A high-value robbery in Oxford saw masked men steal a watch worth approximately £450,000 and cryptocurrency valued at around £1.1 million during a car raid on 4 November. Two men and three women were travelling in a vehicle when the offenders, wearing face coverings, forced their way inside. One victim was compelled to transfer the cryptocurrency from their account before the attackers left the vehicle in the Five Mile Drive area after around 30 minutes.
Thames Valley Police launched a “complex” investigation, involving house-to-house inquiries, CCTV review, ANPR tracking, digital and forensic work, and cryptocurrency and financial analysis. Warrants were executed in London and Birmingham, and four men were arrested on suspicion of robbery, kidnap, and other offences.
The suspects include a 21-year-old from London, suspected of conspiracy to commit robbery, kidnap, and other driving offences, who has been released on police bail until 14 January. A 37-year-old man from London, suspected of robbery and kidnap, has been released on bail until 30 January. A 23-year-old man from Kent, suspected of robbery and kidnap, has been released on bail until 7 February, while a 19-year-old man from Birmingham, suspected of robbery, kidnap, and possession of articles for use in fraud, has been released on bail until 29 January.
Police are appealing for witnesses or footage of a black BMW saloon, a blue Hyundai Ioniq, or a silver Mercedes Vito in the areas of Yarnton Road and Sandy Lane, between Kidlington and Yarnton, as well as Five Mile Drive, Carey Close, Rotherfield Road, and Kirk Close in Oxford, between 13:00 and 16:00 on the day of the incident.
