The watch was stolen from a man in The Pantiles on Tuesday, January 10, around 12.25pm, after he was distracted by two women who asked for directions. According to reports, the women spoke to the victim, who was in his fifties, in foreign languages and claimed they couldn’t communicate in English.
Before one of the women grabbed his wrist and began shaking his hand and bringing it to her chest, the man gave them directions. The victim realised his watch had been stolen moments later, and the suspects had fled the scene. They are thought to have gotten into a car driven by a third offender.
It is likely that the suspects targeted other potential victims in and around the Tunbridge Wells area,’ said DS Rachel Howson of West Kent CID.
‘The watch stolen in this case is extremely sentimental to the victim because it belonged to his late father. The watch is a Rolex Air-King with the serial number 160 Y297696. I would like to encourage anyone with information to contact our appeals line at 01622 604100 and quote reference 46/6560/23.’
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555111 or through their website’s online form.
