Influencer Grace Beverley has shared CCTV footage of a thief stealing her Chanel bag from between her feet while she dined at an outdoor restaurant in Notting Hill, London. The 269k-follower TikTok star said she is usually 'observant and really really careful' but her 'whole bag just got robbed'.
In the video, a man circled Grace and her sister several times before sitting behind their table. He swiftly grabbed the bag, placed it in his tote, and walked away. Grace described the stolen item as her 'first ever brand-new vintage Chanel'.
The theft comes amid a sharp rise in such offences. The Crime Survey for England and Wales reported an estimated 2.9 million theft incidents in 2024, a 13% increase from the previous year. Theft from the person rose by 50%, with mobile phones being the most commonly stolen item.
Other victims have shared their experiences online. TikTok user Ella Rose Zorhra recounted having her phone snatched from her hand by a thief on an electric bike. She warned others to keep phones out of sight and consider insurance and wrist straps.
The Metropolitan Police advise keeping bags closed and in sight, avoiding displaying valuables, and being aware of surroundings. They urge anyone who witnesses a theft to call 999 immediately.
