Is it unsafe to carry your Birkin in Downtown San Francisco?

[plory]

I shop in SF. I do bring my birkin into H and VCA and I see ladies carrying Bs also. But I'm usually with my DH. We either park at White House garage (way better than union square but more pricey) or find street parking along Grant or Geary.

During the weekend in the day time, there a lot of people walking around. I usually see police walking the streets during this time as well. I haven't felt particularly unsafe, just be aware of your surroundings. I don't wear super flashy clothes but still like to wear H and VCA.

Just providing my experience as I frequent that area. But as others say, go with your gut and what you are comfortable with.

 

[dailydoseofH]

I used to live in SF and visit on a regular basis. I do not feel comfortable walking around with a B. If I carry it I am driven to the location. If I walk a short distance, it is flipped around the other way so the backside shows outwards and is more "discreet". I usually stay around Embarcadero or FiDi and those places feel like Gotham city now. I agree with the others, if you don't feel comfortable don't bring it.

 

[pigleto972001]

I shop in SF. I do bring my birkin into H and VCA and I see ladies carrying Bs also. But I'm usually with my DH. We either park at White House garage (way better than union square but more pricey) or find street parking along Grant or Geary.

During the weekend in the day time, there a lot of people walking around. I usually see police walking the streets during this time as well. I haven't felt particularly unsafe, just be aware of your surroundings. I don't wear super flashy clothes but still like to wear H and VCA.

Just providing my experience as I frequent that area. But as others say, go with your gut and what you are comfortable with.

Oh yes ! The White House garage was the one we used. That's right.

 

[showgratitude]

A gold bracelet of mine was snatched off my arm many years ago (and my arm was scratched in the process too). I will not disclose where, but it was a very shocking and scary event. If you feel uncomfortable carrying your B and using your other expensive items in downtown SFO, that's okay.....and really, don't use and bring them.....regardless of what other people say. Crimes are on the rise as the data online says. I bought a ring from a popular upscale French brand recently.....and I asked the staff if he could give me a plain bag because I don't want to be walking around holding their bag and people knowing my business somehow. He gave me one and said that he understood because one of his clients most recently bought pieces of jewelry from him in a huge amount and when he helped him carry what she bought to her vehicle by the door, he said that her client had a revolver with her while transporting her new goodies! I still use and wear my beautiful/valuable items, but I pick and choose where to use and wear them.

I live in the suburbs of the Bay Area and haven’t been in the City since it was shut down in 2020 during the height of Covid. I have since stayed away due to numerous incidents of robbery and Asian hate, and frankly I am terrified. I usually just shop online now, and for high end stuff, I fly out to Vegas.

I made an appointment next week to come in to VCA because my guilloche pendant is about to turn 1 year old and need to get it extended. If I wait until my next Vegas trip, it will be passed the 1 year mark and I’d have to pay.

My dilemma now is, should I proceed in using my designer bags, clothes, shoes, and jewelry? Or will this make me a target and best to just dress down? I am a SAHM and hardly go out nowadays, so when I get the chance, I like dressing up. Although, I’m so scared to walk the streets of SF attracting attention to myself. Is this just my anxiety? What would you do?

 

[missD]

Wow this is so sad how downhill SF has gone. We had our first baby (7 years ago) there so there’s positive memories and it’s sad to hear it’s turned out this way.

I wouldn’t carry a Birkin OP. A discreet crossbody and stay vigilant would be my recommendation!

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

I too am very sad to hear how downhill SF has become.
Back in the 90's my (now ex) partner got posted there for work for 6 months and I visited regularly.
he lived on Bush and I used to spend days alone shopping around union, Mission,China town and Cow Hollow.
Back in those days I remember parts of the Mission area were a bit sketchy and the Tenderloin was a no-go.
Back on topic my advice to OP echos what most have said.
If you feel anxious just stay away its not worth the stress.
In your shoes I would pay to get the work at done at VCA at a later date.
You cant put a price on peace of mind.

 

[kuwa]

I realize OP is talking about SF, but the mood has shifted in several major cities. I do wear my B/K close to home, but avoid recognizable luxury items going into major cities. I’ve had two scary encounters now, both with a B, and want to avoid that whole situation if I’m either alone or not in my hood. I feel your pain, @golconda.

ETA I do regularly wear more under the radar bags, esp Halzan, Bolide, Evelyne TPM, DS.

 

[Fixxi]

SF is my main store. I shop at Cartier, Chanel, and VCA, which are all neighboring stores. My husband usually parks at the parking garage, and sometimes even on the metered streets. When I do have a big box (throws, bolide 30) my husband usually leaves first and brings the car out front.

