Valuable time pieces were found in a pawnbroker’s shop

Police have released photographs of 21 Rolex watches which were seized from a pawnbroker’s shop in Harlesden yesterday.

The valuable time pieces were confiscated during a day of action targeting suspected thieves and those handling stolen goods.

Brent Police carried out raids at 15 addresses across the borough and made 16 arrests for possession of drugs, handling stolen goods, burglary and public disorder.

The watches, which are worth hundreds and thousands of pounds, were discovered after officers carried out spot checks on pawn shops and other businesses that trade in second hand goods.

The action took place across London as a part of Operation Big Wing.

Throughout the city more than 300 mobile phones worth around £30,000, a number of firearms, including an AK47 rifle and a sawn off shotgun, along with knives and CS spray; cash and large quantities of class A and B drugs, were seized.

Eight uninsured vehicles including a £90,000 Maserati were also recovered.

Commander Stephen Watson, who led yesterday’s operation, said: “The operation was a huge success.

“Crimes like burglary, robbery and theft have a huge impact on the people who are victims. By targeting those people responsible, plus the networks they use to sell on stolen property or trade for drugs, we aim to make our streets a hostile place for them to operate.

“This is work which continues day in and day out across the MPS, but big operations like yesterday play a major part in the fight against crime and demonstrates that there is no hiding place for criminals.”

The search is now on to find the rightful owner of the watches.

Click on the photo gallery at the top right to the images.