London "Rolex ripper" gangs are drugging nightlife victims to steal luxury watches
Rolex ripper gangs are drugging partygoers on nights out to steal their luxury watches in a new disturbing crimewave to hit London.
Organized gangs are giving victims drugs often used for sexual offending like rohypnol and GHB to spike victims and render them incapacitated.
This happens to unsuspecting victims but also in cases where people believe they are buying cocaine and instead are knocked out and robbed.
They then steal the watches, often valued at over £10,000 and other valuable items, in a new spree of offending which has increased in the last few months and has focused on the capital.
London has been rocked by the rise of moped riders snatching the watches from unsuspecting people walking in the street.
The Metropolitan Police have launched major operations to crack down on the problem but are now being faced with a dangerous wave of victims being spiked for their watches.
A warning has been issued by former DCI Dave McKelvey, who now runs a company called My Local Bobby, which provides private security to neighborhoods.
He said: ‘We’re seeing a very disturbing pattern where spiking is being used as a method of robbery.
‘This is a relatively new crimewave which needs to be stopped. It’s very dangerous.
‘Offenders are spiking victims and stealing their high-value Rolex watches and other items.
‘We have seen this in central London on numerous occasions but I am sure it will spread to other locations across the country.
‘This is a growing threat.
‘Victims are specifically targeted, incapacitated and then have their watches, phones, and wallets stolen.
‘People need to be aware of this.’
Mr. McKelvey said partygoers needed to be “on alert” on nights out.
He said: ‘This is a really serious problem.
‘We have also seen cases where people think they are buying cocaine and are paying for the drug but actually they’re being given something else.
‘The so-called dealer then waits for them to feel the impact of the drug they have spiked them with and then steal their items.
‘It’s very dangerous. People, more than ever, need to be very aware of their surroundings.’
The Met said it was working to crack down on spiking incidents.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: ‘Spiking is an invasive and distressing crime that is often difficult to investigate due to the limited window to secure evidence.
‘The Met has invested significantly in tackling spiking, leading on new detection technology, and working with partners to strengthen prevention in nightlife settings.
‘From January to December 2025, positive outcomes, including charges, increased by 132% compared to the previous year.
‘We are also cracking down on mobile phone theft, with offenses down by 13,000 and overall theft in London falling by 21%, supported by data-led policing and the use of innovative technology to target hotspots and quickly arrest offenders.’
Head of Investigations
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