Armed Robbers Target Luxury Watch Store in Knightsbridge

Police are searching for a group of armed robbers who carried out a brazen raid on a luxury watch store in Knightsbridge, causing alarm in one of central London’s busiest shopping districts. The incident unfolded on Tuesday morning when suspects forced their way into a glass fronted Rolex boutique, using a stolen motorcycle to smash into the premises. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as the group entered the store wearing motorcycle helmets and threatening staff and passers by with weapons, including machetes. The raid took place shortly before midday, a time when the surrounding streets are typically crowded with shoppers and tourists. Despite the violent nature of the attack, no injuries were reported. Officers arrived within minutes of the alarm being raised, but the suspects had already fled the scene with many high value watches.

According to police, six individuals were involved in the robbery, arriving on multiple mopeds which were later used to escape. After breaching the store, the group abandoned the motorcycle used in the attack inside the shop before riding off in different directions. The incident has intensified concerns over a rise in high value retail crime across parts of London, particularly involving luxury goods and organised groups using fast moving vehicles. Investigators believe the robbery was carefully planned, taking advantage of the location and speed to minimise the time spent inside the store. The area around the boutique was temporarily cordoned off as officers gathered evidence, reviewed CCTV footage, and spoke to witnesses who may have seen the suspects arrive or leave the scene.

The investigation is being led by the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad, which specialises in serious robbery cases across the capital. Detectives say they are working at a pace to trace the suspects and reconstruct their movements before and after the raid. Officers have appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have captured footage on mobile phones or vehicle cameras, to come forward. The robbery has renewed debate around security measures for luxury retailers and the challenges of policing fast moving organised crime in busy urban centres. While no arrests have yet been made, police have said they are determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice as quickly as possible.