Thieves got away with nearly $1 million worth of uber-luxury handbags during a smash-and-grab robbery at a posh West Palm Beach, Florida, boutique.
According to USA Today, the bandits made off with 13 one-of-a-kind Hermes purses from Only Authentics (OA) Boutique after shattering the glass of the display window on December 14. Only Authentics owner, Virgil Rogers, revealed that a few bags were valued at six figures.
The lifted bounty included eight Birkin bags and five Kelly bags. Those particular styles are Hermes’ most expensive purses. A 40-centimeter Kelly bag crafted from crocodile skin had a list price of $89,000. Another Hermes bag, a 32-centimeter Vert Bosphore Birkin, was listed for over $100,000.
This isn’t the first time smash-and-grab robberies have occurred regarding ultra-luxe brand handbags.
In November, Louis Vuitton stores in California and Illinois were hit just days apart, News Onyx previously reported. Over a dozen people took part in the smash-and-grab during the Bay-area robbery. The culprits bum-rushed the door, knocked over the security guard and cleaned the shelves of countless items. Police made a few arrests in that robbery.
There were other reports of thieves knocking over Fendi and Yves Saint Laurent stores in the area.
Only Authentics Boutique was founded in 2009, according to the store’s website.
“With over 30 years of experience in the industry, the company began to collect and hold exclusive pieces that were seen as collectibles as much as consumer goods. OA focused its collections on Chanel and Hermes with a deep appreciation for their amazing design and esthetic value. Upon accumulating these handbags, a passion turned into a business,” the site’s About Us page reads. “The outpouring reaction to the impeccable collection attained was so positive that OA began to receive weekly offers to purchase some or all of the collection. This turned the company from a collector to a retailer almost overnight.”
