What was meant to be a peaceful holiday in Capri for Lord Ara Darzi quickly turned into a nightmare.
The respected British politician and renowned surgeon found himself the victim of a bold street robbery while enjoying an evening stroll with his family.
It all happened late on Saturday night, in one of the busiest pedestrian streets on the Italian island.
Designer Watch Snatched in a Flash
Darzi, 65, was walking between the Piazzetta and the stylish Via Camerelle at around 10:30 p.m. on July 13 when two men approached him from behind.
In a matter of seconds, one of them snatched the £200,000 Richard Mille watch straight off his wrist.
The designer timepiece, which had been a heartfelt gift from the father of a patient whose life Darzi saved years ago, was gone.
Eyewitnesses say the thieves fled on foot, making their way toward the scenic Gardens of Augustus.
From there, they used the winding Via Krupp path to reach a speedboat they had stashed at Marina Piccola — a quick escape plan straight out of a heist movie.
Security Footage Reveals the Crime in Action
Security footage from nearby shops captured the moment it all went down.
In one video clip shared by local Italian media, Darzi can be seen walking with others when a man in a white t-shirt quietly positions himself behind him.
Moments later, the thief makes his move. He grabs the watch and bolts.
A second man in a red shirt follows quickly behind, while Darzi is left stunned, trying to chase after them.
Darzi Reflects on the Ordeal
Speaking after the incident, Lord Darzi told MailOnline he and his family were understandably shaken:
“I’m currently on holiday with my family in Capri after what has been a very busy year in the NHS.
Last night, I was robbed by two men who snatched a watch I was wearing.
We were all shaken up, but thankfully no one was hurt.”
He went on to explain the sentimental value of the watch and offered a word of caution to fellow Brits traveling abroad:
“Sadly, like too many Brits abroad, I’ve now experienced street crime firsthand.
My advice to fellow holidaymakers is simple: be careful and leave your valuables at home.”
A Growing Trend in Luxury Watch Crimes
Lord Darzi’s experience isn’t an isolated one.
It follows a growing trend of luxury watch thefts across Europe, particularly targeting high-profile individuals and tourists.
Just last month in Barcelona, a British expat had his £43,000 Rolex ripped from his wrist while sitting in his Lamborghini.
The thief, riding an electric scooter, sped off with the watch before the victim, blocked by other luxury cars, could even react.
Tragic Case in Knightsbridge Raises Alarm
Back in the UK, the situation has turned deadly.
Blue Stevens, a 26-year-old father-of-two and grandson of famed boxer Les Stevens, was stabbed outside the five-star Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, London.
He had just finished a romantic dinner when a masked man reportedly tried to steal his gold Rolex.
Blue resisted, and the robbery turned fatal.
Friends say Blue had a passion for flashy watches and was wearing a Rolex Datejust worth over £12,000.
The Metropolitan Police are still investigating, treating the watch theft as a possible motive in what they believe could have been a targeted attack.
High-End Timepieces Now a Mugger’s Favourite Target
Luxury watches, especially those from brands like Richard Mille, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet, have become a major draw for criminals.
With only a few thousand of these watches made each year and prices often soaring well above six figures, they’re seen as an easy payday for organised theft rings.
Some buyers of Richard Mille watches include celebrities like Elon Musk and Jay-Z, with availability often limited to those with serious connections.
Safety First: A Wake-Up Call for Travellers
Darzi’s experience, along with other recent cases, is a stark reminder that visible wealth can sometimes come with hidden risks — especially in tourist hotspots.
While luxury timepieces may be fashionable and meaningful, they can also make someone a walking target.
As more incidents like these are reported, the message is becoming clear: when traveling abroad, think twice about flaunting valuables.
Even a holiday in paradise can take a dark turn in the blink of an eye