If you are being followed I would recommend going to the nearest police station. That’s usually enough to deter anyone following. They will also most likely have security cameras so you may be able to get their license. And even calling ahead can make it easier for the police to get a license plate number. It’s the same advice for selling items to other people online. Meet at a restaurant or police station to avoid being robbed. The roundabout is new to me though. May try recommending that in the future.
That's what I would have done! I was driving on the road one day, and a vehicle was following in and out of lanes passing cars as I was doing. I redirected myself to the NEAREST police station. They followed me until I pulled into the station. They passed. I parked in the lot so I can see the entrance, I waited 10 minutes, they NEVER came back in the direction. So I felt safe enough to leave and continue to my destination. Usually if you make 4 right turns, the person following won't follow you because they know you know. The roundabout thing is true as well. Sometimes it takes more rounding it than 3 times. Sometimes you just have to wear them out. It sounds stupid, but it works. The police is always the best option. I would have been on the phone with the police while driving, giving them the description of the car, my vehicle and my LP. So they know what I'm driving and what the person behind me is driving. The cops will pull them over and you're safe to go on your way.
When I went luxury shopping this summer while traveling for work, I asked the store to mail the bag to my house instead of me walking back to the hotel with it. I’m so glad they did.
Always pull into a police station if you can! They can usually get the car following on camera and a report can be made easily. They would have to be pretty dense to try anything there.
There is a video of guy in a nearby town that has a really nice car and he was obviously worried about someone stealing his car. So he installed a concrete Bullard that can be raised and lowered into the driveway. So the guy parks on his drive and raises the Bullard, the car is wedged between the house and the concrete barrier. No one can steal it.
You are right. Never wear, drive, or carry anything that attracts attention. Hermes would be the last bag I´d ever carry unless I had a car with a personal driver and a bodyguard. I had a few Dior bags with me for 10-13 years while traveling all over Europe and the States (for work) but the world was different. These days there are more thefts and people, who do not care, what they do. Every time I go out with a design bag, I prefer to put the bag into a normal shopping bag, so nobody sees it. Just as you said. - Stay safe and happy.
Wow! So sorry this happened to you and David, Sophie, but glad that you were both okay. Another UK luxury RU-vidr recently had his apartment burgled and he, understandably, was traumatised. They took all the designer pieces he'd purchased over a number of years. It's sad that people can't simply enjoy the things they've bought after working so hard... 😞
Hey Sophie, thank you for being so brave to share your story. Just to clarify, I was in the flagship Hermes store in Paris and they also offered to give the white paper bag (discrete...) even when I just bought a pair of slippers. You can request to get it from your SA and I highly recommend that everyone do so!! xx
I haven't had vehicles that draw much attention but I have had my car knowingly followed twice in Halifax 10 and 12 years ago. The first time I called it in while driving, the RCMP discretely intercepted and I heard nothing about it after the matter. The second incident I called in, the HRM police later notified me the person was under watch for suspicion of being connected to a human trafficking group. Long story short, It's important to be aware of ones surroundings no matter the level of affluence.
Dear Sophie, never ever ever ever go home when being followed. I know sometimes we freak out and don’t have time to think. But always go to the nearest police station so they give up following you.
Another comment said the police stations are closed down and Sophie didn't even know where one was... Now I'm unsettled and running to Google about English police.
Such a scary incident! So glad you are safe. It’s a good reminder. Cartier gives you a plain white bag to carry your items, they will advise you to do it whenever purchasing high value items. It’s a good idea.
A neighbor was followed home and robbed in his driveway. He hadnt been shopping at a lux store that day, wasnt seen putting shopping bags in his car, so why was he singled out? Thief noticed him at Costco, shopping along with everyone else in a big box store... but he was the customer wearing a nice watch. The news rattled a lot of ppl around here.
Earlier this summer, before going to vacations my husband told me to not bring any nice bags with me (my bags are not designer) . I agreed and I only brought a kippling backpack and a faux leather purse (80€ value or something like that). Even those bags caught the eye of some people. You never know how poor or jealous someone might be.
Hey Sophie, It’s a shame that that happened. I loved that car. When I lived in Dallas, during the market crash in 2008, a lot of people who had money started using non branded bags when they went shopping so as not to draw attention to themselves.
