Brazen watch thief jailed for 28 months

One of the expensive watches stolen by Johari Nazir Carter

A 29-year-old man from Rochdale, who stole high value watches across England worth approximately £21,000 in total, has been jailed for two counts of theft by shoplifting totalling 28 months.

Johari Nazir Carter (aged 29), also known as Graham Bagasan, of Clock Tower Court, Rochdale, committed a high value theft of a Cartier watch on June 15, 2021 at a pawnbrokers on Yorkshire Street in Rochdale.

Carter would enter jewellers and pawnbrokers requesting to view a high value watches, he would then snatch the watch and make off running out of the shops.

He was charged with this offence and on July 20, 2022, he appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court where he was handed a 10-month prison sentence.

Carter also appeared at Wood Green Crown Court, London on August 1, 2022 for the same offence and M.O. for a Rolex watch at a pawnbrokers on Kingsland High Street in London, where he received a further 18 months sentence for this offence.

SaferGems were aware of Carter following previous high value watch/thefts from jewellers and pawnbrokers across the North of England in 2018/2019, which he was also convicted for.

SaferGems were instrumental in identifying Carter and linking in with Police Forces supporting the prosecution of Johari Nazir Carter for the attacks suffered at jewellery stores within Greater Manchester and London areas.

Sarah Staff, Director of the British Security Industry Association, and head of SaferGems, said "SaferGems works closely with retail jewellers who are members of the National Association of Jewellers or clients of TH March Insurance Brokers.

"We aim to support UK Policing in collaboration with the retail jewellery industry to identify and apprehend offenders in addition to crime prevention.

"The excellent work undertaken by Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police resulted in Carter receiving a significant sentence for these offences.

"On behalf of the industry, we would like to thank all those involved for their hard work in bringing these cases to a successful outcome."

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.