In a strategic move to combat the rampant theft of luxury watches in London, a covert police operation has proven highly effective. Undercover officers, showcasing high-end timepieces near the city’s swankiest venues, successfully lured potential robbers and led to a significant reduction in watch thefts.
Spanning two operations from October to December 2022 and March to October 2023, the initiative resulted in 31 arrests, 27 successful charges, and cut luxury watch robberies by nearly half, The Guardian reported. The targeted boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham witnessed a notable drop in annual watch robberies—from 113 in July 2022 to just 55 in July 2023.
Thieves, often targeting wealthy individuals wearing watches by Swiss brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe, prompted the Metropolitan Police to employ various measures to combat personal robbery offenses. The success of this covert operation highlights the bravery of officers who volunteered for the initiative.
Not confined to London, major cities globally, including Paris and Los Angeles, have experienced a surge in high-end watch thefts, with over $1.3 billion worth reported missing or stolen last year. As a precaution, the MET advises watch owners to stay vigilant, conceal timepieces with long sleeves, and document their collections for insurance purposes. This proactive approach underscores the ongoing commitment to safeguarding luxury assets in urban landscapes.
