"Cash for gold" companies are at the root of increased jewellery thefts in the UK, say MPs. The high price of gold and easy money offered by these companies are tempting burglars to steal gold jewellery rather than more typical items, which they can immediately post after a crime with no questions asked. So should "cash for gold" adverts be banned?
A recent spate of gold-related burglaries in North Yorkshire has caused particular concern as due to the disproportionate theft of jewellery. Head of Harrogate Police, Superintendent Ken McIntosh, said of the recent crime wave to hit the area, "we have had a concern for some time that "cash for gold" makes jewellery more attractive to steal". This is because the process for sending the gold is very simple, you just post it off and there are no provenance checks made by the company as to where it came from.
Police are worried that the process also hinders the detection and arrest of thieves, as those that have been stopped and searched have nothing to connect them to the robbery, as they have already posted the items in a "cash for gold" bag. Thieves have found these smaller items easier to steal, rather than the traditional games consoles and DVD players, and even cars. The extent of the robberies is highlighted by increasing home insurance rates in certain parts of the country. However, jewellery theft can be particularly upsetting, as no amount of compensation can replace a sentimental piece of jewellery.
Police are now working alongside the Post Office to clarify a law about searching post boxes in the North Yorkshire area for the stolen jewellery. There is a concern that "cash for gold" thefts might be a national trend, so police are working through the intelligence department to increase the security measures taken by the companies who run these services.
While Harrogate Police continue their investigations it is vital that homeowners across the country ensure the security of their homes, with increased locks, alarms systems and even safe boxes for jewellery.
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