POLICE in Preston are warning the public to be on their guard after a thief stole a Rolex watch worth more than £10,000 from the wrist of a man as he walked through the town centre.

The attack comes as two men were jailed in St Alban's, on the South coast, after robbing and killing a woman for her £13,000 Rolex watch.

In the Preston robbery the 52-year-old victim was walking through the town on Monday, March 11, at around 4.30am, when the thief stopped him and asked for a light.

He then kicked the victim in the shins, kneed him in the groin and wrenched his watch from his arm.

The watch, an 18 carat yellow gold Rolex Oyster, was white Roman numerals and a concealed fastener. Twenty pounds in cash was also taken and the victim received minor injuries.

The thief was about 30, with a round face and was about 5ft 10ins tall. He was thick set and clean shaven.

Detective Inspector Pat Gill of Preston police said: "If you are wearing jewellery like this my advice is if you are walking home to keep it well hidden so it is not obvious you are wearing it. I would give the same advice on mobile phones and necklaces -- keep them covered up and out of view.

"This was a pretty striking watch and we are appealing to anybody who might have seen it to come forward."

Anybody who can help should call Preston police on 203203.