15
May
2014
By Calvin at 11:18 GMT, 12 years ago
Surrey Police is reminding homeowners in Elmbridge and Runnymede to take all necessary security precautions to keep their property safe and deter offenders looking to steal Asian gold and other valuable jewellery.
Advice is being reiterated after burglars broke into a property in Ditton Hill Road, Long Ditton, on Thursday, 8 May between 2pm and 2.30pm by gaining access through the porch door. The offenders stole various items of Asian jewellery totalling more than £2,000 and included a gold heart shaped necklace, gold bangles and earrings.
Two more properties were broken into in New Haw, Addlestone. The first occurred when a house was broken into through the front door on Thursday, 8 May between 1.15pm and 2.30pm and Asian gold jewellery totalling more than £20,000 was stolen.
Another incident occurred sometime between Tuesday, 6 May and Friday, 9 May when the owner returned to his property in New Haw to discover that both the front door lock had been tampered with and the rear door to the conservatory and kitchen doors were badly damaged.
The offenders had carried out a thorough search of the property before stealing a large amount of Asian jewellery totalling around £12,000.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Andrew Whittle said: "We would like to hear from anyone who may have been approached or has information relating to any of this jewellery.
"We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious around the time of these events and ask them to contact us as a matter of urgency by calling 101.”
Detective Superintendent John Boshier who is the Force lead for burglary, said: "Asian gold jewellery plays an important role in religious festivities and celebrations with many items handed down through generations. These are not just valuable items, but also have great sentimental worth.
"Detectives and neighbourhood officers work closely together to both relentlessly pursue those who commit these offences and to prevent such offences occurring.
"We recognise that keeping Runnymede and Elmbridge safe can only be achieved through good community relations and strong partnership working with residents and local organisations.
"We advise all residents to think about their home security; this is not just about locking doors and windows – although this is very important – but also where valuable items are stored.
"If possible, store jewellery in a bank safety deposit box, or invest in a home safe and avoid discussing holidays or trips away in public. Also, we recommend that you photograph your jewellery and register items and other valuables via a database such as immobilise”
Surrey Police is encouraging households to be extra careful with their family heirlooms. With irreplaceable sentimental value it is important to get an up-to-date insurance valuation. Write down a description and preferably take a photograph for identification purposes.
Property marking products and personalised crime prevention information is available from the Spelthorne Crime Reduction Advisor, who can be contacted by calling 101.
Anyone who has information about the jewellery stolen or has information relating to the burglary should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45140037142, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. - See more at: http://www.surrey.police.uk/news/witness-appeals/all-witness-appeals/article/9504/advice-issued-after-asian-gold-burglaries-in-north-surrey#sthash.EOkoX3PN.dpuf
TCPW Comment: This must be the fourth time I’ve published a story about stolen Asian gold and jewellery in the past 2 years and each time it seems that these precious irreplaceable items have been found and taken far too easily. Please follow Surrey police’s advice and when you buy your safe make sure its cash rating is high enough to cover the value of what you’re going to keep in it.
Very often these items of jewellery are only in a person’s house for a short while during the period of the ceremony, but please make sure your insurers know about it in case the worst happens.
Safes advice: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/security-inside-the-home/485/safes/
Property marking and identification advice: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/security-inside-the-home/484/property-identification--marking-tagging-and-tracking/
