Gunman robs downtown Swiss Stores of pricey watches

THE Police were yesterday continuing investigations into a daring heist at Swiss Stores in downtown Kingston, during which a gunman made off with several high-priced watches and other items of jewellery.

Ueli Bangerter, managing director of Swiss Stores, declined to divulge the value of the items that were taken, but called the incident minor, stressing they were insured.

However, the police confirmed that at least 16 high-end watches - worth a total of between $6 million and $7 million - were stolen.

Meanwhile, Bangerter said the well-dressed robber was inside the store earlier in the day before returning shortly after 3 o'clock and announcing the hold-up.

"It was well organised, well orchestrated," he told The Gleaner.

When the news team arrived at the store, police detectives were seen collecting information.

The owners of the jewellery chain, which distributes Rolex watches exclusively in Jamaica, recently expanded the food-service area of its complex in the downtown shopping district to open up a café called F&B Downtown.