Watch dealer Oliver White, who took his own life after his shop was robbed by thieves claiming to be customers, “should never have been alone in the office”, the shop’s owners said.
The 27-year-old was found dead on Sunday after being the victim of a high-value jewelery raid just a day earlier at the 247 Kettles store in affluent Richmond, south-west London.
His family said they believe he took his life “due to the distress and anguish of this terrible incident” after being left “traumatized and unable to speak.”
It came after horrifying video footage showed one of the thieves restraining the 27-year-old in a chokehold while his accomplice is seen sweeping up a hoard of watches, estimated to be worth £2.8million.
‘The suspects attacked our store by posing as potential customers for a period of three days waiting for a vulnerability and the right time to attack. Unfortunately, on Saturday the attempt was successful in a violent robbery of which Oliver was the victim,” said a statement on 247 Kettles’ Instagram.
The company revealed that a number of security measures had been put in place, including panic buttons, alarms, smoke screens and security doors, but these were not implemented as the room was emptied mercilessly.
The company said “we have strict safety procedures to prevent such circumstances” but “through no fault of anyone” they were not followed during the “tragic event.”
Watch dealer Oliver White, who took his own life after thieves claiming to be customers raided his store
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.
Watch dealer 247 Kettles admitted Oliver White should not have been alone inside the showroom (pictured). You can also see an alarm (top left) and a security camera.
Oliver pictured with his girlfriend, Alana Dredge. She described it as their ‘last photo together’ taken two weeks ago.
The Richmond firm said none of its security procedures were followed during Saturday’s robbery. Pictured: Another look inside their watch showroom with CCTV security cameras.
The video showing his watch room goes on to show these gold Rolex watches.
In images showing the interior of the showroom, alarms and security CCTV can be seen in the corners of the room.
In a tribute to Mr White, a spokesperson for 247 Kettles said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Oliver, who was a close friend for over 20 years before working with us at 247 Kettles.
‘During his time working with us, Oliver left a lasting impact on the watch community as a whole: suppliers and customers alike were impressed by Oliver’s vibrant spirit and good heart, and his feelings are deeply felt by all who knew him. loss.
‘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.”
In promotional images taken from 247 Kettles’ social media site, you can see the interior of the luxury showroom. which It has a flat screen TV, aroma diffusers, alarm and security CCTV.
Viewers can also see its luxurious interior, with a number of high-profile designer brands displayed on the walls and on book covers, such as Supreme and Chanel.
The video shows a number of expensive items in the showroom, including these designer bookcases (left) and necklaces (right).
A Rolex watch, pictured, can also be seen in the video, along with luxurious aroma diffusers and a flat-screen TV.
The promotional video for 247 Kettles shows off the store’s luxurious and expensive interior.
Here’s another look at the showroom, which displays expensive brands like Supreme on its walls.
A CCTV image of one of the thieves who stole several high value watches from the store in Kew Road, Richmond.
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.
The promotional material goes on to show a variety of expensive watches, including gold Rolexes, a Rolex watch, and expensive-looking necklaces.
Mr White’s family said in a statement to Surrey Police yesterday: “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 robbery of high value at his workplace, which was then widely shared on social media.
‘Sadly, we believe Oliver subsequently took his own life due to the distress and anguish of this terrible incident.
“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.
A close friend of Mr White, 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.
Ms Dredge has posted online tributes to Oli after he was found dead on Sunday night after police were called to Shepperton in Surrey.
“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 his heartbroken girlfriend Alana Dredge at the family home this week.
A family friend told MailOnline: “They are going through incredible pain and it will take them a long time to get over it.”
“Olli was a wonderful son and partner to Alana, and they dreamed of building a life together but, tragically, this robbery took everything away.”
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.”