POLICE ISSUE WARNING ABOUT RISE IN ASIAN GOLD STREET ROBBERIES

NOVANEWS

WEST Midlands Police have issued a warning to members of the public after an increase in the number of gold thefts being reported in and around the Handsworth area of Birmingham. 
The incidents have predominantly occurred along Soho Road, Grove Lane and Rookery Road, with offenders taking necklaces and earrings from victims at bus stops or as they walk along the street.
Officers are reminding members of the public that due to the high value of gold, it is best to wear any valuable items discreetly.
11 incidents have been reported in the last 28 days alone. This increase has coincided with the initiation of a targeted operation to tackle street robberies in the area.
Under operation ‘Kestrel’, extra patrols have been implemented in affected streets, with uniformed and plain clothed officers patrolling the areas in higher numbers.
Traffic officers have been drafted in to monitor traffic and identify vehicles and drivers of interest. In addition, bus inspections are taking place on a regular basis.
Officers are also using intelligence information to identify offenders and people who may be handling stolen items of jewellery.
The majority of victims are described as being Asian women wearing high quality Asian gold pieces.
Often the incidents occur while the victims are waiting for a bus or walking on the street.
Chief Inspector Mike O’Hara from Birmingham Central Police, said: “We are asking people to think twice about openly wearing valuable irreplaceable jewellery.
“We advise discretion; simply keep your jewellery tucked into clothes. You never know who is around you. It’s a sorry fact of life but what you possess may be attractive to thieves.
“That said, we would like to reassure our local communities we are actively driving down street robbery and we do have a number of tactics in place to ensure this new wave of incidents is eradicated.”
The force is also launching a marketing campaign to help promote crime prevention, particularly to members of the Asian community.
The campaign will involve radio appearances for local officers and advertising in affected streets.
Officers will also be visiting Mosques and Temples to speak with worshippers and visitors, asking them to spread the word amongst family and friends.
For more crime prevention advice please visit the force’s website www.west-midlands.police.uk or contact local officers on 01345 113 5000