Higher-End, Higher-Risk: How to Protect Luxury Accessories While Traveling

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global spending habits in unexpected ways. With international travel restricted, many individuals, particularly in higher-income brackets, found themselves with excess disposable income. One sector to benefit dramatically was the luxury goods market, specifically high-end watches, jewelry, and handbags.

This surge expanded the audience for luxury accessories well beyond seasoned collectors. Influencers, athletes, and public figures showcased their possessions across social media, raising the profile of specific brands and designs. What was once niche knowledge became common recognition for millions, an unintended boon for criminals.

A Growing Global Trend
Major urban centers across the globe have reported a rise in luxury accessory theft, prompting law enforcement agencies in several cities to deploy dedicated resources to address the issue. These incidents are not confined to back alleys or nighttime encounters; they can occur in broad daylight and in a variety of settings. Anyone wearing or carrying a high-value item or accessory can be a target, regardless of their occupation or celebrity status.

Why Accessories?

High-end watches and jewelry:

• • Portable wealth – easy to conceal, transport, and store.

  • Globally liquid – many items can be resold anywhere within hours.

  • Traceable only with effort – serial numbers can be removed or hidden, making recovery difficult.

With certain references fetching six-figure sums, the reward-to-risk ratio is highly attractive for criminals, especially when resale channels remain active.

Why Handbags?

• • Highly recognizable – Signature styles and logos are easy to spot.

  • Easy to grab – Unlike jewelry or watches, handbags can be grabbed quickly in crowded or chaotic environments.

  • Globally liquid – Many luxury bags retain or even increase in value, with active resale markets online and in-person.

Travel Risk Considerations
For international travelers, whether on business or leisure, wearing a recognizable, high-value accessory can increase the likelihood of being targeted for crime. Risks are elevated in:

• • Tourist hotspots where thieves expect visitors to carry valuables.

  • Transit choke points such as airports, train stations, and hotel entrances.

  • Nightlife districts where reduced situational awareness is common.

  • Hotel rooms and safes – Thieves and even opportunistic insiders may target hotel safes, which can often be accessed with master keys or easily manipulated, making them less secure than travelers assume.

Risk Mitigation Tips

• • Assess necessity: Consider whether you need to travel with the item at all.. Luxury accessories such as watches, necklaces, bracelets, and bags are often status symbols, but alternatives exist that deliver impact with less risk.

  • Vary your routes and routines: Avoid predictable patterns when wearing high-value items.

  • Stay discreet: Limit visible exposure, especially on public transport or in crowded areas.

  • Insurance cover: Ensure your policy includes loss or theft away from home, and that you understand any claim requirements.

  • Stay informed: Consult reputable travel risk intelligence sources or local advisories before visiting major urban centers, and stay aware of current safety trends.

Luxury accessories are not just fashion statements; they are also status symbols, investments, and, unfortunately, prime targets for criminals. Awareness, discretion, and situational vigilance remain the most effective tools for keeping your valuables safe.

About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common accident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.