laptops on us. tourists have always been targetted, back in the day fanny packs and hidden pouhes were what people used to protect themselves.
Sophie, you did exactly the right thing by staring that creep down and letting him know that you are not a target! When you sense someone is following you, the most powerful thing you can do is turn around and let them know you see them and are not to be messed with! There’s a GREAT book called “The Gift of Fear,” that talks about always heeding your instincts. As women, we are more vulnerable, but we also have stronger instincts about dangers around us. “Women’s intuition “ is REAL. The book makes the point that humans are the only animals that don’t runaway from danger when we detect it, usually as not to appear “rude.” 🤦🏼♀️ This book is a must read.
rude or crazy
@@seabreeze4559 I'd rather be labelled as crazy and have my peace and safety. Some people made this a tactic and it's a really good one but you need to have some of it in you to play it well.
She is really brave , how many people can be like her
Thank you for the suggestion dear!
The restaurant can’t ban the thief from their own establishment? How odd
What you were saying about being watched really resonated with me. I used to work in a shop and I'd been watching the counter all day and I had to pop round the back literally just to put something away and then came straight back out and something had been stolen. I remember not really being bothered about the stock as it was a big chain store but I knew that this person must have had been watching me for ages for an opportunity to make their move and I felt so unsettled by that because Id have to get the bus home later in the dark on quiet street. I've lived in my hometown my whole life and I sometimes feel a bit demoralised by the fact I still feel unsafe. There have been times when I've gotten scared and had to ring my dad to meet me. It's so frustrating but sadly the reality.
I wouldn’t even leave a Tesco bag in view just in case a thief thinks it’s hiding something valuable. Bottom line is thieving brats operate because there are no consequences for their actions.
That is it rampant crime as no consequences to the perpetrators , the law/ police too soft in European cities now too much of a focus on the individuals
rights, once you commit a crime I i think you should invalidate your human rights. Not a popular view but this is the only way we the majority of law abiding citizens will ever be safe again.
A few years ago, I parked off Bond Street. I left two new Chanel bags on my mini car boot. I came back and the car was opened and the bags were stolen from the boot! So even the boot of the car is not always safe! The police told me that there are gangs that do this…
they have scouts
🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Police in London only exist to arrest Brits protesting about those criminals
I don't think in America it is the economy. I feel it is NO PUNISHMENT. When you can go in a store an rob, take out an item of 900.00 or less and not get punished, "WHY NOT". These people are not doing this to feed their family or pay the house payment, they are mean people, probably selling this for drugs and other things.
I completely agree! It’s become a lawless society- I saw a bunch of people get in the bus and not pay. Just walk in and sit down. A friend also witnessed some walking out of Home Depot with garbage bags filled with items. No punishment. No arrest. Just enough incentive for people to go ahead and steal. So sad!
This is exactly right this is why people must stop voting for liberal politicians who don’t believe in borders and don’t prosecute crime
totally agree. i used to work at Nordstrom rack and people would walk out with carts full of things because nothing could be done and the cops wouldn't do anything.
London is not what is used to be. Glad I escaped years back before it got this bad. Being safe is just a priority and working hard for things to be taken with no respect is not on anymore
Which countries do you feel safe in? I'm looking to leave too.
lmao yes it is, crime has always been high, we just see more of it now due to social media and more varied crimes as tech progresses
Unless you move to the middle of nowhere, crime is rising everywhere. Its an unfortunate truth but it doesn't look it will change anytime soon
Break and enter homes is on the rise. Even in the countryside. You have to hide your stuff and then remember where you put it!
People need to stop voting for liberal politicians that don’t believe in borders and don’t prosecute crime. This is fix it
Did you ever consider that you're supporting the wrong political party?
Truth. This so sad and scary.
Not really not in the Middle East although many of those countries are going through war but it never reached this insanity because laws are so hard in them in Europe it is because of laws and many times police do not even chase them that is why it got to this level
I absolutely LOVE this top on you omg it's so amazing, darling! Sorry about the crime. It seems as though western society has culturally moved to a point where criminality is not only tolerated but encouraged. I'm sorry this is happening in London.
