The family of a watch dealer who was found dead 24 hours after being robbed at a high-value jewelery store say they believe he took his own life.
Oliver White died at his family home in Shepperton, Middlesex, just a day after two unarmed thieves broke into the 247 Kettles store in affluent Richmond, southwest London, last Saturday and stole dozens of high-end watches. worth.
A gruesome video shows one of the robbers holding Oliver in a chokehold while his accomplice is seen sweeping up a large number of watches and stuffing them into the backpack of the man who assaulted the young sales manager.
Today it emerged that the two men wanted for the theft had posed as customers in a three-day operation before attacking Mr White, who “should never have been alone” with that many watches on display, according to his signature .
In a statement to Surrey Police, Oliver’s family said: “Our son Oliver returned home from his workplace on Saturday traumatized and unable to speak. He had been the victim of a terrifying attack and theft of high value at his place of work, which was then widely shared on social networks.
‘Sadly, we believe Oliver subsequently took his own life due to the distress and anguish of this terrible incident.
The family of Oliver White, who was found dead at his family home in Shepperton after being the victim of a high-value surveillance raid, say they believe he took his own life.
Oliver pictured with his girlfriend, Alana Dredge. She described it as their ‘last photo together’ taken two weeks ago.
Ms Dredge has posted online tributes to Oli after he was found dead on Sunday night after police were called to Shepperton in Surrey.
“As a family, we are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, fun, loyal son, who lit up every room he walked into.”
After paying tribute to their ‘beautiful’ son, Oliver’s family also asked for privacy as they mourn their loss.
In a statement posted to its Instagram account, 247 Kettles said Oliver “should never have been alone in the office on Saturday and that number of watches should never have been on display.”
The firm went on to say that despite having strict safety procedures in place, these were not followed “through no fault of anyone” in such a tragic event.
The post also adds that the suspects who robbed the store posed “as potential customers for a three-day period waiting for a vulnerability and the right time to strike.”
A close friend of Oliver’s, known as Olli, told MailOnline yesterday: ‘He was very depressed after the robbery and was very worried, especially after it was established that around £2.8 million worth of watches had been stolen.’
‘Olli was petrified at the prospect of losing everything he owns and even having his mother’s house taken away from him.
‘He was also traumatized by what happened and was very afraid of the impact this robbery could have on his and his family’s financial future. He just didn’t know what was going to happen.”
Another friend claimed that Olli’s fears were intensified by concerns about how much insurance coverage there was.
He said: “I wasn’t sure if insurance would have covered the theft or if there was any insurance.” The robbery left him devastated and, combined with the financial uncertainty over who would be responsible, he could see no other way out.
“Olli took it very personally and really believed that he would have all the blame and that it would ruin him.”
Olli, reported to be in his 20s, lived in Shepperton with his mother Amy and stepfather Mark.
The devastated couple were comforting their heartbroken girlfriend Alana Dredge at the family home today.
A family friend told MailOnline: “They are going through incredible pain and it will take them a long time to get over it.”
Two unarmed thieves (pictured) broke into the 247 Kettles store in affluent Richmond, south-west London, last Saturday and stole dozens of high-value watches.
A CCTV image of one of the thieves who stole several high value watches from the store in Kew Road, Richmond.
Dredge wrote of loving Oliver “more than I can put into words” following the tragic news that came a day after he was the victim of a robbery in Richmond, south-west London.
“Olli was a wonderful son and partner to Alana, and they dreamed of building a life together but, tragically, this robbery took everything away.”
A spokesperson for 247 Kettles said Oliver “left a lasting impact on the watch community as a whole” with his “vibrant spirit” and his loss will be “deeply felt by all who knew him.”
He also added: ‘Oliver had an incredible work ethic and a passion for pleasing customers. He liked to work 24 hours a day and even after hours to ensure customers were satisfied.
‘As a business we will remain temporarily closed to mourn the loss of our friend. Any messages/requests will be collected upon our return. “Our thoughts are with all of Oliver’s family at this time.”
Dredge shared a photo of herself and her partner on holiday on Instagram, saying it was “our last photo together”, taken just a fortnight ago.
She wrote: ‘My dear boy, I can’t believe you’re gone. This was our last photo together. This was just 2 weeks ago and now I will never see you again.
‘The last thing you told me was that I love you. I will cherish you forever, being with you was the best 6 years of my life. I hope you are reading this from up there, I will continue to make you proud.”
She described how the couple were saving to buy their first home together as she vowed to “buy the house you exactly wanted and it will be your home.”
Dredge, whose account describes her as a hair extension specialist, revealed she was still sending WhatsApp messages to Mr White’s phone, saying she was “hoping this was all a nightmare and you would respond”.
She went on to say, “I don’t know how I’ll live life without you, my whole world has ended.”
‘My life will never be the same. I can’t explain how much I love you. I will never stop loving you. I’m so numb I can’t cry anymore.
‘I had never felt pain like this, you were the only person who could comfort me like no other and make all my pain go away.
‘Now that you’re not here I don’t know what I’m going to do. I love you Oliver more than I can express in words.
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