Brazen Heists Target Luxury Watches in Paris and Monaco
In an alarming sequence of events, Paris and Monaco have become the latest targets of high-profile luxury watch robberies. On Tuesday, three young individuals aged 17 to 19 were apprehended by the banditry suppression brigade (BRB) of the Paris judicial police. Their arrest followed the audacious theft of eight luxury watches from a couple of Mexican nationals, including a renowned fashion designer, in their apartment on rue de Berri, Paris. The thieves had meticulously planned their heist, using one of their own to pose as a delivery man to gain access to the building.
Once inside, the so-called delivery man attacked the unsuspecting resident, while his two accomplices, hiding behind surgical masks and armed with a long kitchen knife, demanded the victims locate their high-value watches. Among the stolen items were two Patek Philippe Nautilus watches, valued at 590,000 euros each, along with several Rolex and Audemars Piguet models. The total loot amounted to approximately 1.3 million euros in watches and an additional 120,000 euros in jewelry.
Meticulously Planned Heist in Monaco
In a separate incident the following day, two individuals executed a daylight robbery at the Watch Company luxury boutique on Boulevard de Moulins in Monaco. Riding scooters, one of the robbers stormed the store wielding a handgun, while his accomplice kept watch outside. Within seconds, the thief acquired multiple high-value watches and jewelry, which are estimated to be worth millions of euros. The robbers quickly fled towards Beausoleil and have yet to be apprehended by authorities.
Despite the high level of security and police presence in Monaco, no shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. However, a saleswoman was taken to Princesse-Grace hospital in a state of shock. The Monaco public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation, yet the robbers’ careful planning suggests they are far from amateurs.
Both incidents highlight the audacity and sophistication involved in these luxury watch robberies, leaving a trail of traumatized victims and substantial financial loss.
- The Paris heist has incited a wider investigation with BRB officers delving into the suspects' background and examining their recruitment via social networks. Law enforcement agencies are also on the lookout for the mastermind behind the operation.
- The Monaco robbery has prompted discussions about enhancing security measures at luxury boutiques and increasing police patrols in high-risk areas to deter such meticulously planned crimes in the future.