This is not a problem in Norway 🇳🇴
I’m going to Paris this week and it’s almost like a culture shock having to be this «careful» when you never usually worry about it…
Sigh yes. I’m going to Rome and I’m also worried..
Yes it's stressful and makes holiday less enjoyable. I'm from Singapore where it's safe like Norway. I got pickpocketed 2x. In Paris and Florence.
@@EVL-xj5vcOh no sorry to hear that. Where in Florence? And did they get anything ?
@Lena-cl6ye can't remember where exactly. Got my wallet and another my phone. So relieved the 3rd time I went to Paris nothing bad happened. Just have to be careful. I was an easy target last time.
I'm so happy I lived in London in the 80's and not now....nightmare.
Although, in fact, the crime rates for most crimes per head of population in London were higher in the 80's. Mobile phone theft is obviously much higher now, as mobile phones barely existed for many of us in the 80's but crimes of violence are lower.
@@Missfrankiecat wow!Fooled me!I lived in Parsons Green SW6 and I went out all the time ...mind you Susie Lamplugh worked at Sturgis on the corner of our street.Aside from that all I remember were threats of the IRA.Yes, my husband was carrying a brick phone back then-pretty hard to steal!😂🤣
Luxury is over it’s dangerous not worth it !
@@MissfrankiecatI was pickpocketed in the mid 90s in Covent Garden. The local police station said it was a huge problem. My cards were cancelled straight away and the theives got away with a fiver. A cheap lesson, that I've taken to heart.
lol my parents lived in london in the 80s... it was not safe then either. muggings were common and random beatings for no reason. they find it safer now!
my dreams of bumping into you in London are dwindling 😭 I totally understand though as a Londoner, it *is* unsafe here. Always wishing you well. ❤
Here in the U S the courts don't do anything. It's just a revolving door for criminals. I hope you folks can move to a safer place.
I haven’t been to London since Covid. I’ve always been careful walking in London and wear an obviously inexpensive crossbody. I may get one with the straps that are hard to cut for my next visit. Mostly I need to be mindful of my bad habit of putting my phone in a rear pants pocket. We have a same uptick in crime in Southern California but pickpocketing is not one of them. I used to be so naive in Europe. Once in Paris, a woman walked up to me and asked if I was American and told me to remove my phone from my back pocket because someone will steal it.
Immigration has ruined London
I would be careful with straps that are difficult to cut, as you may get dragged. I'd just get a cheap one & keep my wallet on me.
@@Terriwith2arfs I didn’t consider that, thank you!
It's such a shame how bad things have become and its globally. Really feel it.
All my bags I wear in public are decoy bags. I carry my cards on my body, the only things in my decoy are makeup and pens
Besides wearing a crossbody bag, u can always put a unbuttoned coat or buttoned down sweater on top of the bag. U will look a little lumpy but u may be a bit safer.
Thanks for posting. This is just so sad. I’m so sorry you have had those scary experiences. We moved from the states to the UK about two hours north of London. There have been a few times on the tube in London that I have felt uneasy wearing my rings and handbags especially leaving Harrods. I wasn’t aware that the crime was this bad.
Sophie I had this happen to me in Knightsbridge at a small cafe off a side street. They saw my bag through the window and decided to walk in. I was scared for my life as they waited so long in the cafe not ordering anything. I let the staff know and they asked them if they were not ordering they need to leave.
THANKS FOR THIS SOPHIE. More of this kind of vids please. I am a Londoner and the level of crime in this city has grown to a level where it's so awful. I now try to avoid certain areas and esp buses and bus stops.
I have lived continuously in London since 1984. I have been burgled twice - once in 1986 and an attempt this year (nothing taken). My car has been broken into once (2000's). I have had a wallet stolen twice - in Harrods and at ROH, Covent Garden both in 1990's and a mobile phone snatched (moped) in 2019. I have never been hurt. I continue to walk alone at night if I need to, being sensible about where and when. All big cities have crime; London's figures compare very favourably with most similar sized European cities and much better than most cities of any size in America (North and South). Violent crime is statistically very rare (and usually, if you are a woman, domestic rather than street). Nearly all London crime rates, statistically, are steady and have not increased in the past decade (mobile phone crime is an exception). I'm sorry you feel so unsafe in London, Sophie, and sorrier yet that this video may make others think London is a violent, crime ridden city when the statistics say otherwise. Personally, I felt far unsafer in the 1980's when parts of South London, in particular, were no go areas after dark.
