BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Thompson describes a terrifying robbery in London that left him with a permanent wrist scar and a deep sense of insecurity in the city.

The Violent Robbery

Last March, the 45-year-old broadcaster exited an upscale restaurant in Mayfair with his friend, luxury perfumier Roja Dove, 69. A gang of six men targeted the pair for their high-value watches. Thieves forcibly ripped Thompson’s £7,000 Rolex—a specially engraved birthday gift from his partner—from his wrist, causing lasting damage.

Dove suffered as well: assailants shoved him to the ground and stole his diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe, valued at approximately £150,000.

Investigation and Court Outcome

Authorities used CCTV footage to identify two suspects. At the Old Bailey, 26-year-old Hocine Boulanouar denied two robbery charges but was convicted and sentenced to four years and three months in prison. Danis Tom-Deter, 36, pleaded guilty and received two years and three months.

Lasting Impact on Thompson

In a victim impact statement to the court, Thompson revealed profound changes to his daily life. “After this attack my behaviour has changed – I no longer feel safe in London,” he stated. The presenter added, “I am nervous and jumpy when I hear a jogger or cyclist approaching behind me.”

The incident underscores rising luxury watch thefts in central London, where criminals increasingly prey on patrons of high-end establishments.