Thefts of luxury watches on the Côte d’Azur are on the rise, fueling the concerns of watch enthusiasts and local authorities.
Indeed, the thefts of luxury watches continue to be repeated, it seems that malicious people are more and more interested in luxury watches as interesting loot.
New luxury watch theft on La Croisette in Cannes
The latest incident, which occurred on Tuesday June 11, saw a Saudi woman have a watch stolen Richard Mille worth 370,000 euros on the Croisette in Cannes. This theft is part of a worrying series of thefts targeting exceptional timepieces in this region popular with the rich and famous.
A growing phenomenon in Cannes
Thefts of luxury watches, particularly on the Croisette, are experiencing an alarming increase. Recent incidents include acts of modern piracy where criminals on scooters snatch watches directly from the wrists of their victims. This technique, quick and often carried out by experts, complicates the interventions of law enforcement.
Among those targeted, Yves Bissouma, an international footballer, was attacked and had a Richard Mille worth 300,000 euros on June 2. 4 days later, a 48-year-old British tourist lost his watch Patek Philippe, estimated at 100,000 euross.
La Croisette, with its prestigious hotels like the Carlton and the Majestic, is a favorite location for these flights. The presence of rich tourists and celebrities makes it a prime target for criminals.
Luxury watches, symbols of prestige and success, attract more and more desire. Iconic models like Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and other renowned watchmakers, offer not only unparalleled precision, but also high resale values on the black market. The most sought-after watches are distinguished by:
- Sophisticated watch complications, such as tourbillons and chronographs, combined with precious materials like gold and titanium.
- Unlike other luxury items, haute horology watches often retain their value, or even increase it, making them popular investments.
- Their small size and high value make luxury watches ideal targets for thieves, who can hide and transport them easily.
