Robbery Precious metals stolen from watch supplier in Le Locle
Unknown perpetrators robbed the factory of watch supplier Werthanor in Le Locle NE on Thursday morning. They fled across the border to France with precious metals of an unknown value.
13.02.2025, 15:46
13.02.2025, 16:47
SDA
The company, which employs around 230 people, manufactures watch cases, bracelets and clasps. According to the police, the armed perpetrators forced the employees to hand over the goods.
The robbers beat and injured one employee, according to the Neunburg cantonal police. He was treated by the emergency services and taken to hospital. He was able to leave the hospital again. The other employees present during the attack received psychological support.
A large police force searched for the perpetrators. They were supported by an air force helicopter and officers from the Federal Office for Border Security. French security forces were also involved in the search. A vehicle registered in France was tracked between Morteau and Pontarlier (F), according to reports.
"The value of the stolen loot is currently unknown," Georges-André Lozouet, spokesman for the Neuchâtel cantonal police, told the Keystone-SDA news agency. He confirmed a report by the news portal Arcinfo.ch.
In view of the ongoing manhunt, the police did not want to disclose any information about how many people were involved in the robbery. The public prosecutor's office has opened a criminal investigation.
