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A mega bounty has been offered for any information that will lead to the capture of a jewellery thief believed to be the notorious Night Watcher.
Crimestoppers announced the £10,000 reward after a defenceless 63-year-old woman was robbed of more than £1.8million worth of jewellery and watches in June.
The menacing masked robber pistol-whipped the helpless victim before dragging her inside her home in Sevenoaks, Kent, and tying her up.
Kent Police said at least 50 items were stolen, including diamond earrings, a sapphire pendant and expensive watches.
The thug is believed to be the Night Watcher, a serial criminal who has terrorised wealthy households for 18 years, making off with around £10million worth of good in that time.
A mega bounty has been offered for any information that will lead to the capture of a jewellery thief believed to be the notorious Night Watcher
Crimestoppers announced the £10,000 reward after a defenceless 63-year-old woman was robbed of more than £1.8million worth of jewellery and watches in June
The menacing masked robber pistol-whipped the helpless victim before dragging her inside her home in Sevenoaks, Kent, and tying her up
Officers from the force say the possible link is an ‘active line of investigation’.
The Night Watcher is wanted for a series of similar raids dating back to 2006 across Surrey, Sussex, Kent, London and Berkshire.
Mark Hallas, Chief Executive of CrimeStoppers, said: ‘This was a shocking burglary that used violence and intimidation. Those involved could strike again.
‘There will be people who know more about what happened but may be unwilling to come forward.
‘A woman was attacked and property stolen. If you’re unwilling to contact the police, then our charity can help.
‘Crimestoppers is independent and guarantees that you will stay 100% anonymous – which means no police, no courts, no witness statements. Tell us what you know and you’re done. We’ll pass it on for you. Your information could help prevent future violence and help keep our communities safe.’
The reward offer comes after the distraught husband of the woman who was targeted says the horrific ordeal has changed their lives.
He spoke for the first time as horrifying video was released by police showing the shocking moment his wife was confronted at her property by the armed and masked raider.
The menacing robber is seen running towards her clutching what appears to be a pistol by the barrel with the grip exposed before he grabs his victim as she walks towards her front door before carrying out the ‘mindless and violent’ attack.
The victim’s husband later returned home to find his wife bound after she was struck over the head with the handgun which he says was like a scene from a ‘horror movie’.
Investigators believe the Night Watcher could be a former soldier using military training to carry out the attacks without being caught. Pictured is a suspect wanted in relation to the June 21 robbery
The Night Watcher – thought to be a former member of the military – has carried out a series of robberies on expensive properties since 2006. Here is footage from another robbery he is linked with in Maidenhead in 2018
The suspect had fled from the sprawling property with over 50 items of jewellery worth almost £2 million including diamond-encrusted earrings, a sapphire pendant and watches.
He targeted the large house, on a quiet private road on the outskirts of wealthy Sevenoaks, Kent, shortly before 4pm on June 21.
The victim’s husband in the latest raid has bravely urged for help to put the attacker behind bars so others are not targeted.
The victim’s husband, who asked to remain anonymous, said: ‘I guess it has to be said that the events of June 21 have undoubtedly changed our lives.
‘The mindless and violent attack on my 63 year old wife was what you might expect to see in a horror movie.
‘Finding my injured wife with her hands and legs bound was truly shocking and that image will stay with me for a very long time.
‘Our home no longer feels like our safe haven, but a constant reminder of the mental and physical trauma inflicted by a callous armed robber wearing an intimidating balaclava.
‘It is so important that the investigating officers at Kent Police find this cowardly villain and prevent him from attacking other vulnerable and innocent people in their homes.’
Kent Police are liaising with the National Crime Agency as well as other forces following the latest incident.
The latest attack could be the Night Watcher’s 18th target.
His violent crime spree is thought to have begun in 2006 but detectives did not link raids until 2017.
Officers have previously suspected the Night Watcher may be a former soldier using his military training to carry out the raids and avoid detection.
He has been linked to four break-ins — three in Kent and one in London — since 2019 when police last released details about his crimes.
During the robbery in the capital, in 2021, he attacked two women in their home, with both needing hospital treatment.
Always working alone, the robber selects isolated properties in affluent areas and then is thought to carry out night-time surveillance to analyse routines and security arrangements.
The Duke and Duchess of Richmond (pictured together in 2014 at the Goodwood Festival in Chichester) – then known as Lord and Lady March – are the most high-profile victims linked to the Night Watcher
Goodwood House (pictured) was broken into in January 2016. The horrifying incident saw the the Duke and Duchess of Richmond tied up as the thief stole a number of expensive items
Amongst the items stolen from Goodwood House was a ring King Charles II – an ancestor to the then Earl of March – gave to a favourite mistress
Another item stolen from Goodwood House in 2016 was an 1820 diamond tiara worth around £400,000
Wealthy victims include the Duke and Duchess of Richmond, who were attacked in their stately home, Goodwood House, West Sussex, in 2016.
The aristocrats were tied up and forced to hand over heirlooms valued at £700,000.
Police have now identified several CCTV images of a man they want to talk to in connection with the latest robbery in Sevenoaks.
On the morning of the raid, he travelled by train with a bicycle from Staplehurst to Sevenoaks railway stations.
After the robbery, he took trains between Hildenborough, Tonbridge and Marden and was later seen cycling in Staplehurst.
The suspect was wearing a face mask, cream coloured baseball cap and trainers with distinctive red soles. He sometimes wore a high-visibility top when cycling.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: ‘Officers have identified several CCTV images of a man they want to identify, who was travelling on a train. He was wearing a face mask, cream coloured baseball cap and had trainers with distinctive red soles. He sometimes wore a high-visibility top when cycling.
‘The man travelled between Staplehurst and Sevenoaks railway stations between 9.48am and 10.26am on the day of the offence.
‘After the offence took place the suspect took trains between Hildenborough, Tonbridge and Marden between 5.37pm and 6.02pm. He was seen cycling shortly after 6pm in Staplehurst.’
Detective Inspector Maxine Harris, who is leading the investigation for Kent Police, said: ‘The man we want to locate would have stood out as he was wearing a mask, was in possession of a bicycle and appeared overdressed on what was a warm day
‘I believe that despite his face being covered someone will know him and I am urging anyone who may have seen him or recognises him to call us immediately.
‘Whilst it is possible the man has strong connections to the Staplehurst area, we are not discounting that he may live outside of Kent. He should not be approached.’
An NCA spokesperson: ‘The NCA’s Major Crime investigative Support (MCIS) unit is assisting a Kent Police investigation into a violent burglary that occurred in Sevenoaks on 21 June 2024.’
‘MCIS specialists providing expert support to the force include a National SIO Adviser, a Geographic Profiler, a Behavioural Investigative Adviser and a Forensic Clinical Psychologist.’
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