Two wealthy British women have been targeted by a burglar who ransacked their room in a luxury Saint-Tropez hotel and stole 11 Birkin bags, jewellery, and cash worth 1 million euros (£867,000).
According to French media, the pair arrived at the hotel in the coastal town on the French Riviera at around 5 pm on August 5 before going on a stroll at 8 pm until around midnight.
'When they returned, the room was ransacked, the door to the private terrace broken, the wall safe ripped out,' their friend, Sabrina, said.
'They don't even have their passports anymore. It's a vacation that's turning into a nightmare.'
It is understood that a complaint about the incident was filed to authorities on Wednesday.
Following the raid, the women approached the hotel security, who reportedly did not detect an intruder.
'As luck would have it, no one heard anything. My friends contacted the owner, who pretended to be a victim,' Sabrina said.
During the raid, the thieves reportedly took 11 Hermès Birkin bags, Patek Philippe watches, Dior luggage, Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery, and Cartier pieces including an engagement ring, Var Matin reports.
Around €15,000 (£13,000) was also stolen alongside bank cards.
The total amount lost is thought to be close to 1 million euros (£867,000).
The women are reportedly shocked that the luxury hotel did not have better security and are now on their way back home after a disappointing holiday.
'Hotels that claim to be 5-star should have a more developed security system,' their spokesperson said. 'It's a shame. It tarnishes the image of France and the village of Saint-Tropez.'
