The Metropolitan Police in London has employed undercover “victim” officers in targeted operations to apprehend robbers attempting to steal high-end watches in central London. Commanding Officer for Intelligence, Ben Russell, revealed that two operations carried out in 2022 and 2023 resulted in a notable reduction in watch robberies in and around Westminster.
The initiative was prompted by a surge in luxury watch thefts, with 300 watches valued at £4 million stolen between April and September 2022. Cdr Russell reported that 27 men have been charged with offenses related to these incidents.
Undercover officers, posing as potential targets wearing expensive watch brands, were strategically deployed across South Kensington, Chelsea, Soho, and Mayfair during late 2022 and 2023. Opportunistic criminals attempting to rob the watches in the street were swiftly apprehended by other undercover officers nearby. Both operations have led to 21 convictions to date.
Cdr Russell highlighted that the robbers, mainly in their 20s and 30s, operated in groups and were often found “waiting for victims” outside bars and clubs between 23:00 and 04:00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. They targeted luxury Swiss brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe, which retain high values in the second-hand market.
The modus operandi involved luring victims with offers of access to sex workers or drugs, leading them to side streets where the robbery would take place. Over the past five years, the Met has reported 29,000 stolen watches, with one in five involving violence, according to a Freedom of Information request by The Watch Register.
The success of these undercover operations is evident, with a 28% reduction in watch robberies across three boroughs during the first operation (October to December 2022) and a 16% reduction during the second operation (March to October 2023). Cdr Russell emphasized the dedication and professionalism of the officers involved.
While advising against dissuading people from wearing watches, Cdr Russell suggested being aware of surroundings, obtaining insurance, and photographing possessions for added security. The Met has charged 27 men following the operations, with 21 convictions and 14 receiving custodial sentences. The force’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to addressing the growing issue of luxury watch crime in London.
