West End watch thefts cost £1m monthly, police say
Figures revealed at court hearing show a significant rise in high-value wristwear robberies across central London boroughs.
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The central claim is attributed to the Metropolitan Police and Det Sgt Andy Swindells, with specific figures and dates provided.
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The reporting clearly separates fact from comment, provides specific details, and explains the context and consequences for victims.
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High-value watch robbery continues to be a significant issue in London's West End, with police figures indicating an average monthly loss of £1m from stolen wristwear. This information was presented to Southwark Crown Court during the sentencing of three men involved in the theft of a £137,000 watch from a Romanian businessman in Mayfair.
Robbery statistics and locations
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The Metropolitan Police reported 97 watch robberies, encompassing attempted incidents, across the boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham between January and June. A further 70 watches were stolen in these areas from July to September. Detective Sergeant Andy Swindells stated in a court document that despite police efforts, this type of crime remains a persistent problem in the West End. He noted that a knife had been seen or implied in a fifth of watch robberies over the past six months, and that victims had frequently been assaulted, suffering punches and kicks.
Specific areas identified as hotspots for watch targeting include Mayfair and Knightsbridge. The court was also informed that approximately one-third of all watch robberies occur within the West End's night-time economy.
Mayfair watch theft case
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The case that brought these figures to light involved Younes Djoudi, Ali Eldahouzze, and Abdel El Habchi, who stole a diamond-encrusted Richard Mille watch valued at £137,000 from Catalin Botezatu. The incident occurred just before midnight on 28 January as Mr Botezatu was leaving the Amazonico restaurant in Berkeley Square. The court heard that the men had conducted a reconnaissance operation before approaching Mr Botezatu. A sharp implement was used to cut the watch strap, causing cuts to Mr Botezatu's wrists. He testified that he was pushed into a fence and restrained, fearing for his life due to prior health issues. The stolen watch, a gift from a deceased friend, has not been recovered.
I couldn't believe that something like this could happen in London, in front of a luxury restaurant where I was a client.
Catalin Botezatu
Djoudi pleaded guilty to robbery. Eldahouzze and El Habchi were convicted by a jury after a nine-day trial. El Habchi claimed he did not anticipate a robbery, while Eldahouzze alleged Djoudi had threatened him. Court proceedings revealed Djoudi has previous convictions for watch-related offences from 2014 and 2017. Messages found on Eldahouzze's phone included an image of the stolen watch. The three men were scheduled to be sentenced on Friday.
Next steps
The sentencing of Younes Djoudi, Ali Eldahouzze, and Abdel El Habchi was due to take place on Friday. Further details on the sentences imposed are expected to be reported.
Questions this report answers
+How much is stolen in watch thefts in the West End each month?
An average of £1m worth of watches are stolen from people's wrists in London's West End every month, according to figures from the Metropolitan Police. This estimate was provided to Southwark Crown Court.
+Which areas are most affected by watch robberies?
Mayfair and Knightsbridge have been identified as specific hotspots for watch targeting. A third of all watch robberies occur around the West End's night-time economy, which includes these areas.
+Are weapons used in these watch thefts?
Yes, a knife or a similar implement has been seen or implied in a fifth of watch robberies over the past six months. Victims have also reported being punched and kicked.
+What happened in the recent Mayfair watch theft case?
Three men were convicted of stealing a £137,000 watch from a businessman in Mayfair after using a sharp implement to cut the strap. The victim reported being injured and fearing for his life during the incident.
WE FILE
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