Story Highlight
– UK jewellery robberies surged to 38 incidents in 2026.
– Over £4 million in valuables stolen during these crimes.
– US jewelers reported 1,233 incidents, but higher losses.
– Security must encompass the entire life of a watch.
– Industry collaboration essential to combat watch-related crime.
Full Story
Crime targeting the jewellery and watch retail sector in the UK is increasingly prominent, according to SaferGems, an organisation specialising in crime intelligence. From January to August 2026, there were recorded 38 robberies, resulting in the theft of over £4 million in valuables. Notably, 22 of these incidents involved the use of weapons, representing a staggering 266% increase in armed attacks from the previous year. This data, released by UK Protection, highlights a troubling trend in the safety of retailers beyond mere statistics.
In contrast, the situation in the United States reveals a different but similarly concerning landscape. The Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) documented 1,233 criminal incidents affecting jewellery businesses in 2025, a decline of 13.2% from 2024. However, the overall financial losses rose slightly from $142.5 million to $144.7 million, driven by significant losses of $80.7 million from on-premises burglaries and a 25.6% increase in robbery-related losses, totalling $38.8 million. Though these figures represent jewellery-related crimes broadly, they underscore a worrying relationship between the number of incidents and their financial impact.
For the watch industry, the increasing frequency and severity of these crimes signify that conventional security measures—like enhanced safes and guards—are increasingly inadequate. Security protocols must now encompass every phase of a watch’s lifecycle, from manufacturing to retail, and extending into resale markets.
Personal accounts further illustrate the gravity of the situation. Emily Marsden, who shares her experiences under the alias “Secret Diary of Watch Girl” on social media, had her Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso stolen while on a train. After exhausting efforts to recover the item, she faced unexpected news from a stranger on Instagram who reported seeing her watch listed on eBay. This case unearthed issues in the secondary market for stolen goods. Marsden later discovered that the person she met, believing he had made a legitimate purchase, was unaware he had bought a stolen item.
Marsden argues for stronger preventive measures against the sale of stolen watches, reflecting, “Look, the Met is stretched and watch crime is rife… The big companies need to do far more, especially the ones that tell us they already are.” Her ordeal exemplifies the challenges of recovering stolen items, suggesting that simply verifying the authenticity of a watch does not confirm the seller’s ownership rights.
The implications extend beyond mere property theft. In 2024, Washington, DC, witnessed a spate of luxury watch robberies targeting individuals in nightlife hotspots. Offenders armed with firearms resorted to stealing while threatening victims, recently leading to 15-year prison sentences for one individual involved. This scenario serves as a stark reminder that high-value items often attract serious criminal activity, putting lives at risk.
Despite the threat, Marsden refuses to advise collectors to cease wearing their prized pieces, asserting, “I try to live by the spirit of not letting it dampen the joy… So my advice is simple: always do what makes you feel safe.” The complex balance between enjoying luxury items and taking necessary precautions is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly given that social media can unintentionally expose individuals to heightened risks.
The responsibility to protect consumers shouldn’t rest solely on the shoulders of the wearers. Marsden insists that retail companies and secondary marketplaces like eBay must take accountability, stating, “Putting the onus on the wearer is a bit like telling the victim of a crime it was their own fault.” Effective measures must focus on inhibiting the monetary pathways for stolen goods rather than merely shifting the burden to consumers.
Concerns about security aren’t limited to the UK. Data from the JSA highlighted that there were 262 burglaries in the US jewellery sector in 2025—down from 305 but still resulting in $80.7 million in losses. The association attributed the ongoing high losses to sophisticated heists targeting high-value retailers, with notable incidents leading to losses exceeding $1 million.
A UK case exemplified such planning: in 2025, a man received a six-year prison sentence for an elaborate burglary at a Watchfinder store, seizing 159 luxury watches valued at £1.4 million. Authorities revealed that the perpetrator had surveilled the store and meticulously planned the break-in, emphasising that robust physical security measures alone are not sufficient if information and access control are compromised.
Lee Wallace, a security expert, stresses that retailers must adopt a holistic risk management perspective, saying, “Security is not simply about protecting stock overnight; it is also about protecting people, premises, stock in transit and the processes around how high-value items are handled and displayed.”
Andy Fairbanks, CEO of UK Protection, echoes the sentiment that businesses must recognise the risks associated with armed theft as a reality rather than a distant risk. The expectation is not if such an occurrence will happen but rather when it will happen. Retailers must demonstrate awareness of these threats and implement comprehensive strategies to mitigate them.
Crucially, security practices must evolve to prioritise employee safety alongside property protection. The objective, according to Fairbanks, is not to transform sales personnel into security guards but to cultivate a culture where every employee understands their role in ensuring safety without facing undue pressure during confrontational situations.
As security concerns extend beyond the retail environment, the movement of watches poses additional risks. Transactions between boutiques, trade shows, and private collectors necessitate rigorous protocols to ensure safety and tracking of high-value items. Alca Jack of Malca-Amit emphasises the need for consistent security measures, including controlled handovers and discreet transport, especially in crowded events.
Insurance policies play a crucial role, but they cannot replace effective security measures. Retailers and collectors must ensure they possess appropriate coverage suited to their specific risks, whether through Jewellers’ Block policies or specialised coverage for high-value items, to safeguard against pitfalls arising from miscommunication in their policies.
Finally, collaborative law enforcement efforts can deter crime and assist in curbing the sale of stolen goods. In London, a noteworthy decrease in thefts reflects proactive policing strategies, while the FBI’s initiatives in the US underscore the need for cross-border coordination.
While it is impossible to eradicate theft entirely, the watch and jewellery industry must prioritise making criminal activities challenging, ensuring employee safety, and supporting victims of crime. As Marsden succinctly concludes, “The real change has to come from the industry and the powers that be.”
