Dacorum residents warned over criminals targeting gold jewellery during religious celebrations
Dacorum families who own high value gold have been warned to protect their jewellery ahead of religious festivals and events.
People are advised to be discreet when wearing high-value jewellery and gold in public, and to be alert to an increase in burglaries at this time of year.
The warning from Hertfordshire Constabulary follows thefts in previous years when families wearing gold jewellery have been targeted as part of Diwali celebrations and other religious events..
Police say burglars also target homes with residents urged to ensure valuable items are securely stored at home or kept somewhere else - like a safety deposit box.
Detective Superintendent Ant Alcock, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Local Policing Command, said: “Some families who have large collections of valuable jewellery, and in particular high value gold, have been targeted by criminals in the past.
"Wearing lots of gold and jewels can draw unwanted attention from criminals, so we recommend keeping it hidden if you are out and about.
“Burglars tend to target houses that are empty, particularly if they are not very well-secured. Taking basic steps to secure your home can be enough to deter many burglars. If you have made a significant investment in gold and jewellery, it makes sense to take all possible precautions to protect these items.”
Police advise residents to take the following steps to reduce the risk of theft:
> Remove jewellery from houses.
> Keep jewellery and other valuables in a safety deposit box.
> Use a doorbell camera, internal camera and/or a monitored burglar alarm.
> Ensure doors are double locked at all times with windows closed and locked.
> Install ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting.
> Use timer switches in your home to control internal lights, radios and a simulated TV.
> Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight.
> Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked.
> Take photos and keep a list of all valuable property in a safe place.
> When travelling always keep valuables in your carry-on luggage.
> Forensically mark items of value, as a hi-tech way of linking your property to your address.
For more advice visit the crime prevention pages.
You can report information online or speak to Herts Constabulary’s online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.