Avon and Somerset Police are reminding local communities to be vigilant following a number of burglaries across the area in which high-value gold and jewellery has been stolen.
Officers from Operation Remedy and Investigations are currently investigating seven burglaries which have taken place in the Avon and Somerset area in the past three months.
In some incidents, the offenders have forced entry into homes and threatened the occupants.
Descriptions of the offenders vary significantly, but officers are keeping an open mind as to whether any of the crimes are linked.
Inspector Steve Davey said: “We don’t underestimate the impact these kinds of offences have on victims and we’re doing everything we can to support them and find those responsible.
“We’re particularly keen on this message reaching members of our South Asian communities who we know often possess valuable heirlooms.
“Anyone who sees something suspicious in their neighbourhood which doesn’t look right is asked to contact us immediately.
“You are our eyes and ears on the ground and without your support, we cannot catch these heartless criminals who see people’s sentimental possessions as a quick way to make some cash.”
Avon and Somerset Police has offered the following advice to keep your home and belongings safe:
- Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked, if you’re not in the room, before you go out and before you go to bed. Set the alarm if you have one
- Always double-lock uPVC doors using the key as well as lifting the handle
- Ideally keep jewellery with a secure storage company, as thieves have been known to steal whole safes. If you do use a safe, make sure you invest in a good quality one that’s professionally fitted and mounted to a solid wall or floor
- Take photos of your valuables and write a short description of each one
- Mark your jewellery with a forensic security liquid
- Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home. Store it in a bank, building society or post office account
- Install burglar alarms and CCTV.