You still cant go to the places late at night. They just look nicer. Or did for a while until the crime came back
Your reply assumes all crime is reported. Sadly this is not the case.
@@deborahcurtis1385 The sort of crime Sophie is talking about generally is reported - theft of luxury items - for insurance purposes. You are right that sexual crimes in particular are probably very under-reported but there is no reason to think under reporting is more now than in the past.
I concur!
stats are rarely reported, including DV and grape
Hi Sophie! I’m in LA and the thieves here wear 3 piece suits and drive luxury cars. Wear at your own risk!
I'm from Texas and will be in London and then Paris next month 😮 I appreciate your "disclaimer" in the beginning of the video. Watching the remainder and hope to learn things to be aware of.
Truly great advice. I see no reason to walk around in big European or USA cities carrying Hermès or Chanel. I am Scandinavian and in our 5 Scandinavian countries, we still are rather safe. I do not have Hermès, because I do not like their bags (sorry), but I do have Chanel, Vuitton, and Fendi. While traveling, I carry a very flat crossbody bag underneath my coat or jacket and keep my money, cards, and passport there. The bag that is in sight is a pretty Italian leather bag or canvas. If it should suddenly be pulled off, I´d not cry. Never bags on the floor and certainly not bags left open/unzipped.
I do not like to carry a watch, but even those few times I do, my answer is always: "No idea, I do carry one". A friend 3 years ago was Christmas shopping in Hamburg when a male voice asked her if she had the correct time. While looking at her watch another man on the opposite side emptied her handbag. The following day the same man asked her the same question. As she was looking at him, she realized it was the same bloke and told him she recognized him. During this short conversation, her bag vanished. Apparently, 2 thieves work better. - Stay safe.
Seems a risky strategy to rob you again and don’t care that you’ll recognise them.
I'm also from Scandinavia and feel the same. Our countries are still relatively safe. But in the capital cities there are areas you need to avoid. In Helsinki, there are some areas that I will never ever go to again!
@@maijam6709 That's really news for me, which areas in Helsinki should one avoid? I've lived in Helsinki for a bit many years ago and everywhere was perfectly safe. It's a real shame it's not like this anymore...
It's crazy. I've been travelling to London for business. I always spend a few days in our London office. I'm not from the UK. And I remember being surprised the first time when my colleagues told me to be careful, never to carry my phone in my hand, and not walk around late by myself...which I did a few times before they told me. I didn't think it could be that dangerous...and I do carry designer bags. However, now I'm more aware of my surroundings.
That's what people from my country have also been told and they were absolutely surprised. And I told them that the locals were absolutely right and you should take it seriously when they tell you so.
Birmingham UK is extremely unsafe, from road rage that happen daily, from targeting "rich" people, from gangs traumatising kids, cars being break in regularly even in nice places and so on. And I am an immigrant to UK from Italy, lived in Uk soil since 2016 and really considering leaving in 2-3 years. One of my friend got beaten and threaten in London in July 2023 for her engagement ring, which is beautiful and is a Diana Spencer copy with a real blue sapphire. She got lucky, they got caught immediately thanks to normal security guy that push on the floor and the ring fell off.
Snatching phones is a national sport in UK.
Visit UK but treat is as it is Cairo Egypt or something like that. It's becoming wild.
I am looking to move in Eastern Europe, with my partner, as it seems a bit more safe and with less gangs.
