LAPD Arrests 2 Suspects Related To Watch Robberies

BEVERLY HILLS, CA —Los Angeles Police Department detectives announced Friday that they have arrested two suspects connected to a string of armed robberies targeting people wearing expensive watches, and returned one Rolex watch to its owner. The LAPD is not saying whether the suspects are connected to the March 4 attempted armed robbery at Il Pastaio Restaurant in Beverly Hills.

At Il Pastaio, two armed robbers put a gun to jeweler Shay Belhassen’s head and told him to give up his $500,000 Richard Mille watch in broad daylight at a crowded restaurant. As they fought for the watch, a bullet grazed a nearby diner’s calf, and she was rushed to the hospital in non-critical condition. She has since recovered and the restaurant has reopened. Belhassen, who is offering $50,000 for the watch and another $50,000 to anyone for turning the suspects in, was able to recover their gun, which he handed to police.

The attack was the latest in a string of armed robberies over expensive watches, with many taking place in broad daylight. More than half a dozen daytime Rolex robberies have taken place around Fairfax and Melrose since the beginning of the year. Two times in January, robbers tackled men to the ground for Rolex watches. On Jan. 20, two men attacked a man and stole his watch. On Jan. 30, robbers tackled a man on the 700 block of North Vista Street and also took his Rolex.

“Detectives have recognized a pattern of armed robberies occurring in the west side of Los Angeles. The suspects target individuals wearing high end watches,” the LAPD said in a news release, noting that watch robberies have also been reported in Mar Vista, Venice, Mid-Wilshire, the Melrose Shopping District, Culver City, and West Hollywood. Police said they believe the suspects are part of an organized crew.

Police say that they are investigating multiple leads while looking out for more suspects, so they are not releasing any more details about the Thursday arrests. In the meantime, they advise everyone to avoid walking alone at night, be aware of anyone who stops to ask for directions, and if you’re ever robbed, give up the property rather than your life.

Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to call Detectives B. Romero and S. Villatoro at 213-922-8266. During non-business hours or weekends, call 323-846-6553. Anonymous tips can be given to 877-527-3247, or made directly to lacrimestoppers.org.

Related coverage:

Il Pastaio Robbery Latest In A String Of Watch-Related Attacks | Beverly Hills, CA Patch

1 Shot During Beverly Hills Restaurant Robbery | Beverly Hills, CA Patch

Fear Grows About Spike In Violent Crime Around Melrose Avenue | Beverly Hills, CA Patch