Grandfather Uses Takeaway Bag to Fight Off £18,000 Rolex Robbers in London

In a harrowing incident in London, a brave grandfather managed to defend himself against two would-be robbers targeting his £18,500 Rolex watch using nothing but a food takeaway bag. The incident took place in Paddington, west London, in July 2023, when Amine Bentaib, 30, and Rayan Belhadj attempted to snatch the expensive timepiece from the victim.

Grandfather’s Heroic Act

The victim had just returned to his Airbnb after going out to collect a takeaway when he was followed by Bentaib and Belhadj. Without any hesitation, the grandfather used the only thing he had at his disposal – a food takeaway bag – to fend off the robbers and protect his prized possession. His quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger prevented the thieves from succeeding in their criminal act.

Legal Consequences

Amine Bentaib, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted robbery and was subsequently sentenced to 45 months in prison. In addition to his jail time, he was also made subject to a criminal behaviour order to prevent any further criminal activities. Rayan Belhadj, the accomplice in the robbery attempt, is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for his involvement in the crime.

Community Response

The local community has been both shocked and inspired by the grandfather’s courageous actions in the face of danger. His ability to think on his feet and defend himself with a simple takeaway bag serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and being prepared for unexpected situations. The incident has sparked discussions about personal safety and the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings at all times.

As we reflect on this extraordinary story, let us all take a moment to appreciate the everyday heroes among us who demonstrate bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. The grandfather’s actions serve as a powerful reminder that courage knows no age limit and that sometimes, even the simplest of objects can become a weapon in the fight against crime. Let this be a lesson to us all to stay alert, stay safe, and never underestimate the power of quick thinking in times of crisis.