Algerian Thief Ambushes Businessman and Snatches £30,000 Luxury Watch on London Street Near Hyde Park

A shocking robbery on a leafy London street has left a businessman shaken after a thief ripped a luxury watch from his wrist in mere seconds.

The incident, captured on CCTV, highlights the growing problem of high-value thefts in the capital.

CCTV Reveals Swift Attack on Porchester Place

The footage, obtained by the Daily Mail, shows 26-year-old Zakaria Snouci approaching his victim near the corner of Porchester Place, a prestigious street near Hyde Park.

The businessman, wearing a gilet and smart shirt, is seen conversing briefly with Snouci and an accomplice before the attack unfolds.

In a matter of seconds, Snouci lunges, grabs the man’s left arm, and tears off a Patek Philippe watch worth £30,000.

The victim spins around in shock as the thief flees across the street, his hooded face clearly visible.

London’s Rising Luxury Theft Crisis

Incidents like these are not rare.

Between January 2022 and July 2025, London saw 5,180 watches worth over £3,000 stolen.

Smartphones are an even bigger target, with 71,391 stolen across the capital last year alone.

Organised criminal groups often carry out these thefts, with Algerian nationals frequently appearing among suspects in court.

According to data from the Metropolitan Police and Apple, roughly 28% of phones stolen in the UK end up in Algeria, often sold through black market channels.

Snouci Faces Court Appearance

Snouci committed the robbery on April 19 last year.

On Wednesday, he appeared at Southwark Crown Court dressed in a black jumper and assisted by an Arabic interpreter.

The 26-year-old admitted two counts of theft.

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Judge Mark Weekes ordered a pre-sentence report to assess Snouci’s dangerousness ahead of his sentencing, scheduled for April 23.

How Criminals Target London’s Affluent

Porchester Place, lined with multi-million-pound townhouses, is a prime hunting ground for robbers.

Experts say gangs target people who appear wealthy, using fashion and demeanor as cues.

Dr Simon Harding of the National Centre for Gang Research explained: “Sophisticated gangs can assess a target in seconds. They’ll gauge whether the person will resist and if they can be pursued.

Often, victims present as affluent, carefree, and a little naive. The criminals themselves are usually well-dressed to blend in.”

Past cases illustrate the threat.

A trio – Adam Zawi, Oussama Fadage, and Aouidj Abderaouf – were jailed for stealing £4,000 worth of tech after arriving from France by small boat.

The judge called them “committed criminals” exploiting Britain’s hospitality.

High-Profile Victims Speak Out

Luxury thefts have affected even public figures.

BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Thompson revealed he no longer feels safe in London after his £7,000 Rolex was stolen by a gang in Mayfair last year.

Thompson and his friend Roja Dove were attacked by six men; Dove lost a £150,000 diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe.

Thompson said in a victim impact statement: “After this attack, my behaviour has changed – I no longer feel safe in London.

I’m nervous and jumpy whenever I hear a jogger or cyclist approaching.”

Two of the attackers, Danis Tom-Deter and Hocine Boulanouar, were identified via CCTV and jailed.

Impact and Consequences

The case underlines the prevalence of luxury thefts in London’s high-end areas and the sophisticated methods criminals use.

Beyond financial losses, victims often suffer lasting psychological effects, including fear and anxiety about personal safety.

What’s Next?

Snouci remains in custody ahead of sentencing on April 23.

Authorities continue to warn the public to remain vigilant in affluent areas and report suspicious activity.

The Metropolitan Police are increasing efforts to crack down on organised gangs responsible for high-value thefts.

Summary

A rapid, audacious robbery on Porchester Place saw a £30,000 Patek Philippe snatched in seconds.

Snouci, a 26-year-old Algerian, has admitted theft and awaits sentencing.

The incident highlights the growing issue of luxury item thefts in London and the ongoing threat posed by organised criminal networks.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Zakaria Snouci snatched a £30,000 Patek Philippe watch in seconds on Porchester Place, London.
• CCTV captured the entire ambush, showing the thief fleeing across the street.
• London sees thousands of luxury watch and phone thefts annually; many end up in international black markets.
• Criminal gangs target affluent-looking individuals, blending in to strike quickly.
• High-profile victims, including BBC presenter Ben Thompson, report lasting fear after attacks.
• Snouci will be sentenced on April 23 following a pre-sentence report.