UMVA has learned that a new and disturbing crimewave has hit London, where organised gangs are drugging people on nights out to steal their luxury watches.
The gangs are using drugs like rohypnol and GHB to spike victims and make them incapacitated, often targeting unsuspecting people who believe they are buying cocaine but are instead knocked out and robbed.
The thieves then steal the watches, often valued at over £10,000, and other valuable items, in a new spree of offending that has increased in the last few months, focusing on the capital.
London has been rocked by the rise of moped riders snatching watches from unaware people walking in the street, but now the Metropolitan Police are facing a new challenge with victims being spiked for their watches.
Ex-DC David McKelvey, now a private security expert, warns that this new crime method is a 'growing threat' and fears it will spread away from London and into other areas.
McKelvey says the gangs are specifically targeting victims, incapacitating them, and then stealing their watches, phones, and wallets, and urges people to be aware of this new danger.
Rohypnol and GHB are powerful drugs that can cause severe sedation, memory loss, motor impairment, and aggression, making it easy for thieves to take advantage of their victims.
McKelvey advises revellers to be "on alert" on nights out, warning that people are being given fake cocaine and then spiked, and that the situation is "very dangerous".
The Metropolitan Police say they are working to crackdown on spiking incidents, investing in new detection technology and working with partners to strengthen prevention in nightlife settings.
The police report a 132% increase in positive outcomes, including charges, in spiking cases from January to December 2025, compared to the previous year, and a 13,000 decrease in mobile phone theft.
