Algerian Gangs Target Luxury Watches in London

0:00On March 15, Algerian gangs in London are shifting from phone snatches to targeting luxury watches on wealthy diners. Last week, two gang members face court at the Old Bailey after attacking BBC breakfast presenter Ben Thompson and his friend outside of Mayfair. Restaurant. The pair lost a 7,000-pound Rolex and a 150,000-pound diamond-patek Philippe in a brutal robbery just minutes after paying. They're Bill. Five days earlier, a 17-year-old Algerian appeared at South of Crown Court for a similar mugging 300 yards away. He and an accomplice followed a Chinese professor from another Mayfair eatery and stole his 36,000-pound patek Philippe. Police linked these to a broader trend as gangs chase bigger payouts from high-end jewelry. Phone thefts in London dropped 12% last year to about 71,000 cases, thanks to better policing with drones and e-bike. Backing plus people being more cautious on streets. Stone phones often end up in Algeria, but with fewer easy grabs, criminals are pivoting

1:03to violent restaurant stakeouts in rich areas like Mayfair. Ben Thompson now feels unsafe walking London streets, jumping at joggers or cyclists and avoiding nights out. Other victims, from celebrities to business leaders, echo this fear with some relocating abroad. Former detectives warn the attacks cause deep trauma due to the violence and sentimental value of lost items. Experts say police must adapt faster to these high-reward schemes before they spread further. As courts see more cases and raids on cover networks, Londoners' hope-quick action will restore safety to the city's vibrant nights.