Luxury Watches: A Rising Target for Thieves on the Côte d’Azur
In 2024, thefts of luxury watches have surged in the Alpes-Maritimes region, with losses exceeding €8 million. Criminals carefully plan their attacks, striking suddenly and often violently, then escaping swiftly, frequently by scooter into the hills.
Methods and Targets
Both pedestrians and specialty stores have fallen victim to these crimes. Monaco, once largely protected by its extensive CCTV network, has seen an increase in incidents this year.
Notable Incidents in Monaco
- On 29 May, Monaco Watch Company experienced a dramatic armed robbery lasting six minutes, during which over €4 million worth of watches were stolen.
- On 12 November, The Watch Project was raided quickly, resulting in the theft of four watches within minutes.
Thefts Beyond Stores
- In April 2024, American tennis player Sebastian Korda was assaulted and his €300,000 Richard Mille watch was stolen in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin by two masked men.
- In late August, a Nice student was caught attempting to exchange a fake Rolex for an authentic watch valued at €48,000 at the Hôtel de Paris. He was arrested at Place du Casino and sentenced to four months in prison.
“Monaco, long spared from snatch thefts thanks to its dense network of CCTV cameras, is no longer immune.”
These high-profile cases highlight the growing boldness and sophistication of thieves targeting luxury timepieces in the region.
Author’s summary: Luxury watch thefts on the Côte d’Azur have sharply increased in 2024, with both residents and tourists falling victim to well-orchestrated, often violent heists.