Gang robbery: CCTV shows violent attack on watch dealer couple
THIS shocking footage shows masked men ruthlessly punching a watch dealer and his wife to the ground during a terrifying robbery in Hordle.
A reward of £15,000 has also been put up by friends of victims Giles and Eli Waite, who run Watches of Distinction in Lymington High Street, to anyone who can supply police with information leading to the capture of the five-strong gang.
On Facebook Mr Waite (54) wrote: “Watch carefully how they punch my wife twice with force in the face then some moments later ask for the watch. She didn’t put up any resistance, very strange!”
Mrs Waite, who is 47, was left with a suspected broken jaw in the attack which happened just before 6.30pm last Thursday.
Thanking those who have sent his wife flowers and messages of support, Mr Waite added: “It’s been such a support to us and particularly my dear wife who has been unable to return to work.
“Her left side of her face is literally black and blue as the swelling and bruising is coming out now – she has managed to eat proper food now and not just soup!”
The Watches of Distinction couple have been inundated on social media with well-wishes from people, many of whom said the video was “heartbreaking” and “sickening” to witness.
Another commenter posted: “I hope you can both put it behind you and get some peace of mind somehow.”
As reported in the A&T, the couple were targeted on the driveway of their home in Stopples Lane, Hordle.
The gang of five were clad in balaclavas when they pounced. They took Mr Waite’s Casio watch and Mrs Waite’s Seiko, both of which were not high-value pieces.
DS Jamie Wiseman, from Hampshire police’s western investigation team, said: “We really want to hear from anyone who was in the Stopples Lane area who saw a vehicle matching this description, or drivers who may have dash cam footage of this car.”
The registration of the Honda Civic car the thieves made off from the scene in was CE08UAA or similar, said police.
Anyone with information should call Hampshire police on 101 and quote 44200075102, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
