Former Miss Universe Catriona Gray took to social media to share her reflections, two weeks after being robbed during a family trip to London.
On Monday, Catriona opened up on her Instagram account about the emotional aftermath of the incident and the lessons she learned from the traumatic experience.
The beauty queen and advocate expressed that since returning to London after the robbery, she has developed a “newfound tension” when stepping outside, feeling heightened anxiety over her surroundings and personal belongings.
“Since coming back since the robbery incident, I have a new found tension when I step outside, a new anxiousness with my surroundings and belongings,” read Catriona’s post.
Gray also shared advice for others to avoid falling victim to a similar incident, which she began by highlighting the importance of family and safety over material possessions.
“Things are just things, and things can be replaced,” Catriona wrote, “Family and their safety is the most important thing.”
She cautioned against trusting paid parking facilities in London, even those that claim to have CCTV and security measures, recounting that the robbery occurred during daylight hours in such a location.
“Don’t place your trust in any paid parking facilities in London City – may they boast CCTV, security etc. Even in the middle of the day for a few hours. We made this mistake and wish we hadn’t. Always take your passports and important medications with you,” Catriona advised.
In her post, Gray expressed deep gratitude to those who reached out to offer support in the aftermath of the robbery, writing, “I’m so so grateful to everyone who reached out to my parents and I to see if we were okay.
She also extended her thanks to the individuals who helped her family, from arranging travel logistics to ensuring her father received the necessary medical care.
“And to the people who helped my family and I, who helped with the travel arrangements, to sourcing a doctor for my dad[‘]s important medications and to just giving comfort and help. 🙏 Truly am so so thankful,” Catriona added.
“At first I felt that the robbery and the stress that ensued blotted out the joy and happy memories from the special homecoming trip of my dad. But I decided I won’t let the thieves steal that too,” Gray concluded, encouraging her followers to stay safe while traveling.
