Gunmen Steal $150,000 Watch in Instagram Ad
October 29, 23
(IDEX Online) - A jeweler was robbed at gunpoint hours after he posted a $150,000 Patek Philippe watch for sale on Instagram.
Two men waited outside his store, at Jeweler's Row, in the center of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, and followed him to his home 30 miles away in Newtown, Bucks County.
"They sat outside of our store for three hours, where I had walked in and out of the store a few times and they probably made sure I was wearing it," said the owner, who asked not to be identified, told 6abc Philadelphia.
They forced him to hand over the rose-gold watch, valued at $150,000 to $170,000, and his phone. The victim was traumatized but physically unharmed.
One of the men, wearing a COVID mask, entered the store earlier in the day and was caught on surveillance TV.
The Jewelers' Security Alliance (JSA) issued these recommendations: "When driving home or driving to any location jewelers must check and make sure they are not being followed.
"Jewelers need to be prudent about wearing high end jewelry and watches outside their store. Not every situation demands wearing the most expensive items."
Videograb of the stolen watch from the jeweler's Instagram ad.