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Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

Jewellery, engagement ring & watch advice, plus insurance tips & industry insights. 

Watch expert tips, discover insurance benefits & hear real customer stories. 

Find answers to common questions about jewellery, engagement ring & watch insurance. 

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Is Watch & Jewellery Theft on the Rise in 2024?

Q Report Team

Updated on March 17, 2025
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Concerned about the rise in watch and jewellery theft in 2024? A surge in theft threatens the world of luxury as watches and jewellery become targeted possessions.

With global incidents of watch and jewellery theft surging, securing your prized possessions is not just a choice; it's an urgent necessity. From major cities to tranquil locales, no place is immune to this growing menace.

This blog sheds light on the surge in luxury theft, revealing critical insights into the most targeted items, global hotspots, and effective preventive measures. 

As theft becomes more sophisticated, your elegance demands protection. Your treasures are at stake, but the following information could help protect them. 

Don't let theft tarnish your luxury – empower yourself with this knowledge.

Watch & Jewellery Theft Trends & Reports in 2024

car jacking

The landscape of luxury item theft is undergoing a stark transformation, with data from insurance giant Aviva revealing a notable 43% surge in claims related to high-end jewellery theft.

The statistics, drawn from Aviva Private Clients' high-net-worth claims underscore a concerning trend. The targeted items range from bespoke and diamond jewellery to coveted timepieces. 

Unveiling a concerning narrative, instances of jewellery theft have taken on aggressive dimensions, involving muggings, thefts from vehicles, and home invasions during owners' absences, often coinciding with vacation periods.

This data reveals a surge in jewellery, shedding light on the emerging patterns, vulnerabilities, and tactics of perpetrators.

Investigating the Most Common Luxury Items Stolen

valuable items watch and iphone

As part of the rise in luxury theft, watches emerge as prime targets, with stories surfacing almost daily and intensifying during the summer holiday season. 

Recent revelations from The Watch Register, a comprehensive database dedicated to monitoring stolen timepieces, underscore the gravity of the issue, revealing a staggering report of "over £1 billion of watches" encompassing nearly 80,000 stolen timepieces. 

The surge in watch theft not only spotlights the vulnerability of these coveted accessories but also intertwines with a broader trend impacting the entire luxury sector.

Hotspots of Heist: Global Theft Surge in Key Cities

woman in dangerous situation in underpass

Luxury watch theft is reported at higher rates in major cities worldwide, where criminals are strategically targeting high-value items. 

In the United Kingdom, police data reveals a staggering 41% surge in watch thefts in 2022. Notably, London alone accounted for nearly half of these crimes, with thieves honing in on esteemed brands like Richard Mille. 

The average price of a pilfered luxury watch in the city rose to £9,000, almost doubling the previous year's average. 

Across the Atlantic, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department reports a 30% increase in theft involving watches valued over $5,000 in 2022 compared to the previous year.

London's Metropolitan Police have responded proactively, by deploying undercover officers with valuable timepieces in identified hotspots, resulting in 27 arrests and 21 convictions, with a cumulative prison sentence of 26 years.

The battle against watch theft is intensifying in these global hubs, prompting innovative law enforcement strategies to curb this rising tide.

Protecting Your Precious Jewellery and Watches from Theft

modern safe

Luxury jewellery and watches are coveted treasures, making them prime targets for theft. Safeguard your prized possessions with these vigilant measures and get comprehensive coverage with jewellery and watch insurance for when those measures fail.

Home Security Fortification

  • Invest in a comprehensive alarm system with glass break sensors to cover all entry points.
  • Install a high-security safe for enhanced protection.

Travel Savvy

  • Choose discreet timepieces when travelling to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
  • Use a nondescript case for multiple watches, keeping them inconspicuous during travel.

Social Media Caution

  • Be mindful of sharing luxury items on social media, minimising the visibility of your collection.
  • Avoid geo-tagging locations to prevent attracting unwanted attention from potential thieves.

Regular Valuations

  • Ensure regular valuations of your jewellery and watches, considering the fluctuating market values.
  • Keep a documented record, including photographs and serial numbers, to potentially expedite insurance claims.

Centralised Database Registration

  • Leverage platforms like Enquirus or The Watch Register to register and search for lost or stolen watches, enhancing collaboration with law enforcement.
  • Take advantage of brand-specific theft protection policies, such as Audemars Piguet.

Watch and Jewellery Security while Travelling

  • Store watches and jewellery in a secure main vault when staying at hotels instead of relying on in-room safes.
  • Use central monitor alarm systems to cover all potential vulnerabilities in your residence when away from home.

