Story Highlight
– Watch theft losses reached £1.6 billion total value.
– Improvement noted in recovering lost or stolen watches.
– Targeted policing significantly reduced thefts in London areas.
– US jewelry crimes decreased, but losses and violence increased.
– Strong security measures require vigilance beyond obvious solutions.
Full Story
Concerns surrounding security in the watch industry are rising, with significant financial implications for those who fail to address the issue adequately.
Recent data from The Watch Register indicates that the cumulative value of watches reported lost or stolen has soared to £1.6 billion. In 2024, losses amounted to £150 million, with approximately £60 million accounted for in the UK alone. However, there is some positive news regarding recovery efforts: over the first half of 2025, a total of 607 watches were found, an increase of 26% when compared to the same period in 2024.
Targeted policing initiatives also show promise in reducing thefts. The Metropolitan Police recorded a substantial decrease in watch thefts across key areas, including Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea, which saw offences plummet from 213 to 97 in the first half of 2026. Despite this progress, concerns persist for retailers, their employees, and customers, as the nature of risks can fluctuate rapidly.
A glance at the situation in the United States underscores the persistent threat. The Jewelers’ Security Alliance noted a total of 1,233 crimes against jewellery businesses in 2025, reflecting a 13.2% decline from 2024. Nevertheless, the total losses rose by 1.5% to $144.7 million, with violent incidents constituting 27.1% of robberies, a stark rise from the previous year’s 16.9%.
Effective security goes beyond mere physical barriers such as alarms and cameras; it encompasses personnel, protocols, and the security landscape outside retail premises. Retailers are urged to adopt a holistic approach to security, examining everything from site protection to staff preparedness and the safeguarding of inventory post-sale.
One persistent message is the need for ongoing vigilance. Retailers must grasp the nuances of their insurance coverage, ensure up-to-date valuations and documentation, and maintain thorough records of serial numbers and ownership details to facilitate the identification and recovery of stolen goods.
Additionally, a critical assessment of physical security measures is essential. Examination of alarm systems, communication networks, safes, and access controls must ensure that they will perform effectively during actual incidents. Training for frontline staff is equally crucial; employees should be adept at identifying suspicious activities, managing robbery scenarios, and prioritising personal safety over merchandise.
Beyond in-store considerations, security must also account for staff movements, delivery schedules, social media activities, and logistics surrounding the storage of high-value items. The approach to securing a business is not merely about implementing a singular solution but about continuously identifying vulnerabilities ahead of potential threats.
The industry is making strides in intelligence sharing, technology adoption, and collaboration with law enforcement and specialist security firms. However, complacency remains a significant risk. The key to robust security may reside in the ability to constantly ask what potential threats lie ahead and whether businesses are equipped to handle them effectively.
