Londoners: Do you feel safe carrying your premium designer bags?

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#16
i am very sorry to hear this!
however, i lived in london for 10 years and still travel out there very regular, always carry my designer bags and was never mugged (touch wood). i must add that i am very careful though as to how i hold my bag etc.
i feel very safe walking around london :)
as mentioned i highly doubt the common thief knows about premium designer bags they just want the content ...
 
#17
Every major city in the world is dangerous for women at night at certain areas. The worse was in Paris in Porte de Clignancourt where I was mugged at gun point for the first and only time in my life, thankfully I wasn't injured.
I love London and I never had a bad experience there, although that certain areas, especially the suburbs are very dangerous... Never felt "danger" at any time of the day or night in London central areas.
 
#18
OMG Lady_J - this is a horrible story - I'm so so sorry this happened to you. I'm glad you made it out of the situation ok!

This kind of scares me to death... I have never been to London, but I have traveled extensively in big American cities and not had an issue. It definitely gives me pause though.

Lily25 - your mugging sounds terrifying!! I'm glad you are ok - scary!!!
 
#20
KittyKat65 said:
OP, I am so sorry that this happened to you. I live in central Texas, so I don't really think about muggings, but when I visit NYC, or any other large city I always wear a cross body bag. I was once followed in NYC (down by the Bowery/CBGB area) by three guys on foot. I did not see any stores open, so when they started to get closer, I checked traffic and ran into the middle of the road and started yelling. They ran off because they did not like the attention. No cars stopped for me (this was New York so I wasn't expecting it), but the guys ran, which was my goal. I try to always be on guard, know my surroundings and have an escape plan. Yes, I am paranoid.
Click to expand...


you are not paranoid, you are smart
 
#21
So sorry to hear of this! I'm sure it's traumatic. I'm not surprised that you tried to hang on to your bag. You probably just acted upon instinct. I think most people would do the same, instinctly protecting their possessions. It's a good lesson tho', for all of us to have in mind how we would react if faced with this situation. We should remember to keep ouselves safe above all.
 
#22
I was very alarmed by your story and hope you have made a full recovery from that dreadful incident. My advice to you is, 'never, never fight an assailant over a handbag.' These people can be desperate in more ways than one, and armed as well. Handbags are just not worth the risk.

Although I'm British I live in Ireland. I also visit London and Glasgow a few times each year. I have to be honest, I tend to be wary in public places when carrying premium designer bags. Having said that, it pays to be alert whichever bag you happen to be carrying. Ironically, my expensive bag was not stolen in a UK city, but just over a year ago a young guy tried to grab my Balenciaga City in Limerick, Ireland. Luckily he was unsuccessful and ran off. The disturbing thing was that the guy looked no more than about 12. In Limerick there are gangs and people in town have to be aware of them moving around the city centre.

A few months ago a relative in Aberdeen had his house burgled. The police had a pretty good idea who the thief was, but never got a conviction. In Aberdeen there is a serious drug problem and my relative says he has to be very careful when walking in certain areas.

But the problem with expensive bags isn't just thugs. I find it's wise to be careful in certain busy places. Last year, my husband and I were watching a traditional festival in Southern France. The street was full of people and I was carrying an open-top Burberry satchel. I became nervous about somebody (even a curious child) dipping into my bag while I was distracted. Nothing happend but I was relieved to get back to our house.

The 'briefcase theft' you mentioned. I saw something like that on TV, a programme called The Real Hustle. As well as dangerous people, there appear to be scam artists around. We don't all want to become paranoid, but these days we need to stay alert and stay safe.

So sorry this happened to you.
 
#24
I always carry my designer bags in London and have never given it a second thought. I am so sorry that you got mugged, please stay safe!
 
#27
Always carry body spray. It isn't illegal if you happen to squirt perfume or deodorant/body spray in an attackers face. I know because I nearly got taken a few years ago. A couple of guy tried to bundle me into a car and I managed to escape. I am petite too and look very young and they had tried this with other young girls. Luckily I was vigilant and I got their numberplate as well as a good description of the two men. The police who came to look after me gave me that advice and I always carry something I could spray in someone's eyes if necessary. I don't especially worry about my bags because I tend to drive everywhere and I dont carry logo bags. However I trust my instincts and if I am not comfortable anywhere I get out of there and go home.
 
#28
This is shocking! So sorry this happened, thankfully you are OK now. Ive never felt at risk in London but then again id never be walking around on my own at night. BTW to the poster who suggested pepper spray, I wish these were legal in UK but sadly they aren't. But, one can always carry mini hairspray???
 
#29
I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for being so sisterly and supportive :love: I wasn't expecting so many responses, some of your kind words have really made me feel better x
 
#30
noon said:
Pepper spray/mace is illegal in the UK.
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I can't believe this could even be illegal ( i think it also is in places in the US?). I think most women tend to feel more comfortable protecting themselves with nonlethal items. If we were faced with a man/men with ill intentions, they are telling me I can't spray pepper spray in their face? Infuriating, just infuriating. Yet over here, I can go get a gun permit. What is wrong with this?!

I also heard wasp spray is good, shoots foam pretty far
 
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