Thieves steal watches worth hundreds of thousands in Nittedal

A 34-year-old man returned home from work on Tuesday evening to find his apartment in Nittedal’s Hagan district ransacked, with around 20 watches worth several hundred thousand kroner stolen, Dagbladet reports.

The man, who asked to remain anonymous to protect his 10-year-old son, discovered the break-in at around 20:15. A neighbour had earlier noticed a man in a blue puffer jacket and cap leaving the apartment between 10:00 and 11:00 the same morning, carrying a black bag. Another neighbour photographed the building’s facade, showing a window that had been forced open.

The victim, a lifelong watch collector, said many of the stolen timepieces held sentimental value, including heirlooms from his grandfather and parents. A Rolex Day-Date was among the missing items. Cash, knives, and an air rifle were also taken.

He suspects the break-in was deliberate, as it occurred during his usual working hours. The intruder left the apartment in disarray, suggesting haste. The man told Dagbladet he was particularly disturbed by the thought of someone entering his son’s room.

He has offered a 15,000 kroner reward for information leading to the recovery of his belongings and posted details on the Facebook group “Nittedal oppslagstavle.” Police were not notified until he returned home.