Lawyer warns tourists visiting tourist hotspots this Christmas to stay vigilant as luxury theft is on the rise
As the Christmas season brings the joy of giving, it also brings thieves looking to steal your gifts. New jewelry, watches and handbags offer rich pickings for opportunistic thieves on busy highstreets, Christmas markets and nightclubs.
New data reveals Rolex, Louis Vuitton and Chanel are among the most targeted brands by thieves, with Rolex accounting for 17% of total watch thefts in London. With this in mind, Dawn McNight, criminal solicitor at Lawtons Law shares her advice on how to keep your belongings safe and enjoy the festivities worry-free.
Be extra vigilant in tourist hotspots
Thieves tend to operate in affluent areas and tourist hotspots, scouting for designer brands and luxury watch owners to target. Busy crowds and tourists hotspots make it easy for thieves to target victims. It’s no surprise, that Westminster is the luxury theft hotspot in London, with millions of visitors each Christmas, and over 1,500 reported incidents of luxury theft in the past year. Affluent areas like Kensington and Chelsea are also among the most reported areas for theft.
Contact the police as soon as the theft occurs
Robberies are occurring in owners’ cars, homes and on the street, often in broad daylight. It’s important that victims and witnesses contact the police as soon as the theft occurs – the first hour after the incident takes place can be critical to catching the suspect. Reporting the incident can help your cause in these circumstances.
Keep your designer brands and flashy items out of sight
People are more conscious of wearing designer items nowadays, especially in major cities like London. Watch owners should keep their watches entirely hidden from sight when in public spaces by keeping sleeves rolled down and car windows shut.
Invest in insurance
Getting jewellery and watches insured is crucial because these items often hold significant monetary and sentimental value. Insurance provides a safety net, ensuring that if your items are lost, stolen, or damaged, you won’t face the financial burden of replacing them out of pocket. High-value pieces, such as heirlooms or luxury watches, can be particularly costly to replace, making insurance a smart investment for peace of mind.
Act fast
If your jewellery or watches have been stolen, the first step is to report the theft to the police and get a copy of the report, as this documentation will be necessary when filing an insurance claim. Next, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. They will guide you through the steps needed, which typically include providing proof of ownership and value, such as receipts or appraisals, and details of the circumstances surrounding the theft. Acting quickly and providing thorough documentation will help expedite the claim and increase the likelihood of a successful reimbursement.