In a dramatic act of public defiance, a suspected watch thief was chased down and tackled by a victim and brave bystanders on a prestigious central London street. The incident unfolded in broad daylight on Margaret Street in Marylebone at around 3pm on Sunday, December 14.
A Daylight Struggle on a Millionaires' Row
The alleged thief targeted a man on Margaret Street, an area nestled between Marylebone and Fitzrovia where the average property is valued at approximately £2 million. Rather than submitting to the crime, the victim fought back, a struggle that prompted immediate intervention from at least one other passerby.
Footage from the scene shows a witness running towards the commotion as shouting and swearing are heard. Together, the victim and the Good Samaritan managed to grab the suspect. In the ensuing tussle, they successfully ripped the stolen watch back from the alleged thief, who subsequently broke free and escaped from the scene before police arrived.
The Soaring Trend of Luxury Watch Thefts
This brazen attempted robbery is part of a worrying national surge in high-value watch thefts. According to Scotland Yard, the most coveted brands by criminals are Rolex, followed by Cartier, Omega, and Patek Philippe—some models of which can fetch over £10 million.
Alarming statistics reveal the scale of the issue. In 2024, an average of 21 luxury watches were reported stolen each day across the UK. This marks a significant increase from 19 per day in 2022-2023 and just 12 per day in 2021. In London, organised gangs known as 'Rolex rippers' are often behind the crimes, frequently stealing watches to order.
Police Advice for Owners of Valuable Timepieces
As part of a campaign to combat this trend, the Metropolitan Police have issued clear guidance for watch owners:
- Prioritise personal safety – if your watch is stolen, do not give chase. Call 999 immediately.
- Take a photograph of your watch for insurance records.
- Consider property-marking and registering it on a recognised database.
- Remain aware of your surroundings and keep valuables out of sight.
- Plan your route in advance where possible.
The force has even launched undercover operations in areas like Soho, with officers posing as wealthy tourists to bait and catch thieves.
In relation to the Marylebone incident, a Met Police spokesperson confirmed that the alleged theft had not been reported to them directly. The event underscores a growing climate of bold street crime, even in the capital's most affluent neighbourhoods. It follows other recent high-profile thefts, including a bag snatch in a central London pub where two men were jailed for 18 weeks, and a £1,000 handbag theft on Oxford Street that resulted in three perpetrators receiving a combined 51-week sentence.