Be Informed About Local Crime Trends

  • Stay updated on recent incidents of thefts in your area to adjust your security measures accordingly.
  • Collaborate with local law enforcement to contribute to community safety efforts.

Insure Your Jewellery and Watches

  • Explore comprehensive jewellery insurance and watch insurance options.
  • Insure your assets against unforeseen theft with the right coverage for you.

Watch & Jewellery Theft FAQs

Why is watch and jewellery theft increasing in 2024?

In 2024, there has been a significant surge in watch and jewellery theft due to the high value and desirability of these items. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, targeting luxury items in both urban and suburban areas, often during periods when owners are away or less vigilant.

What are the most common methods used by thieves to steal watches and jewellery?

Thieves commonly use methods such as muggings, thefts from vehicles, and home invasions. They often take advantage of times when homeowners are on vacation or away from their properties. Social media posts showcasing luxury items can also attract unwanted attention from criminals.

How can I protect my watches and jewellery from theft?

Protect your valuable items by investing in a comprehensive home security system, using high-security safes, and being cautious about sharing information on social media. Additionally, registering your watches with platforms like The Watch Register and insuring your jewellery and watches with specialised coverage can provide added peace of mind.

A Final Note on Covering Your Collection

In a world where luxury watches and jewellery are increasingly becoming targets for theft, safeguarding your prized possessions is a consideration. 

The rise in global theft incidents, particularly in major cities, underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of your opulent collection in conjunction with insurance for when most unforeseen circumstances still arise.

Q Report's watch insurance and jewellery insurance not only provide cover for your valuable assets but could also offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're insured, allowing you to enjoy your elegance. 

Don't wait until it's too late – with Q Report, your cherished collection remains covered against most unforeseen losses. Get your free jewellery insurance and watch insurance quote online now.

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Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

OK
Related Posts
Featured Posts
avatar_light
Jewellery Insurance

Instant Quote
play-audio
Listen to article
/

Concerned about the rise in watch and jewellery theft in 2024? A surge in theft threatens the world of luxury as watches and jewellery become targeted possessions.

With global incidents of watch and jewellery theft surging, securing your prized possessions is not just a choice; it's an urgent necessity. From major cities to tranquil locales, no place is immune to this growing menace.

This blog sheds light on the surge in luxury theft, revealing critical insights into the most targeted items, global hotspots, and effective preventive measures. 

As theft becomes more sophisticated, your elegance demands protection. Your treasures are at stake, but the following information could help protect them. 

Don't let theft tarnish your luxury – empower yourself with this knowledge.

Watch & Jewellery Theft Trends & Reports in 2024

car jacking

The landscape of luxury item theft is undergoing a stark transformation, with data from insurance giant Aviva revealing a notable 43% surge in claims related to high-end jewellery theft.

The statistics, drawn from Aviva Private Clients' high-net-worth claims underscore a concerning trend. The targeted items range from bespoke and diamond jewellery to coveted timepieces. 

Unveiling a concerning narrative, instances of jewellery theft have taken on aggressive dimensions, involving muggings, thefts from vehicles, and home invasions during owners' absences, often coinciding with vacation periods.

This data reveals a surge in jewellery, shedding light on the emerging patterns, vulnerabilities, and tactics of perpetrators.

Investigating the Most Common Luxury Items Stolen

valuable items watch and iphone

As part of the rise in luxury theft, watches emerge as prime targets, with stories surfacing almost daily and intensifying during the summer holiday season. 

Recent revelations from The Watch Register, a comprehensive database dedicated to monitoring stolen timepieces, underscore the gravity of the issue, revealing a staggering report of "over £1 billion of watches" encompassing nearly 80,000 stolen timepieces. 

The surge in watch theft not only spotlights the vulnerability of these coveted accessories but also intertwines with a broader trend impacting the entire luxury sector.

Hotspots of Heist: Global Theft Surge in Key Cities

woman in dangerous situation in underpass

Luxury watch theft is reported at higher rates in major cities worldwide, where criminals are strategically targeting high-value items. 

In the United Kingdom, police data reveals a staggering 41% surge in watch thefts in 2022. Notably, London alone accounted for nearly half of these crimes, with thieves honing in on esteemed brands like Richard Mille. 

The average price of a pilfered luxury watch in the city rose to £9,000, almost doubling the previous year's average. 

