Luxury watch theft has become a significant problem in London, with over £50 million worth of watches stolen in 2022 according to data from the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, in the first half of 2023, 3,190 watches were reported stolen with a fifth involving violence. However, the thieves who are responsible for these crimes do not seem to feel any guilt. In fact, gang leader M says he views his victims purely as sources of cash. “He’s wearing a deposit for his house on his wrist, that’s money for me,” he says.
Watch theft gangs, which are organised crime, often employ female “spotters” who will go to bars and clubs in affluent areas to identify potential victims and expensive looking watches. These spotters will then contact gang members who will target the victim wearing the watch and rob them, often with knives and machetes. One spotter, who remains anonymous, says she typically earns between £500 and £1,000 per job but admits to having mixed feelings about her actions. “I mean, yeah and no, I do a little bit, but at the same time I’ve got bills
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