A London woman is urging homeowners to learn from her costly error after a simple security lapse led to her flat being broken into and a cherished designer handbag stolen.
The Costly Habit That Invited Thieves
The resident, named Ayamé, shared a video on TikTok detailing the aftermath of the burglary, which has now been viewed over 249,000 times. The clip shows her boarded-up front door and captures her shock at discovering the break-in while she was out.
She issued a stark warning to her followers: "PSA to all my divas – lock your doors and don't leave your keys in your doors. My house was broken into last night." Ayamé was away when the incident occurred and returned to find clear damage, though she expressed relief that she was not present.
How the Burglars Gained Entry
The intruders targeted the glass panel next to her front door lock. Ayamé explained the method: "They essentially, with this door, made a hole here with a screwdriver, broke the glass, and then there was a key in here, which they put their hand in, unlocked."
She admitted to a common but dangerous misconception: "I left my key in the door thinking, oh, if the key is in the door, they can't get in from the other side – they can. They just break the window." Her primary advice is now unequivocal: lock doors and never leave keys in the lock.
Stolen Treasure and Security Wake-Up Call
The burglars stole a specific item of great sentimental value: a vintage 2006 denim Louis Vuitton bag she had wanted for years and recently treated herself to. Ayamé described being heartbroken, stating she is "going through the five stages of grief" over its loss.
Following the crime, police advised her on basic security improvements, such as leaving lights on when away to suggest occupancy and installing security cameras. Ayamé is taking drastic action, saying, "I'm about to spy (on) my home, I'm getting cameras on every inch of this property because I've never felt more violated."
A Timely Warning for the Festive Season
This warning comes at a critical time. Police consistently note that burglaries increase during the darker winter months and around Christmas, when homes often contain gifts and residents are more frequently out.
Security experts at Online Spy Shop reinforce this, cautioning that the "holiday period can be a prosperous time for opportunistic thieves, catching people as their guard is slightly lowered."
With Christmas approaching, Londoners are urged to strengthen their home security. Simple, effective measures include:
- Always locking doors and windows, even when at home.
- Keeping valuable items out of sight from the street.
- Using timer switches for lights or a radio to make a property appear occupied.
Taking these steps can offer vital peace of mind and help avoid the distress and expense of becoming a victim of property crime.
