Algerian Duo Accused of £80,000 Watch Heists from London Taxis
Two Algerian migrants have been charged with orchestrating a series of sophisticated robberies targeting passengers exiting black cabs in central London. Ayoub Harek, 23, and Txomin Huare Place, 30, are alleged to have stolen two designer watches with a combined value of £80,000 in coordinated attacks.
The Alleged Crimes and Getaway Method
According to prosecutors at Westminster Magistrates' Court, the defendants used a distinct modus operandi. They allegedly followed their victims while riding Lime Bikes, waiting for the perfect moment as people stepped out of taxis.
The first incident occurred on June 20 in Westminster, where Eric Yau was allegedly robbed of a watch valued at £22,000. The court heard Mr Yau suffered injuries while attempting to chase the suspects.
Just three days later on June 23, a second robbery took place in Kensington. The victim, Eric Willoughby, had his £60,000 Patek Phillipe Perpetual Calendar watch stolen in an almost identical manner.
Court Appearance and Prosecution's Case
Prosecutor Ellen Alexander told the court: "Both of these defendants worked together and planned robberies for high value watches. They followed their victims on Lime Bikes and waited for them to exit the cabs. The same defendants rode off on the same Lime Bikes."
Harek appeared in the dock wearing a blue tracksuit, while Huare Place wore a grey prison tracksuit. Both bearded men required assistance from an Arabic interpreter to confirm their names and dates of birth during the hearing.
Background and Legal Proceedings
The court learned that Harek arrived in the UK just three months before the alleged crimes, having travelled from France using his Algerian passport. Huare Place provided an address in Lewisham, southeast London, while Harek is of no fixed address.
Both men face two counts of robbery each. Although no pleas were entered during this hearing, their legal representatives indicated they are expected to plead not guilty to all charges.
District Judge Briony Clarke remanded both defendants in custody, noting: "I accept you have not been convicted yet. However, we have heard you have allegedly worked as part of a group, carefully planned, with the same methods. If you are convicted, you face a significant sentence of imprisonment."
The case has been transferred to Southwark Crown Court, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for 8 December.
