December is a Risky Month For Watch Thefts

According to the data archive from the Watch Register this month is a bad one for luxury wristwatch theft. Here’s the word;

The festive month of December is associated with going out and parties, but these celebrations come with a heightened risk for owners of luxury watches. New analysis from The Watch Register , the world’s most comprehensive database of lost and stolen watches with over £1.5 billion of watches registered, reveals that the number of reported luxury watch thefts in December last year from owners whilst wearing them was 48% higher than the average monthly figure for the year.

The number of accidental losses of high-end timepieces during December last year was also 183% higher than the number typically recorded in an average month.

The data highlights a worrying peak in luxury watch crime during December, where thieves look to capitalise on festive crowds and a period of socialising when more people are out and about. Analysis reveals that over half (52%) of thefts of luxury watches from person occurred when owners were eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, nightclubs or other private member luxury clubs.

Crowded transport hubs and weary passengers looking to get away for Christmas also significantly increase the likelihood of losing a high-end timepiece. Travel accounted for a staggering 94% of all accidental losses registered on The Watch Register’s global database during December 2023 , with people reporting that their loss occurred while travelling in taxis, trains, taking air flights or whilst travelling through airports.

Catherine Alexander, Business Development and Recoveries Manager at The Watch Register, recounts how one victim was targeted during December 2023’s spike in luxury watch theft. “A male victim was drugged in a bar while wearing his Cartier watch on 21st December in the lead up to Christmas. As the drug took effect and he started losing consciousness, a stranger had offered to help him to his hotel room. On waking up, he found that his watch was missing. A police report was filed, and the watch’s serial number is registered on our global database.”

Catherine Alexander continues: “The significant rise in watch thefts and losses during December underlines the need for greater awareness and caution. As the festive season gets started, it’s essential for luxury watch owners to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their valuables.

“We want owners to enjoy wearing their luxury watch when they’re out celebrating with friends and family, but to make sure that they are alert to the fact that thefts are more prevalent, and that there is also a temptation for people to drop their guard when out socialising, which makes them more vulnerable to crime and accidental loss.”