Well, good luck with feeling more safe in "Eastern" Europe (if you mean Poland, Czech republic, Hungary or Slovakia, it's Central Europe). I was born and bred in Slovakia, moved to the UK (Wales)15 years ago...and never looked back. About 10% of the population of Slovakia are Roma people. You know those "lovely" folks who will do everything you have listed in your comment and more. They start early as they use their own children to take advantage of the target. Similar situation is in the other aforementioned countries. The UK is super safe compared to that.
a lot of asian girls steal phones because nobody wants to punish them there are videos on this site about it
Yep. Moved from a large city in California to a smaller suburb. Best decision I ever made for my family. Just remember you vote for the policies of your country so choose wisely.
I keep thinking all the people commenting all probably voted democrats in. They are literally trying to cause the most chaos in our society. Blows my mind that people aren’t catching on to this
Yes
Studied in London a few years ago so of course I had a backpack. Never kept anything valuable in the outer pocket-usually just hand sanitizer and lip balm. It was a pain to dig for my keys and wallet at the bottom of the main compartment, but not as much of a pain as if things had been stolen.
I live in Los Angeles. I hear a lot that there is crime, but personally, I’ve never had anything happen to me. Knock on wood. One thing I always am sure to do, is take my purse with me and never leave it on the front seat when I’m pumping gas. That is a big issue in LA. People leave their purse on the passenger seat, a thief opens the passenger door (people usually don’t lock their car if they are pumping gas next to it) pump their gas/petrol, and when they get in the car, their purse is gone. I never leave my purse in a shopping cart when I’m in the grocery store either. I always have it zipped and on my person. It never leaves my sight. Sadly, I also always have pepper spray in my hand, just to arm myself. This is more so being a woman; but I don’t want to be perceived as vulnerable.
I feel the same about Toronto; it has changed so much in the last 5-10 years. It's sad because I often actively avoid going into the city now.
When I last went to Paris last week, people said - beware - crime is really bad. Big cities everywhere - big problems. The greatest luxury you have - is the choice to stay or leave. London remains and will always be one of the worlds most amazing cities. Some common sense and you should be fine. Keep visiting peeps
I've been to Paris many times before and never felt unsafe before. But after hearing all the stories I was a bit unsure when I was there again last week, but I felt completly safe! I did take some precautions, the day I had my passport on my for tax free shopping I had a small padlock on my zipper pull so it couldn't be opened easily. And we didn't use the meteo this time, mostly because we enjoyed walking the city but also because I didn't want to get targeted when I wear a lot of expensive things.
I hear you! I didn’t know crime was that bad in Paris but I immediately understood that as I left the airport. There was a creepy taxi driver that oogled my ysl woc and the girl at dior insisted to hide the dior bag I bought in a Plain bag. It was worse than expected
Hi Sophie, this is the main reason I stopped watching luxury YT content. I’ve lived in London for five years and feel unsafe when traveling about central London. Everyone I know has a moped or phone theft story. I am still traumatized being profiled and followed into a London store and getting my designer bag stolen. I hide all my fine jewelry with long sleeves, scarfs, jackets especially when I ride the tube. I also have a stretch band costume bracelet I wear over my Rolex. It’s very expensive to insure your fine jewelry in London. The monthly insurance quotes for coverage are outrageous. I also put my designer handbag in a shopping bag during my commute. I never let my handbag out of sight, ever. Once you’ve been robbed, you are on high alert.
All that worry for a bag or watch
Not wroth buying them really
So what's the purpose if wearing and carrying luxury if you'll just hide them, right? It's terrible out there nowadays...
Or even a knife / theft / burglary story. People from all walks of life, no one is safe.
@@katrinaevans7872 I’ve stopped buying handbags for this reason. I’m down to just one handbag purchase a year. I’ll never sell my collection. I enjoy them when I travel and also when I take a taxi to my destination in London.
@@PriHL in the Uk it’s illegal to have pepper spray or stun guns. You are defenseless except for it’s allowed to have a whistle lol.
Thank you, Sophie, for this information!!!
The last time I went to London for holiday early this year I didn’t bring any luxury bags with me. It was during winter and used my coat and didn’t shop luxury as well. I love London and it’s a shame what’s been happening there. The issue now it’s not only targeting ppl of the streets, I’ve heard horror stories of hotel rooms being robbed not even at cheap hotels!
what???
you can break into a hotel room with a highlighter pen so yeah?
