Machete-wielding Rolex robbers on mopeds strike 109 times in months

Rolex robbers are back on the rampage: Machete-wielding thieves on mopeds and e-bikes strike 109 times in two months to rip £20,000 timepieces from wrists of their victims in some of London’s most desirable postcodes

Some 42 watch robberies between April 26 and May 30, further 67 next month
July 12 couple was followed by moped rider who threatened them with machete
Thief stole their Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe watches in broad daylight
Two days later woman was threatened with knife and bracelet and watch stolen
July 4 two people on a motorbike knocked down a man in his 50s before getting a knife out and stealing his Rolex watch and his wedding ring in Kensington

Police are on the hunt for Rolex robbers on mopeds and e-bikes who use machetes to force people to hand over their £20,000 watches.

Some 109 incidents have been recorded in just two months in some of London’s most desirable postcodes.

In areas including Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham there were 42 watch robberies between April 26 and May 30 and a further 67 in the following month – an increase of more than 60 per cent.

On July 12 couple was followed by a moped rider who threatened them with a machete in broad daylight at 10.10am around the Boltons Conservation Area in Chelsea.

They were forced to hand over their Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe watches. Some Patek Philippe watches are worth up to £210,000.

Just two days later a woman was threatened with a knife by two people on a motorbike and was forced to give them her watch and bracelet at 9.45pm in Kensington and Chelsea.

And on July 4 two people on a motorbike knocked down a man in his 50s before getting a knife out and stealing his Rolex watch, believed to be worth around £20,000, and his wedding ring between 9 and 10pm in Kensington and Chelsea.

Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards, in charge of policing for Central West BCU, said: ‘We want people living in and visiting our city to enjoy the summer safely – no-one should have to go about their day in fear of thieves.

On July 12 couple was followed by a moped rider who threatened them with a machete in broad daylight at 10.10am around the Boltons Conservation Area in Chelsea. They were forced to hand over their Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe watches. Some Patek Philippe watches are worth up to £210,000

‘Sadly across Westminster and neighbouring boroughs we are seeing a rise in these offences as criminals take advantage of the longer days and the busy streets.

‘We know the impact these crimes have on each and every victim and that is why we have this week launched an operation focused on tackling this issue. Extra officers have been put in place in locations where these crimes are most common, including those from specialist units like our Operation Venice teams.

‘This is a top priority for us and we have already made a number of arrests, but we need your help. As well as asking people to report these robberies as soon as they happen, we know lots of these offences are recorded on mobile phones or doorbells and we are keen to see this footage.

‘Please, if you have anything that shows a street robbery taking place, get in touch with us. Anything that helps us build up a picture of individuals carrying out these crimes could be crucial to us finding them and putting a stop to their abhorrent behaviour.’

Anyone who has footage or information about these cases – or any street robberies – should call 101 quoting Operation Furbish.

During the summer, London, like many other cities across the UK, will see increased footfall. Bigger crowds of people and more densely-packed streets create a more agile operating ground for street robbers.

Alongside proactive operations, the Met Police has dedicated teams of officers and detectives focus on responding effectively to reports of robbery as they happen on a daily basis.

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