On March 11, 2025, Ben Thompson, aged 45, was violently robbed of his £7,000 Rolex watch in Mayfair, London. The incident involved a gang of six men who ambushed Thompson, forcibly tearing the watch from his arm.

The attack not only resulted in the loss of valuable property but also left Thompson with a permanent scar on his wrist. In the aftermath, he has experienced flashbacks and persistent anxiety, stating, “I am nervous and jumpy when I hear a jogger or cyclist approaching behind me.” This incident has significantly affected his sense of safety in London, a city he once loved.

Roja Dove, a friend of Thompson, was also targeted during the robbery. Her diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe watch, valued at approximately £150,000, was stolen. Dove expressed her feelings of insecurity, saying, “I feel very unsafe in London, a city I have loved my entire life.” She further lamented, “The theft of the watch has meant all my hard work has been pointless.”

CCTV footage from the scene identified two of the assailants as Hocine Boulanouar and Danis Tom-Deter. Boulanouar received a prison sentence of four years and three months for his involvement, while Tom-Deter was sentenced to two years and nine months.

Judge Jeremy Benson remarked on the severity of the crime, stating, “This was clearly a very frightening experience on the streets of central London at night.” The robbery has taken a significant psychological toll on Ben Thompson, raising concerns about safety in urban areas.

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On March 11, 2025, Ben Thompson, a prominent figure associated with the BBC, was violently robbed of his £7,000 Rolex watch outside Cecconi’s restaurant in Burlington Gardens, Mayfair. The incident involved a gang of six men who ambushed Thompson, leaving him with a permanent scar on his wrist as a result of the attack.

Details of the Attack

The robbery occurred during the evening, a time when many are out enjoying the nightlife in London. Thompson’s Rolex was a significant personal item, having been a gift from his partner, Andy Roche, for his 40th birthday. The attackers had a ‘spotter’ who observed the victims prior to the robbery, indicating a level of premeditation that has raised alarms among local residents.

Additional Victim

In a related incident, Roja Dove, a 69-year-old luxury watch enthusiast, was also targeted and had his £150,000 diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe watch stolen during the same spree. The violent nature of these robberies has left both victims feeling unsafe in London, a city they have cherished for years.

Psychological Impact

The psychological aftermath of the robbery has been profound for both Thompson and Dove. Thompson reported experiencing flashbacks and persistent anxiety since the incident, stating, “I am nervous and jumpy when I hear a jogger or cyclist approaching behind me.” Similarly, Dove expressed his feelings of insecurity, saying, “I feel very unsafe in London, a city I have loved my entire life.”

Following the robbery, authorities took swift action. Hocine Boulanouar, aged 26, was sentenced to four years and three months for his involvement, while Danis Tom-Deter, aged 36, received a sentence of two years and nine months. The court proceedings took place nearly a year after the robbery at the Old Bailey, highlighting the legal system’s response to such violent crimes.

The incidents have sparked discussions about safety in London, particularly in affluent areas like Mayfair. Judge comments during the sentencing reflected the seriousness of the situation, stating, “This was clearly a very frightening experience on the streets of central London at night.” The community’s concern is palpable as they seek to understand how such violent acts can occur in their neighborhoods.

The robbery of Ben Thompson and Roja Dove serves as a stark reminder of the risks that can accompany urban life, even in seemingly safe areas. As both victims continue to cope with the aftermath, their experiences highlight the need for increased vigilance and community support in addressing crime in London.

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