Public Warning After Asian Gold Housebreakings

Police Scotland are once again urging communities to be vigilant and homeowners to take appropriate security measures following a number of housebreakings across the country targeting Asian gold jewellery and cash.

Since April 2019 there have been 35 reports of break-ins to properties in Glasgow, Paisley, Renfrew, Ayrshire and Edinburgh, resulting in over £500,000 worth of jewellery and cash being stolen.

Officers are keen to highlight the suspicious activity to look out for, as it could indicate a housebreaking to steal Asian gold jewellery and cash is taking place, or due to take place. This activity generally occurs between 11am and 11pm.

Furthermore, those within the community who opt to store valuable gold items and or cash in their homes are reminded to ensure these goods are stored safely out of sight and that their properties are robustly secured.

Detective Inspector Kevin Gilmour, said: "In 2017 and the early part of 2018, we saw significant numbers of Asian gold housebreakings taking place and a national campaign was launched to address this.

"The numbers we've seen occurring are much lower than two years ago and are currently being investigated within their respective divisions, and I want to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to investigate all incidents, which occur and bring the perpetrators to justice.

"Prevention is, however, better than cure and we need all members of our communities to assist us in stopping these offences taking place in the first instance.

"In the area you live, please be vigilant for vehicles entering, with a group of males inside. One of the males will then exit the vehicle and walk around the area. They attend at the front door of a specific house and after getting no reply, communicate to the other males who then attend and force entry to the dwelling.

"The vehicle that brought these men into the street will remain relatively nearby in a legitimate residential parking area or a quiet street with the driver remaining in the car. After committing the crime, the males then all  walk or run back to the waiting car before making off from the area.

"If you witness this sort of behaviour, or have any concerns about the behaviour of an individual or group of people, please contact us immediately, noting any vehicle registrations if safe to do so.

"To those who own Asian gold jewellery and who chose to store it within their homes, in lieu of using a bank or secure storage facility, my advice is to urgently review the security you have in place. Please make sure, if you opt to store these at home,  you have your valuables in a safe, which is capable of withstanding an attack and which is fitted robustly to the fabric of the building, to prevent it simply being taken away, and which is hidden in a location only you know about. It is known that bedrooms and lofts routinely get searched during the commission of these crimes.

"Likewise, consider the overall security of your home and where possible look to invest in good locks for your doors and windows, motion-activated lighting, alarm systems and CCTV.

"If you require any information on safeguarding your property and belongings, please visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk."