Cannes and Nice, renowned for their stunning coastlines and glamorous events, have recently become hotspots for luxury watch thefts. Tourists and locals alike are urged to exercise heightened vigilance following a spate of incidents targeting high-value timepieces.
Recent Incidents in Cannes
The picturesque city of Cannes has witnessed a worrying trend of luxury watch thefts, with the latest occurring on Thursday 13th June. A foreign national was attacked and had his €300,000 (c.$321,000) watch snatched while enjoying an evening on the terrace of a restaurant.
On Wednesday 5th June, near Port Canto, a German tourist was ambushed at around 9:30 p.m. An individual approached the victim, who was walking on the famous artery, before snatching his watch, a Patek Philippe which is said to be worth around €100,000 (c.$107,000).
On the weekend of 1st June, Yves Bissouma, a midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur, was the victim of a robbery in front of the Majestic Hotel in Cannes. The footballer and his girlfriend had stopped in a car in front of their hotel when two hooded men came running up. Bissouma tried to take refuge inside the hotel, however, the attackers sprayed him with tear gas, before seizing his watch valued at €300,000 ($321,000).
Theft in Nice
The wave of thefts is not confined to Cannes. In Nice, a dramatic incident unfolded involving a 38-year-old man who was apprehended after violently snatching a watch and a handbag. The theft occurred around 2 a.m near the Quai des Amériques. The thief assaulted his victim before fleeing towards the sea, where he was eventually caught by authorities and taken into custody.
Advice for tourists
Given the recent surge in luxury watch thefts, tourists visiting Cannes and Nice are advised to take the following precautions:
- Avoid flashy displays of wealth: Refrain from wearing expensive watches and jewellery in public places, especially in crowded or less secure areas.
- Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour. Thieves often operate in pairs or groups and may use distractions to execute their plans.
- Secure your belongings: Keep valuable items secure and out of sight. Consider using hotel safes for storing high-value items.
- Travel in groups: If possible, avoid walking alone at night, especially in areas that are not well-lit or heavily populated.
- Report suspicious activity: If you witness any suspicious activity or become a victim of theft, report it immediately to the local authorities.
Ongoing Investigations
Local police in Cannes and Nice are actively investigating these thefts and increasing their presence in known hotspots. The recent apprehension in Nice showcases the authorities’ commitment to cracking down on these crimes and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors.
For tourists planning to visit these beautiful cities, remaining cautious and informed is key to enjoying a safe and memorable stay.
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