Luxury bag owners are scaling back as Birkin handbags become prime targets for thieves across London and other big cities

Once considered the crown jewel of luxury fashion, the iconic Hermès Birkin bag is no longer just a symbol of wealth and style—it’s now become a prime target for thieves.

As crime involving high-end designer bags rises, especially in major cities like London, many fashion lovers are questioning whether it’s even safe to carry one anymore.

From Status Symbol to Safety Hazard

The Birkin bag has long been the ultimate “It” accessory—adored by A-listers, influencers, and fashionistas across the globe.

But its sky-high resale value (some fetching over $300,000 at auction) and limited supply—around 200,000 in circulation—make it a magnet for criminals.

Former burglar-turned-security expert Michael Fraser warns that these bags are “high-value, easy targets.”

With some starting at £6,000 and others reaching house-level prices, it’s no surprise they’ve caught the eyes of thieves.

“If you’re flaunting a designer bag right now, you might as well put a flashing sign on it,” he said.

Influencers Scaling Back Their Collections

British influencer Lydia Millen, with over a million YouTube subscribers and even more Instagram followers, recently made headlines by revealing she’s selling her Birkin collection—once at least four strong.

“It felt good until it didn’t,” she said in a candid YouTube video.

Lydia explained she began storing her bags in a vault and only rotating two at a time in her home. But eventually, the fear took over.

“I was scared walking around London. I’d turn the bag around so no one could see what it was,” she shared.

“I’ve got a family, pets… Why would I risk my safety for a handbag?”

Her Chanel and Louis Vuitton pieces are also up for sale, with proceeds going to charity.

Others Feel the Same: “It’s Like Wearing a Target”

Lydia isn’t alone. Australian influencer Jessiestyle described her experience bluntly: “A Birkin is like putting a big target on yourself.”

She no longer feels comfortable wearing one in public and avoids taking designer handbags out in Melbourne altogether.

On TikTok, a new trend has emerged—hiding expensive bags inside grocery store totes.

One user demonstrated slipping a Birkin into a Waitrose bag, captioning it: “How to put your Birkin into safety mode.”

Online Advice: Hide It, Or Don’t Use It at All

The fear surrounding these luxury bags has even spilled into online forums. One Reddit user asked how to make a Birkin “look ordinary” for safety.

Responses included turning the logo inward, attaching cheap keychains, or simply hiding the bag in a generic tote.

Another shared: “I’ll only carry my expensive bags if I’m driving and won’t be walking more than 500 meters.”

The consensus? If you’re taking public transport or walking around a city, it’s better to leave the designer gear at home.

Caution from Fashion Insiders

Influencer Federica Labanca, known for her Hermès collection, also expressed concern: “You’d have to be crazy to flash a Birkin carelessly in town now,” she told The Standard.

She only brings them out for upscale spots like Chiltern Firehouse or when she’s traveling abroad.

“London just doesn’t feel safe anymore—not with watches, jewelry, or luxury bags,” she added.

“I always dress down in areas like Mayfair or Knightsbridge.”

Real Crimes, Real Consequences

The concerns are justified. In March, André Onana’s wife was robbed in a Cheshire village—her £62,000 handbag and Rolex taken in a restaurant car park.

A suspect has been charged with robbery and drug offenses and will appear in court this May.

Back in December, influencer Janice Joostema had her £10,000 red Birkin stolen while changing in a boutique fitting room on Oxford Street.

She shared security footage on Instagram, warning others about thieves lurking in dressing rooms.

“To work so hard for something and have it stolen like that—it’s gut-wrenching,” she said.

Luxury Stores Also Being Targeted

The crime wave hasn’t just hit individuals—businesses are being targeted, too.

Evey Amery’s luxury resale showroom was robbed in an “aggressive” late-night heist, and just weeks before, £500,000 worth of stock was stolen from another shop in Belgravia.

The Birkin Legacy: A Luxury That Lasts

Created in 1984 after a chance meeting between actress Jane Birkin and Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas, the Birkin bag has always been more than just an accessory.

With each handmade piece taking around 18 hours to craft and no mass gifting to influencers, its exclusivity is legendary.

Some consider it a better investment than gold or even art.

Prices begin around £8,000, but rare versions can fetch well into six figures—one even sold for £1.5 million.

Final Word: Style vs. Safety?

With soaring demand, limited supply, and crime on the rise, the Birkin bag now walks a fine line between prestige and peril.

Security expert Michael Fraser advises keeping your bag close, doubling the straps around your arm, and avoiding posting your whereabouts online.

For many, the question becomes: Is it still worth it?