Watch dealer who was put in chokehold during robbery of high end jewellery store in west London found dead in his home just 24 hours later
The two men Met Police officers want to speak to in connection with the incident
Met Police
A watch dealer has been found dead less than 24 hours after two robbers were spotted putting him in a chokehold.
On Saturday afternoon, two unarmed thieves entered a dealership in the Richmond in south-west London.
Upon entering, the pair assaulted a member of staff before stealing a number of high value watches.
The Met Police have now confirmed that the victim, from Surrey, has died and his next of kin have been informed. They are not treating it as suspicious.
The Met Police has launched an investigation
Met Police
A Met Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of the death of a man in Surrey on Sunday, May 26. This is being investigated by officers from Surrey Police and is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
"The man who died was the victim of a robbery at a jewellers in Richmond on Saturday, May 25.
"We ask that the privacy of his family is respected at this difficult time and moving CCTV footage of the incident involving the victim is not shared on social media."
It comes as London's street crime epidemic last year saw "theft from a person" offences, which includes stealing watches, handbags and mobile phones, rise by 27 per cent compared to the previous 12 months.
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An investigation has been launched into the incident
Met Police
Speaking about the incident, a spokesperson from the Met Police said: "Police are releasing images of two men they want to locate following a robbery at a jewellers in Richmond.
"The incident happened at around 14:50hrs on Saturday, May 25 in Kew Road.
"Two men, who were not armed, entered the shop and assaulted a member of staff before stealing a quantity of high value watches. Anyone who recognises these two men or has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or 'X' @MetCC and quote CAD4555/25May.
"You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
The number of watches recorded as lost or stolen globally has more than tripled over the last 12 months, the Watch Register database revealed last week.
New figures from the business showed the value of registered stolen and lost luxury watches has risen to £1.5billion - up by 236 per cent compared to a year ago.