It crazy that people have to be like that. My husband says the same to me . He will not want me to wear expensive stuff. So I stopped buying them. I stay with simple high street stuff. To be honest they are just as good. Or lux which is not well known. I find nobody identifies them. It reality of what economic down turn does to society 😮
Less safe in Canada too. It's not the economy; time to wake the heck up and take a good hard look at the actions and policies of the people in charge that led to this massive mess we're all in. You'll probably notice a pattern.
Yes. JT has destroyed Canada.
Wearing a fake engagement ring because of the fear of theft is CRAZY. I hate that law abiding citizens have to feel this way about simply going out of their homes... I blame the lack of enforcement and the culture about sympathizing for criminals.
Shameful the lawlessness. No refund of VAT for tourists too. Country is finished.
Why no VAT refund?
@@EVL-xj5vc govt did away with it
Paris is the worst for this, I heard so many horror stories especially on the metro. I got followed outside gallerie Lafayette too. Not just a London issue
You have to be conscious about your surroundings. Everywere. And you should try to look inconspicous. That helps. I stayed in Paris only the week before last. Nothing happened. Professional thieves have their seasons which is summer or Christmas markets. What I noticed though is that there was no jewellery displayed in the windows at Place de la Vendome area on a Sunday. But that could be bc. of design theft too.
Been to paris 10 times…found it very safe …London…lived there for 2 years…I hated it there
Maybe the change of population and values occurring everywhere in Europe… in Paris it’s hell as well, not as bad as London I think but I never go out alone with anything designer or nice. It’s really sad.
This is sickening! I was in Barcelona w a former boyfriend and we were told for him to keep an empty wallet in his back pocket & his real wallet in a pouch on his belly under a tucked shirt. We were going onto a subway (we‘re American) and wouldn’t you know… a Gypsy woman grabbed it out of his pocket. As a reflex he fought back, but the doors were closing & he let go. I put a note in it that said, “ha ha ha… I hope you enjoy dying tonight“ in Spanish. To this day, I wonder if it gave her the paranoia from hell… Anyway, I’m so glad that we took the advice! I swear, I never felt so violated, and it wasn’t even me that was attacked! 21:03
No,it didn’t,gypsies don’t give af, even if it was true they would call all their “cousins” and if they find you,you would go to the USA in a body bag.
You don’t mess with gypsies in Europe unless you have bigger balls and friends than them even the police is scared of them.
No,it didn’t,gypsies don’t give af, even if it was true they would call all their “cousins” and if they find you,you would go to the USA in a body bag.
You don’t mess with gypsies in Europe unless you have bigger balls and friends than them even the police is scared of them.
No,it didn’t,gypsies don’t give af, even if it was true they would call all their “cousins” and if they find you,you would go to the USA in a bag.
You don’t mess with gypsies in Europe unless you have bigger balls and friends than them even the police is scared of them.
No,it didn’t,gypsies don’t give af, even if it was true they would call all their “cousins” and if they find you,you would go to the USA in a bag.
You don’t mess with gypsies in Europe unless you have bigger balls and friends than them even the police is scared of them.
Deffo be vigilant on the London underground, I rarely use it these days. Someone even stole my hair clip on the tube... seriously a hair clip! Everything else on me was practically bolted down.
It’s not just London. It’s happening everywhere. San Francisco is unrecognisable from 20 years ago and even some of the surrounding areas have changed drastically from how I remember them.
I agree! I lived in SF in the 90s and then Santa Cruz for the next 15 years. Now am down south in Temecula and it’s super safe and family friendly.❤
San Francisco is a mess!
Once I saw a guy grab a designer duffel bag from someone at a restaurant in Duke of York Square and started running, the guy started chasing and the thief dropped the bag and run off. Crazy world 🌸
I had my cell phone stolen out of my hand by two guys on a moped in London in 2016. It was 10 am on a Sunday morning in Bloomsbury and I was going to get a coffee. Went to the police station (literally around the corner) and it was closed on Sundays. I went back to my hotel and remote wiped my info and it was insured so I got a new phone eventually but it was pretty unsettling.
