Woman arrested for luxury handbag thefts in Shanghai and Hangzhou claims she didn’t know bags were so expensive

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17th March 2025 – (Hangzhou) A woman accused of stealing luxury handbags from second-hand shops in Shanghai and Hangzhou has been detained by Chinese authorities. The incident, which involved thefts of items from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Gucci, has drawn significant public attention and sparked debate on social media.

According to reports from local media, the suspect first targeted a second-hand luxury goods store in Shanghai. Upon entering, she engaged the staff in friendly conversation before stealing two wallets—one Louis Vuitton and one Hermès—when the opportunity arose. The theft was only discovered the following day during an inventory check, prompting the shop owner to report the incident to the police.

By the time authorities began their investigation, the woman had already departed Shanghai and travelled to Hangzhou, where she allegedly continued her spree. Surveillance footage from a second-hand shop in Hangzhou shows the suspect using a laptop to obscure her actions while speaking on the phone. She reportedly stole a black Gucci crossbody bag before the store owner noticed the theft and alerted the police.

Hangzhou police acted swiftly, tracking the suspect to a local bus station where she was apprehended. During her identification at the scene, the woman reportedly broke down, kneeling and pleading with officers. “I didn’t know these bags were so expensive,” she said, adding, “If I don’t leave, it will affect my civil service exam.”

The case has since been transferred to Shanghai authorities for further investigation.

The incident has generated widespread commentary online, with users expressing a mix of disbelief and humour. Some remarked on the irony of her plea, suggesting that her actions have already disqualified her from public service. Others wryly referred to handcuffs as the most costly luxury item she has acquired.


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