My car was stolen from my driveway about 1 year ago. Our video cameras captured the whole thing. It took the robber only 48 seconds to jimmy the window, unlock the door, hotwire the car and drive off. The car was never recovered. Horrible feeling and disappointed in the police and our neighborhood. It’s very unsettling.
This is why old money don't wear labels. I learned this from my neighbor who grew up rich, never worked. She was paranoid of theft and people knowing that she was rich. So she drove a plain car, lived in a plain house. Luxury is not necessary to show amongst strangers. It attracts attention.
This is why I'm so thankful in the past I've lived in gated communities with a guard and keycard access with gates. Yes, there's a charge, but it's better than looking in your rear view mirror constantly!
I was robbed at gun point walking home after Christmas shopping when I was younger. It was so scary. I learned that some people are not very nice. You need to be aware of your surroundings. I too take inexpensive tote bags and for more expensive items I shop online now.
That is absolutely terrifying! So glad you are safe! At hermes you have to ask for the white bag, but they are happy to do it for any purchase. Not sure if it's the same in london, but when I lived in manhattan, I would have department stores deliver my (in store) purchases to my apartment! It was so much easier (and safer) than hefting about all your bags
Glad you and David are ok. These days a lot of people who shop on Rodeo drive use plastics grocery bags or generic canvas bags vs using the brand’s bag.(anything that doesn’t have a well known logo). There have been many incidents where people will walk up to you and steal your luxury goods right from your hand.
Yes, but the doesn't solve the bigger problem, theft us bigger everywhere and the authorities need to deal with it better. This way these people won't even think of stealing anything.
❤❤❤I totally get it, Sophie. I’m scared to ride our subway here in NYC, too, ever since pandemic happened. Such awful and scary stories about people being pushed, rubbed or cut on the subways. 😮 It’s just insane.
Yes i am always on the look out when i am shopping luxury. When i got my Chanel Classic small last year, i bring along the big Ikea recycle bag and put it in there before i leave the store. My SA was so impressed and think that is really a smart way. I will go into the store on a weekday not a weekend for all my luxury purchases. In that sense, at least is lesser people in the mall and i do not need to wait in the queue to go in. These people are everywhere and is like their job sad to say. Thanks for sharing 😍
Early eighties, I was visiting London with a youth group. Best vacation of my life and totally safe (we stayed at a youth hostel near Harrods) even for a fifteen year old walking on her own. I am a little sad that London became that dangerous.
I work in Philadelphia, PA which has gotten more dangerous since covid. I don't carry any of my designer bags or wear any of my good jewelry on the streets anymore. I bought a puffy crossbody tote bag from Think Royln (which is a great bag, by the way) and put my work clothes and jewelry in it. What I wear to walk from the train station to work (which is 20 blocks) is sneakers, sweat pants, and a t shirt. I look like I'm coming from/going to the gym and I don't look like I've got money. Then I get dressed once I'm at work. Also, I got followed once on my way home from the train station (which is in Maryland, not near work). I drive a bright red 370z and a character that used to hang around the station used to wait for me to get off the train and chat me up - I only go to Philadelphia two days a week and work from home the rest of the time. It was harmless until I stopped at a grocery store on my way home and he drove by me in the parking lot and waved. A few days later I saw him behind me on my drive home and performed some "evasive maneuvers" to lose him. I figured out that he saw my car in the train station parking lot and that was how he knew I was taking the train that day. I haven't driven it there since and I take one of our other cars instead - and I haven't seen him since the day he tried to follow me home. You know, at 60 years old I thought I would be done with this BS, but here I am! Sophie, those are scary stories - I get what you're saying about the tube, but it it 1000 times safer than any subway over here. I don't blame you for carrying your things in nondescript bags but it's also sad that it has to be this way. We are headed to Switzerland next month and I guess I won't be bringing any of my good stuff with me. :( Makes you wonder where it's ok to wear your good things.
Always lock your car when filling it at the petrol station too, especially if you are alone, male or female. Anyone could hop into the back seat. I was taught that in the early 90s in Manchester where many a car theft happened.