Across the Atlantic, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department reports a 30% increase in theft involving watches valued over $5,000 in 2022 compared to the previous year.

London's Metropolitan Police have responded proactively, by deploying undercover officers with valuable timepieces in identified hotspots, resulting in 27 arrests and 21 convictions, with a cumulative prison sentence of 26 years.

The battle against watch theft is intensifying in these global hubs, prompting innovative law enforcement strategies to curb this rising tide.

Protecting Your Precious Jewellery and Watches from Theft

modern safe

Luxury jewellery and watches are coveted treasures, making them prime targets for theft. Safeguard your prized possessions with these vigilant measures and get comprehensive coverage with jewellery and watch insurance for when those measures fail.

Home Security Fortification

  • Invest in a comprehensive alarm system with glass break sensors to cover all entry points.
  • Install a high-security safe for enhanced protection.

Travel Savvy

  • Choose discreet timepieces when travelling to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
  • Use a nondescript case for multiple watches, keeping them inconspicuous during travel.

Social Media Caution

  • Be mindful of sharing luxury items on social media, minimising the visibility of your collection.
  • Avoid geo-tagging locations to prevent attracting unwanted attention from potential thieves.

Regular Valuations

  • Ensure regular valuations of your jewellery and watches, considering the fluctuating market values.
  • Keep a documented record, including photographs and serial numbers, to potentially expedite insurance claims.

Centralised Database Registration

  • Leverage platforms like Enquirus or The Watch Register to register and search for lost or stolen watches, enhancing collaboration with law enforcement.
  • Take advantage of brand-specific theft protection policies, such as Audemars Piguet.

Watch and Jewellery Security while Travelling

  • Store watches and jewellery in a secure main vault when staying at hotels instead of relying on in-room safes.
  • Use central monitor alarm systems to cover all potential vulnerabilities in your residence when away from home.

Be Informed About Local Crime Trends

  • Stay updated on recent incidents of thefts in your area to adjust your security measures accordingly.
  • Collaborate with local law enforcement to contribute to community safety efforts.

Insure Your Jewellery and Watches

  • Explore comprehensive jewellery insurance and watch insurance options.
  • Insure your assets against unforeseen theft with the right coverage for you.

Watch & Jewellery Theft FAQs

Why is watch and jewellery theft increasing in 2024?

In 2024, there has been a significant surge in watch and jewellery theft due to the high value and desirability of these items. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, targeting luxury items in both urban and suburban areas, often during periods when owners are away or less vigilant.

What are the most common methods used by thieves to steal watches and jewellery?

Thieves commonly use methods such as muggings, thefts from vehicles, and home invasions. They often take advantage of times when homeowners are on vacation or away from their properties. Social media posts showcasing luxury items can also attract unwanted attention from criminals.

How can I protect my watches and jewellery from theft?

Protect your valuable items by investing in a comprehensive home security system, using high-security safes, and being cautious about sharing information on social media. Additionally, registering your watches with platforms like The Watch Register and insuring your jewellery and watches with specialised coverage can provide added peace of mind.

A Final Note on Covering Your Collection

In a world where luxury watches and jewellery are increasingly becoming targets for theft, safeguarding your prized possessions is a consideration. 

The rise in global theft incidents, particularly in major cities, underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of your opulent collection in conjunction with insurance for when most unforeseen circumstances still arise.

Q Report's watch insurance and jewellery insurance not only provide cover for your valuable assets but could also offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're insured, allowing you to enjoy your elegance. 

Don't wait until it's too late – with Q Report, your cherished collection remains covered against most unforeseen losses. Get your free jewellery insurance and watch insurance quote online now.

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Understanding the 4 Cs of Diamonds
Diamond Shapes
Choosing a Ring Style
Selecting a Ring Retailer

Understanding Mechanical Movements

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Statistic Heading

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Common Diamond Alternatives
for Engagement Rings

Tanzanite

Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Aquamarine

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Sapphire

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Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

“Knowing your engagement ring is insured brings peace of mind. Accidents can happen, and insurance coverage alleviates the worry and stress of potential loss or damage.”

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Export
Expert Tip

Budget Considerations

Diamond shapes can vary in price due to popularity and demand. Round brilliants, for example, tend to be more expensive than other shapes due to their high demand. If budget is a concern, consider alternative shapes or prioritise other aspects, such as cut quality, over the shape itself.

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Jewellery Insurance FAQ

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.
Home Security Fortification

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Travel Savvy

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Social Media Caution

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Regular Valuations

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

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Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Home Security Fortification

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

OK

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