Luxury Watch Thefts Rise on the Côte d’Azur
Luxury watch thefts have become a growing concern in the Alpes-Maritimes region. In 2024, criminals made off with an estimated €8 million worth of watches.
The modus operandi is consistent: thieves perform careful surveillance, execute a rapid and sometimes violent snatch, then escape on scooters into the hills. Both pedestrians and specialist shops are targeted.
Thefts in Monaco Increase Despite Surveillance
Monaco, once largely protected by an extensive CCTV network, has experienced notable thefts this year. The Principality saw two major raids in 2024:
- On 29 May, Monaco Watch Company was robbed in a dramatic six-minute armed attack, losing over €4 million worth of watches.
- On 12 November, The Watch Project suffered a quick raid where four watches were stolen in minutes.
Thefts Extend Beyond Shops
Thefts are not confined to retail locations. In April 2024, American tennis player Sebastian Korda was assaulted in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, losing his €300,000 Richard Mille watch after being thrown down by two masked men.
In another incident in late August, a student from Nice tried to exchange a fake Rolex for an original valued at €48,000 at the Hôtel de Paris. He was apprehended at Place du Casino and sentenced to four months in prison.
"Thieves conduct careful surveillance, a lightning-quick, sometimes violent strike, then a getaway by scooter into the hills."
"Monaco, long spared from snatch thefts thanks to its dense network of CCTV cameras, is no longer immune."
Author’s summary: The Côte d’Azur faces a surge in luxury watch thefts, with criminals targeting both shops and individuals through swift, often violent raids.