Thanks for sharing Sophie! This happens quite frequently to people in North America too!! If I could ever afford any of these luxury cars I feel like I wouldn’t even want to buy them for this reason 😞! I am even more cautious about wearing my designer purses and buy ones that are more quiet compared to before. I don’t want to look like a target 🥺
Yeah, scary times. Before my current car I had a Mercedes A-Class (nothing too special), someone broke into it and stole some of the airbags. When I talked to the police, they told me not to worry, the thieves were only interested in my car and not following me. I must admit I have not thought about that before. Instead of not worrying, I am now more careful when out and about.
This made me think thats its a shame all the local police stations have closed down . If this happened years ago , you could have drove to a police station nearby and parked outside . That would have got rid of them.
I’m so sorry for you! It was such a beautiful car, but nothing’s worth more than our safety and peace of mind. Back in the day, when I was into luxury bags and went to LV on a regular basis, I never took an Uber home because the store was far away from my place. I took a bus and the subway back home, and I was terrified of people seeing me and doing harm. So I took some tote bags or such to the store and always asked my SA to store my purchases in those bags. She found it so amusing that I would spend so much money on my purchases, but didn’t take an Uber home, lol. But nothing bad ever happened, thankfully!
Hey Sophie, thanks for sharing. A couple of notes- LV and Fendi offer plain white shopping bags when you make a purchase. If they do not, you can always ask because they do have them. Also, it doesn’t matter whether you are carrying luxury or not- you still need to be aware of your surroundings because ruminate are not just after cars or handbags. Especially as a woman, it is important to be aware and be able to defend yourself. Personally, I take Krav Maga and am training for another belt. I pay attention when I am out and am prepared to defend myself (I am 5’7” and 56 kg and can take down my 6’2” training partner.) very empowering. And I take my LV and Chanel anywhere I want.💪🏼
That sounds quite scary. As you said, we do become slightly complacent when we go about our daily lives. We never know who's watching us or following us. Shopping at designer stores does attract attention, sadly, but taking preventative measures, as you say, is always advisable.
Love your Aspinal of London bag sitting pretty in the seat. But yes scary, I had my phone purposely knocked out my hand. Stolen just in a second. Amsterdam. I'll be safe for now from anything since I won't be shopping. Lost my job thursday. I guess I can look at the bright side that it occurred my shopping addiction. Hope you're feeling better about your bunny.
Im so glad you stayed aware. I can't buy luxury because of this. I buy nice things but I could never buy luxury even to just enjoy it at home. I would feel to guilty to not give my things a proper "life."
I remember that story about the Lamborghini! When I went up town to buy something from Louis Vuitton. As I travelled up by bus, I decanted the box into a shopping bag. Other times it’s a big rucksack. My last purchase, was larger so as I have a Blue Badge, I parked up, my daughter stayed in the car, and I puddled along to the boutique.
Agreed about using another tote to even just carry the branded bags in. I prefer bringing a cloth tote to hold my stuff because I don't want to be throwing out the shopping bags later anyway. Generate less waste, and all that.
Such a shame 😢 because you've earned it sophie its sad people are like this. My old car honda jazz had its catalytic converter stolen a couple of years ago and i was devastated:( this world has changed unfortunately.
In addition to being careful as to which bags you carry and where, I would also be careful about your jewelry. There are certain places I just don't wear my wedding ring anymore. If I have to walk with my hand folded into a fist to hide my ring (which I have often done) then it's just not worth wearing it.
Hi Sophie thank you for this video and highlighting that we all should be aware of our surroundings and try to avoid or at least limit such situations that you experienced . It must have been truly frightening and frightening I’m so glad you and David were safe . I remember going into the Dior Avenue 30 Montaigne store and made some purchases and as we were going to the airport via metro and coach they too gave us a plain white bag with the Dior bag inside . As a was concerned for our safety too . Dior really did go out of their way to make our shopping experience truly wonderful and above all safe . Your content is really so useful informative and truly as your viewers we rally can’t thank you enough for all you do . God Bless stay safe ❤
Hi Sophie! I relate 100% to this video. When I’m travelling and I buy a lot of branded items I use a large suitcase and I don’t take the big bags from the stores. So no one knows what I have in the suitcase. Also with driving, I’m hyper vigilant. If I notice a car behind me to long I would take a different route just not one near to home. I really enjoyed this video! I can’t wait for the next one. All my love to you and David XoxoAmrita 💕
I completely with what you said about the tube. I went to London this past Sunday and used the tube, it was packed! A pickpockets dream. I was carrying my purse inside my handbag, which was inside a zipped tote bag, but even then i was wary!
