Robbery Incident
On March 11, 2025, Ben Thompson became the victim of a violent robbery in Mayfair, London, where he was ambushed by a gang of six men. The assailants stole Thompson’s £7,000 Rolex watch, a gift from his partner Andy Roche for his 40th birthday.
The robbery not only resulted in the loss of a valuable item but also left Thompson with a permanent scar on his wrist. Since the incident, he has experienced flashbacks and persistent anxiety, significantly impacting his daily life.
Roja Dove, a friend of Thompson, was also targeted during the robbery. Her diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe watch, valued at approximately £150,000, was stolen in the attack. Dove expressed her feelings of insecurity, stating, “I feel very unsafe in London, a city I have loved my entire life.”
Both victims have articulated the psychological toll the robbery has taken on them. Thompson remarked, “I am nervous and jumpy when I hear a jogger or cyclist approaching behind me,” highlighting the lasting effects of the traumatic experience.
Following the robbery, CCTV footage helped identify two of the assailants: Hocine Boulanouar and Danis Tom-Deter. Boulanouar received a prison term of four years and three months, while Tom-Deter was sentenced to two years and nine months.
The gang’s operation included employing a ‘spotter’ to observe the victims prior to the attack, indicating a premeditated approach to the crime. Judge Jeremy Benson, who presided over the case, remarked, “This was clearly a very frightening experience on the streets of central London at night.”
Ongoing Concerns
The violent theft has taken a significant psychological toll on Ben Thompson, raising concerns about safety in urban areas. As both victims navigate the aftermath of this incident, the broader implications for public safety in London remain a topic of discussion.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments in the investigation or additional arrests related to the robbery.
