Exeter-based Security Experts Warn of Rising Tide in Exeter Jewellery Heists Caused by Tensions in the Gulf
Record Levels of Robberies in 2026 Expected to Increase
The dramatic rise in the price of gold, turbo charged by recent events in the Gulf, is in danger of leading to increased levels of high-end jewellery and watch shop robberies in Exeter, warns security expert UK Protection.
The warning comes on the back of new intelligence from industry body SaferGems, which alerts members to the possibility of crime in their geographical area. This shows that in the first ten weeks of 2026 alone, £2.2m of watches and jewellery were stolen compared to just over £1/2m of goods across 2025, with a 66% increase in the number of armed attacks.
The increase in the value of gold, combined with the spiralling cost of living, is creating what Andy Fairbanks, CEO of UK Protection, believes is a ‘perfect storm’, creating the potential for a proliferation of organised luxury retail crime throughout the UK.
He explains: “Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have resulted in investors moving to gold as a safe haven to protect them against risk. As a result, gold has risen from $5,000-$5,100 per ounce at the start of March to consistently above $5,150–$5,200 per ounce. With the prospect of continued tensions and attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, gold is likely to remain in high demand, and that makes it a prime target for crime.
“Easily melted down, markings can be destroyed, and the metal traded across criminal markets. Combined with the attraction of high value watches that can be traded for many tens of thousands of pounds, UK jewellery and luxury watch retail outlets are fast becoming seen by organised crime gangs as ‘a rapid turnover’ target.”
Figures from SaferGems back this up. As of 13 March 2026, 16 robberies had been reported, including nine armed robberies, resulting in approximately £2.2 million worth of goods stolen. This compares to the whole of 2025 which saw 22 robbery reports, including six armed robberies, resulting in £516,000 of losses.
Fairbanks explains: “The sector is seeing a dramatic increase in the number of incidents and the average amount of goods being stolen, jumping from around £23,000 per robbery in 2025 to over £137,000 so far this year. This is being accompanied by a significant increase in the level of force being used, with 56% of attacks being armed in the year to date, compared to 27% in 2025.”
“This trend reflects a changing threat landscape for luxury retailers. Criminals are becoming more organised, more selective and more willing to escalate risk.
“These gangs are organised. They conduct pre-attack reconnaissance, identify stores with high-value stock and look for perceived security gaps before striking quickly in coordinated teams. Here, the key is not to be seen as an easy target.”
“Criminals calculate risk”, Fairbanks added. “A visible, professional security presence fundamentally changes that calculation. It can deter opportunistic targeting and significantly reduce the likelihood of an attack escalating, protecting both the safety of customers and staff, as well as high-value stock.
“While CCTV, alarm systems and AI analytics can support investigations and monitoring, they cannot physically intervene during an attack”.
UK Protection is the UK’s leading provider of premium manned guarding to the retail sector, specialising in intelligent, preventative security. Its trained SIA-licensed security officers provide visible deterrence, real-time situational awareness and the ability to respond immediately should an incident occur. Working for brands including Rolex, Watches of Switzerland, Hublot, and Tag Heuer, UK Protection supports many prestigious clients in the UK including global luxury retailers and flagship stores.