I’m going to be back in London again in two weeks and I only use public transport. I’m also from NYC and travel around a fair bit. There are thieves everywhere. So thank you for reminding people to BE SMART IN PUBLIC and in our own cars. ALWAYS keep your bags in front of you, don’t flash your expensive items, only load cars when LEAVING an area, and stay alert (off your phones). Just exercise street smarts.
Sophie’s advice about your car is so very important. Never leave ANYTHING visible to tempt thieves; load cars when leaving an area, not on arrival; and don’t put your handbags or valuables on any seats. I had three break-ins in NYC, once for a quarter on the console, another time bc we put our backpacks in the trunk on arrival, and a third time for no reason at alliteration parking in an isolated area. All lessons learned.
Yep! This is why I only wear predominantly smaller crossbody bags, and I leave them on when I’m out to dinner, drinks etc… and never leave anything in my car. It’s pretty bag in some of the larger cities I’m in.
Luxembourg changed so much in recent years, government was pretending that nothing is wrong because they don't want to scare the international capital/ investment/ directors and even foreign professionals (on which the country is dependant on) coming in, which made it even worse, gange of young illegal immigrant started to form stealing chains, phones even shoes (like niki), burglaries on the daily etc.
It upsets me when the police dont do anything to keep such a beautiful country safe.
Sophie, thanks for the warning. So HOW and WHERE do you enjoy your luxury items (watches, jewelry, bags, etc.) outside of your home?? And also, if this is a problem across the globe (and I believe it is...), how will a move from the UK help you avoid this kind of robbery? Thanks so much for your input! 😊
It won't it happens everywhere now.
I guess that’s why you are looking to possibly move to Singapore. It’s very safe and police there punish these criminals dearly which is what other big cities need to do to deter these petty crimes but they don’t. I would say you should move to a new city (be it Singapore or other cities) for few months first before totally uproot your family to see what it really is like living there.
This really hits home coz I recently moved to London and the first week almost got my phone taken off my hand but luckily I held tight and feel so traumatised
Rich people who lived in the third world knew about all these problems 40 years ago. It is amazing that the West now exhibits it all now
yeah cos they moved
PEOPLE NEED TO START DEMANDING MORE IS DONE ABOUT THIS. AFTER ALL, WE ARE PAYING HIGHER AND HIGHER TAXES AND YET THIS STUFF IS GOING UNCHECKED, WHY ARE WE PAYING TAXES?
That’s awful! 😮 It’s out of control in many cities. I’m lucky I live in Arizona and I can wear my luxury bags without worry. Having a tough on crime sheriff and strict laws is so important. I feel totally safe where I am thank goodness.
Look up the statistics for Arizona and crime is considered pretty high for the population.
In Arizona, all the illegals crossing the border, and you're feeling safe? 😂
We are facing the same thing in San Francisco, CA. It is horrible. Sad to see it in London as well. I visit London 4 -6 times a year and it is my home port when traveling all over Europe. Thanks for safety tips. I love London but will be vigilant. Thanks for sharing and your great vids.
I think this is why it's important for citizens to be able to protect themselves, I don't think it's fair for governments to disarm lawful citizens but then they can't protect their citizens from the criminals. I think London should try to at least get more security or put the criminals in jail so they think twice before robbing again. If there is no repremand nothing is going to stop them.
My friend just got robbed last night. Got punched in the face and got her bag snatched. That was 10pm at night outside Sainsbury, and she wasn't even wearing a nice watch. They just saw a woman on her own and targeted her. London is not safe.
I don’t know if I should say this but it feels like the police in London are in on this. My friend and I got our cabin box stolen at the exit of the Kings Cross Station after we got off the Eurostar at knife point. As soon as we reported this the police looked like they genuinely wanted to help us and made us write out a detailed report of the incident. But they got back to us saying the cameras outside Kings Cross station were not working which is a big joke. These thieves work in gangs and were outside every exit that night we were robbed. We knew this coz another woman at another exit was attacked. The police in London do nothing. They know who these guys are but choose to ignore. Please consider moving to Dubai as it is so so safe there. We buy nice things to sometimes mark milestones in our lives. What’s the point if u can’t safely enjoy wearing them.
