British Tourists Lose £866k in Hotel Raid During Saint-Tropez Stay

Two British tourists experienced a significant loss of luxury items, valued at approximately £866,780, following a burglary at a five-star hotel in Saint-Tropez. Local media outlet Var Matin reported that the women discovered their room had been ransacked shortly after midnight on September 5, 2023, just hours after their arrival.

The tourists checked into the hotel around 17:00 on Monday, September 4, and went out for dinner at approximately 20:00. Upon returning, they found their room in disarray, with the door to their private terrace broken and the safe forcibly removed from the wall. Among the items stolen were 11 Hermes Birkin bags, Dior luggage, Patek Philippe watches, Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery, and Cartier pieces, including an engagement ring. Additionally, the thieves took bank cards and €15,000 (approximately £13,000) in cash.

A friend of the victims, identified as Sabrina, expressed her shock, stating, “They were completely robbed. They don’t even have their passports anymore. It’s a vacation that turns into a nightmare.” The two women reported the theft to local police on Wednesday, September 6, and subsequently relocated to a different accommodation while they arranged to return to the UK.

Sabrina further criticized the hotel’s security, asserting, “Hotels that claim to be five stars should have a better security system in place. It’s a shame – it tarnishes the image of France and of the town of Saint-Tropez.”

The incident adds to a troubling trend for the luxury hotel, which has reportedly faced multiple burglaries over the summer. In a separate case last month, a Brazilian tourist lost items worth €123,000 (around £106,000) from his room while he was dining. The stolen goods included two Patek Philippe bracelets valued at €74,000 (approximately £64,000) and an Audemars Piguet watch worth €46,000 (about £39,000), along with €3,000 (around £2,600) in cash.

In that case, a hotel employee was questioned by local authorities but later released. Reports indicate that the tourist was dissatisfied with the hotel’s response, claiming no immediate compensation was offered, while the hotel stated that an insurance claim was in process. Around the same time, another guest reported the theft of two watches and €800 (approximately £690).

In light of these incidents, two hotel employees are slated to appear before court on September 10, 2023, as investigations continue. The local prosecutor’s office has been contacted for further comment on the ongoing case.