Hurricane Katrina has been mentioned recently in a few posts. It reminded me that much looting was done during and after the disaster.
So let’s say someone breaks into a jeweler’s and manages to come away with some watches. Rolexes, say; since most people who loot would probably associate them with being very expensive (and they might not know about the more expensive brands). I’m sure Rolex keeps records of whom they sell to. Dealers may or may not have records after a disaster. The looter keeps a few watches, gives a few away, and sells the rest. What is the likelihood that if and when a watch is sent in for repair, sold on eBay, or whatever that it will be found to be stolen? What if someone is mugged and his watch is stolen? If he reports the serial number, is it reported to the maker?