Watch thieves strike again

The latest luxury watch theft took place outside of the Negresco, a landmark on the Promenade des Anglais

The victim of the theft was a Russian gentleman who was staying at the iconic Negresco hotel in Nice. Early this weekend, whilst the hotel guest was having a cigarette outside the building, the robber is said to have come up from behind, stolen his watch from his wrist and escaped on a scooter that was waiting nearby and being driven by an accomplice.

A second crime, suspected to be carried out by the same gang, took place on Saturday night, 4th August in Menton. Two thieves took what they thought was a superb Franck Müller watch, but unfortunately for them the fake was worth little more than 100 euros.

Amongst the collection of luxury swag amassed by the robbers so far is a Richard Mille worth 550,000 euros and a Rolex Daytona worth 100,000. Despite originally confining their activities to Cannes, the thieves are now branching out, conducting further thefts in Antibes, Juan les Pins and now Nice.

Police suggest residents and visitors all along the Riviera should be particularly careful with their jewellery and watches while the thieves remain at large.

Edward Hetherington