Night Watchmen: Met Police's undercover officers make life hell for luxury watch snatchers

A covert police initiative in London, featuring undercover officers showcasing high-end brands like Rolex to attract criminals, has significantly reduced luxury watch robberies, according to Scotland Yard. Metropolitan police officers strategically positioned themselves around exclusive nightclubs and restaurants in central London, posing with valuable timepieces in an effort to entice potential thieves. Videos from covert operations in Soho revealed the modus operandi, where hidden officers swiftly intervened, arresting would-be robbers attempting to steal the displayed watches. This successful operation, spanning several months in 2022 and 2023, led to 27 arrests, with 21 individuals later convicted. Police figures demonstrate a notable decrease in annual watch robberies from 113 to 55 in the year up to July 2023, specifically in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham boroughs. Ben Russell, the Met’s commander for intelligence, commended the undercover officers’ courage, emphasising their willingness to stand alone in dark streets during late-night hours. Russell highlighted the prevalence of watch robberies in fashionable neighborhoods between 11 pm and 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays, targeting luxury Swiss brands favored by affluent individuals. The criminals strategically lurk outside bars and clubs, focusing on areas like Soho, Kensington, and Chelsea, where people gather for leisure and are likely to wear expensive watches. While there isn’t a specific brand preference, thieves often target luxury watches, including Rolex and Patek Philippe, valued between £10,000 and upwards of £100,000. The operation was prompted by high-profile incidents involving celebrities like boxer Amir Khan and broadcaster Aled Jones, who fell victim to luxury watch thefts. Russell urged the public to remain vigilant, advising the use of long sleeves to conceal watches while walking on the street. Characterizing the crimes as opportunistic organized crime, Russell emphasized the perpetrators’ focus on genuine, expensive watches, engaging victims directly before executing the thefts.