15 hours ago
The watch-mad Met detective calling time on Rolex robbers
Millions of tourists will arrive in the capital this summer, and London's biggest attractions and nighttime venues are banking on a busy trading period.
Detective Sergeant Andy Swindells of the Metropolitan Police is also braced for a hectic few months. As head of the proactive robbery unit, his small team of officers are focused on tackling robbers who prey on victims wearing the world's most desirable watches.
'July and August are our peak months; the weather is great, people are wearing T-shirts and short-sleeve tops, and their watches will be on show,' Swindells, 52, said. 'Watches are a status symbol — people want to show them off, but sadly it creates problems.'
While personal robbery across London has dipped 14 per cent over the past year, watch thefts have crept up since April. About four watch thefts are reported each day but the true figure could be higher, because many victims do not come forward.
