'Rolex ripper' gangs are a growing trend of robbers who stalk rich people online and steal their expensive watches to order by threatening them with guns and knives
Top-end watch brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille have soared in value since the pandemic. 'Rolex ripper' gangs steal the watches, often at gun- or knife-point, before selling them on much cheaper than the usual price.
"If they’re stolen to order it raises a number of issues; there could be some street credibility for criminals who take a watch off a famous person’s arm and sell it to a collector who is happy to buy stolen timepieces."British former boxer Amir Khan was accosted by a robber brandishing a gun, who stole his custom-made £72,000 watch as he left a restaurant in east London in April last year.
Two men have admitted conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of an imitation firearm, and are awaiting sentencing. "Gangs are targeting affluent areas and carrying out reconnaissance, looking for soft targets. It’s about being switched on to your surroundings and seeking the correct advice if you’re concerned about your home security."
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