I don't have a B/K (yet!! Crossing my fingers to manifest) but I do see quite a few B/Ks, as well as other luxury brands around the vicinity. Union Square is one of the most famous shopping area after all. I usually carry my evelyne, bolide (super low key) or smaller Chanels. On the streets, I always carry them crossbody (bolide 30 crossbody is a pain). While my husband parks, I typically pick up coffee for me and my SA, so that's a block and a half I walk by myself with limited hands, and while i look around to make sure there's no one suspicious, i dont necessarily feel this area is worse than others (I do have a city girl walk: scan your premise and walk aggressively and fast). There are often unhoused and teenagers on skateboard around the block, nothing out of the ordinary; I am way 10000% more cautious around a group of full grown adults. Honestly though, H is located in between Union Square and FiDi, and I'd actually consider this area generally safer than other areas in the city (e.g. Union Square, downtown/Powell, certain BART stops, etc.) I also like to think my husband and I are relatively aware of our surroundings. I am 10000000% more cautious walking around with my SLR (all parts of the city).

If you don't feel comfortable, think of ways to mitigate the risks (e.g. try it without carrying your B/K; park closer; use white paper bags; all good ideas mentioned here). At the end of day, it's YOUR safety, so if you don't feel comfortable, don't do it. That's your body's most basic, primitive function telling you something is wrong.

 

[Aimee3]

If I were you and didn’t want to venture into the Vc&A in SF I would call my SA in Las Vegas and tell her you need the necklace extended and will be bringing it in when you are next in Las Vegas. See if she could waive the fee since you are at least letting her know within the No Charge time zone.

 

[Veritybelle]

I’m Australian and I read this thread with such sadness. It reminds me that on a trip to SF a few years ago the concierge at the Four Seasons spent about 15 minutes marking a map with all the no-go areas for me. I would only be carrying something very secure and under-the-radar in those circumstances. There will be other times to carry your B.

 

[1CC]

Best to go with your DH/BF and drop you off in the front of the store and wait inside while he parks. Afterwards ask him to drive to the front to pick you up before heading to someplace safe to enjoy a brunch or some shopping since you are already dressed up. Always be vigilant and try to enjoy your day. It's not just SF. Crime in all major cities are out of control. Cheers

 

[J'adoreHermes]

Everyone has shared great advice. I would just go without any expensive bag and jewelry. Honestly, your thread made me realize just how long I haven’t been back to Union Square. The last time must’ve been 2020.

My last time at Union Square, I remember seeing many storefronts damaged and most of the storefronts outside the bubble of Union Square being vacant. It’s sad to see. I used to love going to Union Square especially strolling in Maiden Lane, when there still was that little restaurant, and then go to Gump’s. Even before the uptick in crime, the closing of many of the San Francisco instituions made Union Square seem less welcoming and colder like an open air Valley Fair.

In parallel, it seems like the luxury exodus from Union Square has made Stanford Shopping its new home. I wouldn’t be surprised if VCA opens shop there in the coming years.

In general, I only like to wear my Hermes bags in places that I am familiar with. Unlike some, I have never felt unsafe wearing a Hermes bag in Paris because I know the city well. Now, I don’t recognize the Union Square I once loved, so I wouldn’t safe wearing a Hermes bag there as well. No style choice or bag is worth being anxious or feeling unsafe.

 

[Ethengdurst]

I live in the South Bay and the SF store used to be my home store. Last time we went it was my SA who gave us white bags and said it’s becoming dangerous out there. I’m used to going with my DH so I wear my H bags when I go but if I was alone I would definitely dress down. Now I rarely go to downtown SF.

 

[etoupebirkin]

The status of SF and street crime makes me so sad. SF used to be one of my favorite places to visit.

I am heading to Northern California over the Summer and decided to skip SF for this very reason, and I rarely carry a Birkin or Kelly when I travel. Who needs that headache.

If I were the OP, I would go with DH — Hey, Mother’s Day is coming up….

 

[AmalieLotte92]

I'm also sad to hear about what's happening in downtown SF. I have family in the Bay Area, and always loved my visits with them around the city - although, it's been close to 2 decades since my last trip. Was hoping to go back again this summer - and also do shopping in the area.... but now I'm not so sure about that.

Just to add, I've noticed changes both in NYC during my most recent trip, and slight changes in my home city, but I still feel comfortable carrying my bags since I'm familiar with the safer areas in both locations. With SF.... my gosh, is it really that bad??

OP, trust your gut. If just thinking about it makes you anxious, you shouldn't wear your items or even visit.