Thank you for sharing and I had things stolen in London when out around Leicester Square and they always hang about there so I think you warning people and your tip is going to help a lot of people. It’s such a shame that it puts you off shopping for good in London but in other places in Epsom there a pick pockets and my father had his wallet stolen when out around Victoria so I always say don’t put things in a back pocket x
I was being followed years ago and drove to the police station. They left quikly. I stayed in the lot for quite some time. I didn't see the car when i left. By the way, im sorry thi happened o you.
I drive an old Renault Twingo....guess I'm safe 😂 So sorry this happened to you. The world is indeed full of shady people. Even in small towns you are not safe. They tried to steal my grandmas purse this summer in our small town....tried to snatch it right out of her wheeled walker. Disgusting!
I’m so glad you and David are ok! This happened to me back when I lived in Houston. I drove straight to the police station and they drove away. Stay safe. ❤
I got goosebumps from listening to this. I cannot imagine the fear to be in that situation. I recommend getting blue ikea bag or some scuffy supermarket plastic woven tote that looks miserable and won’t draw attention. Then just before leaving Harrods shove your purchases in there. The ikea blue bag is giving the opposite impression of luxury do hopefully it will stop the attention from bad eyes. Also put some tape on the exterior of your car here and there like you fixed some stuff. Make your car not attractive. And when you do drive a luxury car install one of those car cameras i forgot the name of it but some people use them to record travelling you can collect evidence from cars following you.
Hello Sophie! Thanks for sharing your story! In these days and times, we have to be hypersensitive to our surroundings! Sometimes, the thief is a person you know! 😢
I agree with you about being aware of your surroundings. With a job I have, I was trained of this because sometimes we get followed home from work. Great video!
Thanks for sharing, it happens more often than we think. What you said about Hermés is similar to what they do at Cartier. They put your purchase within a white plain bag so you are not targeted when you leave. You end up throwing away the bag they give so it’s probably better to bring your own bag or opt for the plain if you can.
But large, neutral, white shopping bags can also be eye-catching. It must be assumed that the entrances to the shops are also under observation. And if you walk out with a large, neutral bag that you haven't had before, then they'll know you shopped there. You could also make a joke and shop at Waitrose with a Dior paper bag... :)
I'm glad you shared this story as it will likely help others. As soon as you said you were being followed, I immediately thought of your other story about the Lambo from years ago. So scary, I'm so glad you and David were ok and that you're good about not being too complacent. It's a shame that this is even a thing. No one should need to be hyper aware when they have nice things but unfortunately, that's how it is. I really loved that beautiful orange Bentley you guys had but yeah, it really stood out and once you were followed it would be a security risk.
After shopping at designer boutiques, I never (and I mean never) allow my bags from the store to be visible. I always carry this giant cloth bag I got for free from Max Mara and it's as roomy as a supermarket carrier bag. I fold it (like you said), stuff it into the bag I'm wearing and I'll then take it out to fit in all my shopping bags. Never show anyone where you've been. Particularly your neighbours, but yes, it applies to ANYONE in the street that might be watching. I remember buying my first Chanel bag I was extremely paranoid about showing my bag! I was trembling as I walked in the street and immediately placed the bag inside my handbag lol. Same with my Cartier jewellery. I told the sales assistant "right, I'm wearing it" so the boxes I carried home were empty and still, I put the Cartier shopping bag in my handbag. I like people to guess (and not know) if/where I got things. I've always been really careful about that, particularly because I don't drive. O and when taking public transport you could also opt for a backpack, kids.
Thats terrifying, my mother had her mercededs stolen from infront of her home and step dads citron, super expensive cars, they were cased, they after that bought 2 normal average cetrons, its scary
That's so scary! The other day when I was getting gas a man pulled in behind me and while I was at the pump he walked over to my driver's side and it looked like he took a picture of my car. I don't even drive a super fancy car, it's a two door fiat 500. I was so freaked out. I was so scared he was going to follow me home.
