Tourist Targeted for Pricey Watch Theft
In the high-end streets of Barcelona’s Paseo de Gracia, thieves stole a £430,000 Richard Mille watch from a tourist. Utilizing an electric scooter, the culprits swiftly absconded after grabbing the designer timepiece from the victim’s wrist.
Known as one of the city’s most expensive streets, Paseo de Gracia hosts elite fashion houses like Loewe, Chanel, Zara, and Mango.
Escaping on an Electric Scooter
Police sources revealed that the thieves executed the robbery by snatching the watch and quickly transferring it to an accomplice riding an electric scooter. While the victim’s nationality remains undisclosed, authorities from the Catalan police force, Mossos d’Esquadra, confirmed the ongoing investigation without any arrests made so far.
Barcelona’s Security Concerns
Barcelona has been in the spotlight due to security issues, notably as a favored destination for professional watch thieves. Recent incidents include the tragic death of a Canadian tourist, and athletes like tennis star Grigor Dimitrov and Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel becoming victims of watch theft in the city.
Instances of Watch Thefts
Over the past year, several high-profile incidents have occurred, involving stolen watches from celebrities and tourists in Barcelona. These events include Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel’s backpack theft, footballer Robert Lewandowski’s watch being stolen, and attacks on tourists warned by detectives.
Law Enforcement Response
In response to these rising thefts, Barcelona established a specialized police group to address violent watch thefts.
Incidents involving expensive watches being grabbed from individuals, often in broad daylight, have prompted heightened security measures and warnings for both locals and tourists alike.