Watch Register Expands Database, Includes Met Reports

Latest from the Watch Register as they expand their database, using London theft stats and reports. Very useful indeed for many HNW brokers, or specialists like TH March who cover jewellery and watches.

Here’s the word;

The Watch Register, the global watch crime prevention database, announces a significant expansion of its database, which will receive all of the UK Metropolitan Police’s stolen watch data. The data, which amounts to some 260,000 stolen watches and dates back almost three decades to the introduction of the crime reporting system in 1995.

The announcement is the result of a data sharing scheme, which will subsequently become a national project for all UK Police forces, as approved by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC).

WATCH THEFTS ARE A GROWING PROBLEM

Research this year reveals that despite many high-end watches being valued at thousands of pounds, almost half (49%) of people interviewed who had experienced a loss or theft, had failed to keep a record of the serial number of their watch. Often this is printed on a card inside the watch box, or with the digital passport of the watch, which is a new innovation from Breitling, Panerai, IWC and other luxury Swiss brands. The digital passport also keeps a service record online, bit like a car service history so this is useful for owners and insurers alike.

The more data the better, if you want your stolen watch to be recovered.

The Watch Register emphasises that owners must provide the serial number of their stolen watch to Police or else their property cannot be traced. It’s a vital piece of info for insurers too. It’s worth taking a selection of hi res images of the watch when brand new, plus paperwork and box, as these are needed for insurance valuations too. Many HNW brokers also restrict the cover to actual wearing of the watch, plus being placed inside a safe – it isn’t covered if left in a bedroom drawer on most policies.

Some watch insurers and brokers are now advising owners not to post photos on social media too. This is a good way to prevent burglars from tracing your location, or identity.

Katya Hills, Managing Director at The Watch Register said: “We are delighted that our accreditation with Secured by Design and the increased sharing of police data will see us recover even more stolen watches for owners who may have given up hope of ever seeing the return of their property. We would also like to raise awareness amongst owners of the importance of noting their watch serial number and making sure they register this with both ourselves and the Police when reporting a loss.”