Robbery Incident
Ben Thompson was violently robbed of his £7,000 Rolex watch on March 11, 2025, outside Cecconi’s restaurant in Burlington Gardens, Mayfair. The attack involved a gang of six men who ambushed him, leaving him with a permanent scar on his wrist.
The Rolex was a significant gift from his partner, Andy Roche, for his 40th birthday. The traumatic experience has had a profound psychological impact on Thompson, who has since reported experiencing flashbacks and persistent anxiety. He stated, “I am nervous and jumpy when I hear a jogger or cyclist approaching behind me.” This incident has fundamentally altered his perception of safety in London.
Other Victims
Roja Dove, another victim of the same gang, was targeted during the robbery and had a diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe watch stolen, valued at approximately £150,000. 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.”
In the aftermath of the robbery, Hocine Boulanouar was sentenced to four years and three months for his involvement, while Danis Tom-Deter received a sentence of two years and nine months. The gang had employed a ‘spotter’ to observe their victims before executing the attack, highlighting a premeditated approach to the crime.
Judicial Remarks
Judge Jeremy Benson remarked on the severity of the incident, stating, “This was clearly a very frightening experience on the streets of central London at night.” The robbery has raised concerns about safety and the prevalence of violent crime in the area.
The robbery has taken a significant psychological toll on Ben Thompson, and the long-term effects of such traumatic experiences remain a pressing issue. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments in the case or additional arrests related to the incident.