Sophie, I'm so sorry for what you went through. That being said, you seem to be a reasonably intelligent woman and I'd believe you would have considered driving to the nearest police station. Not driving around trying to lose followers, let alone drive home. I think going to the police, even if you didn't want to get out of the car and report the situation, would be enough to scare the followers. I hope both of you are coping well emotionally with this frightening situation. I like watching your videos. Be safe.
Hi Sophie, sorry I haven’t been as active life has been crazy recently, however I stand by what you said, I have a blank tote bag, and I’m the same as you I sometimes give an Aldi bag for life. Safety is always a priority never mind the item/s personal safety is the most important, stay safe x
Never drive home always drive to a police station phone the police they minute you feel you are being followed its so scary can't have nice things anymore glad you both safe ❤
Gosh, I’m sorry for upsetting you. I didn’t mean to. I was just saying that it’s not safe if you’re going to be carrying shopping bags with big logos written on them (this goes for anyone) xx
Do you have a local police station? One time when we got followed, we started heading towards the police station. So scary! Glad you're OK. Makes me nervous to carry or wear designer anything in public!
Thanks for sharing. It’s unfortunate that you sorta have to hide the luxury items you’ve were blessed with. The world has become more and more evil and it’s going to get worse . It’s best to be wise when you’re out and about enjoying your life. God’s peace and blessings be with you. 🙏🏾
In retrospect you probably should have called the police to tell them where you were while you were driving? They could have arrested the driver. I know you were extremely nervous - thank goodness you both were safe.
Omg Sophie, I am half way through…what a crazy story. I am one of those weirdos who listen to creepy “let’s not meet” stuff before bed & they always say goto a police station. As for carrier bags on the tubes, I didn’t know what London winter wonderland was when down visiting my friend there & I was out shopping and randomly my friend who was hosting me got invited by others & I went to meet them there (all last min). I had All Saints bags as they had s crazy sale & while I was in Q go get in someone jumped the fence area followed by security as he was running with someone’s bag. I COULD NOT RELAX & enjoy the event. I know it was stupid to go somewhere like that with bags but I seriously didn’t realise how crazy it was….so I don’t blame you for wanting to just plonk something in your car. Especially in cities like NYC & Paris which IMO have a much metro than Paris I’ll go into a like a book store & ask if I can get a big bag. So just looks like it’s a bunch of books or stationary
Oh my gosh Soph this story is scary . Yes I hide your luxury shopping bags Tiffany will put your items in Philadelphia in a white unmarked bags. We all have to use wisdom
That’s so scary! If you ever think you’re being followed you can also drive to a police station, hospital or fire station. Anywhere with law enforcement should scare most away.
Hello Sophie, these things are pretty bad, good that you mentioned it because many don't realise it or even when we do, one an never be too careful. As for stealing the car easily, apparently they have electronic devices to do it from afar! No need for a key, nor to break anything. The reason I know it is because my bag got stolen from the trunk of my car in broad daylight in spring! It was a very busy downtown street with a lot of people walking by. Nothing was broken and I only noticed when I got home and saw it was empty. We also saw a sketchy man who we felt was following us while shopping, before we returned to the car. What's more is there was a camera right where I parked, when I went to the police they said the angle was wrong and it won't show it. There was a guy at the police station with me who had his bag stolen at the gym, he also mentioned the camera and got the same answer - wrong angle. And this is a place where you need a membership to get in! And it was on the day when police was everywhere because of a strike happening a couple of hours later. These people work in groups, everything is planned. Either having access to places or having people helping them get this access for a price. I wouldn't be surprised if the people following you, followed for longer than you think. You made the right choice, better be safe.
This is real. When I owned my luxury German SUV, I was followed a few times, but I noticed and went out the way. BUT now that I have a nice but lowkey Japanese SUV, I’m nearly invisible and I LOVE ittt!
I think I got followed too a few weeks back and I didn’t notice it until the very end after we pulled into the driveway and we were so freaked out and are still paranoid that person might come back, it’s so scary 😢
Thanks for sharing this! Astrologically speaking, this is going to happen more and more in the next few years. We all need to be careful when enjoying our luxury furnishings.
