Watch and Jewellery Crime Soars as Retailers Face Rising Armed‑Robbery Threat
The rise in watch and jewellery crime is forcing retailers to rethink security, staff training, and insurance. In the UK, armed attacks on retailers surged by 266% compared with the previous year, with 38 robberies and more than £4 million in stolen valuables recorded between January and August 2026. In the US, while the number of incidents fell, losses grew, driven by burglaries and robberies that caused $144.7 million in damages in 2025. High‑value pieces are increasingly targeted both in stores and on the street, and stolen watches often reappear on secondary marketplaces, highlighting gaps in authentication and transaction verification. The industry response emphasizes a holistic approach that protects people as well as stock. Experts advocate comprehensive risk assessments covering the entire lifecycle of a watch—from manufacture and retail display to transport, resale, and insurance—combined with robust physical measures, access controls, and employee training. Specialized services such as secure transport, portable safe‑deposit boxes, and targeted robbery‑defence programmes are being adopted, while insurers stress the need for accurate documentation and coverage that matches actual security practices. Collaboration between retailers, law‑enforcement, and online platforms is seen as essential to deter crime and improve recovery of stolen items.
Buying Time Analysis: The story highlights the escalating threat of armed robbery and theft in the watch and jewellery sector, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive security measures, staff training, and industry cooperation to protect people, assets, and the broader market.