I was visiting London a few weeks ago and my friends also told me not to wear designer bag and watch. I walked around London since the weather was beautiful and I love checking out all the cute cafes and buildings. Having said that, I would only check google map when I was inside the store, not on the pavement since I was alone. I am from Taiwan and it’s very safe to wear designer stuff and leave your cellphone on the table when you are having coffee with your friends.
We can’t even have an iPhone nowadays in my neighbourhood in London, let alone luxury items 😢I see in the residents’ Facebook group that the gangs have started robbing people at knifepoint in broad daylight.
My mum almost got her wallet stolen in Zara! She had her bag on the kids buggy, and this lady was carrying a lot of clothes in her arms and approached the buggy and reached into my mums bag. Luckily my mum saw the whole thing, grabbed her arm and shouted at her. Caused a scene but at least she wasn’t robbed! Broad daylight
Yes Sophie - becoming the same in Australia - we have under 18 year old gangs and they are untouchable because our laws are so PC and weak!
Unfortunately, this is happening here in Los Angeles too. People are getting drugged and robbed in bars and clubs, cars are getting broken into and robbed, stores are getting looted. Luckily, the criminals here don’t seem to be as aggressive or violent with people.
We were in. London as tourists last week. On Thursday, we were looking at the phone for directions from Victoria Station to our hotel when an American expat stopped and warned us to not have our phones out because they'll get snatched right out of our hands. She had several family and friends have that happen. Glad we got the warning. I had left all my valuable jewelry and designer bags back home intentionally and carried a crossbody with anti-theft features. It's not cute at all, but I felt less of a target. The mopeds and electric bikes weaving in London traffic was sketch.
Im so sorry this happened to you. But Im so glad that you said something to the thief! You told both of the thieves that you were not afraid of them. How about carrying a pepper spray? And what dont people carry anytime of protection with them if its that bad in broad daylight?
Heading to the office, 7am rush hour on the bus in Geneva. It was a freezing February morning and my hands were numb because I forgot my gloves. A man slashed the bottom of my tote and in the process had slashed my knuckles as I was clutching the tote like a pillow underneath. Like I said my hands were numb so I didn’t feel anything at the time. He hopped off at Gare Coravin and made eye contact when I looked up at the closing bus doors and he was actually looking at my bloody knuckles in fascination.
Omg that is so scary! What happened after? Were you robbed? Thank goodness you are ok!
@@OuriLLusion Thanks, my totebag had nothing missing just a big slash on the bottom, thankfully he didn't come after me, he ran off into the rush hour crowd. I was in shock and went straight to the office, my coworker took me to a clinic to get a tetanus shot. I didn't bother to make a police report, I felt they would not have helped. Geneva and the rest of Switzerland is certainly not as safe people assume. Lots of pickpockets on the buses, trams and trains. I never wear any luxury items, especially jewelry, if taking public transport.
My one and only trip to London at 18, put me off international travel, forever. I was mugged on my first day!!!
Where is humanity nowadays? 😢 I recently had an experience while riding a public transportation and felt weird as this person was sitting really close to me. I was wearing a crossbody bag and it was in sitting in my lap and looked down at my bag and was half open 😮 Thank goodness he was not able to get my phone and wallet 🙏🏽 We just have to be alert at all times.
I just stare at them the whole time until they move. BE RUDE.
I live in Los Angeles. We got robbed last month, they took everything we owned. I wish we could move, it’s sad not feeling safe in our own home.
Dublin is gone the same Sophie, besides the crazy hotel prices most Irish people couldn’t be bothered to go there now because of the crime…definitely something in the last 10 years especially post Covid has just made things feel a lot sketchier
You are lucky you have each other. My spouse is completely oblivious and shouts things like "how much cash you have on you right now, I want ot buy this and that" in an extremely touristy area. Are you looking to get robbed or what?