Harassment and Violence
Asian Gold Theft Trend in Reading and Oxfordshire
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Gold has never been more attractive to thieves as it's value soars. Burglars with metal detectors are currently targeting the homes of British Asian families for their valuable collections of high-quality 'Indian gold' and jewellery
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Thieves broke into a semi-detached house in Earley, near Reading, and stole nearly £70,000-worth of gold jewellery. It may have looked like an ordinary house, but the gold collection contain within – elaborate necklaces, rings, earrings and bangles – is a treasure trove that had been handed down from generations of family members in Pakistan or bought as wedding gifts.
Asian gold (or Indian gold) is a broad term that covers jewellery bought and held by south Asian families, and often passed down through the generations. It is often made of the highest quality – usually 24 carats, the purest gold – and it has vastly increased in value, sometimes to the point where families can't afford to insure it. Thieves know that some south Asian families may have a large collection of gold at home, and it is these very houses tht they target.
Several police forces in areas where there is a large Asian community such as Slough, ran awareness campaigns after a spate of opportunistic robberies – there have been several reports of women who have had their gold jewellery snatched in the street – and burglaries.
An intruder alarm and good quality CCTV cameras can act as a deterrent to any would-be thieves hoping to steal your gold.
- October 2017
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