The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are agitating for legislation to curb the rise in gold and silver theft, after thousands of dollars worth of jewellery was recovered from several cash for Gold businesses over the weekend.

Superintendent of the South Central Division, