An Insolent Cartier Warehouse Robbery
On May 21st 2001 a Cartier warehouse has been robbed at Southend Airport in Essex County, England. Only a few days ago the Essex police has held a press conference, were some details of this crime have been revealed. The reason for keeping silence until now is that they have held some interrogations, involving Cartier personnel. In connection with this robbery a 19-year-old man has been arrested and afterwards bailed. The police didn't inform what the young man has been charged at.
The circumstances, under which the theft took place was that the staff of the warehouse has already left the place, except for one man, who had to prepare the building for closing. It was between 5 PM and 5.30 PM when he saw a man walking near the office window and the next thing he remembers is being knocked down unconscious. He has been tied and severely beaten. He managed to free himself and to inform the airport fire brigade. When the police and the paramedics arrived, the man has been brought to the Southend General Hospital for injury treatment.
Another detail offered at the press conference was a description of the thieves. There were only two of them. They used a white 7.5 ton truck, possibly with a red logo, and a forklift truck. A woman passing near this warehouse witnessed the loading scene and has informed the police about this fact. The forklift truck is believed to belong to the warehouse, whereas the truck is believed to be stolen for this particular robbery and would be afterwards disposed of.
Among the stolen goods there were mainly Cartier watches, although Cartier is a manufacturer producing also perfumes, handbags, sunglasses and other accessories. It is also known that there were leather belts with Cartier buckles and at least one high value brooch. The estimated loss caused by the robbery is of 4.000.000 pounds. The Cartier officials have offered a 75.000 pounds reward for any provided information, which could help the investigation.
The police have informed the watch lovers to be aware of the fact that when they buy any Cartier goods not at official Cartier retailers, they could be buying a stolen accessory. They should also keep in mind, that every single Cartier watch is an expensive timepiece, which has a unique serial number. With the help of those numbers the buyer could trace the origin of the watch.
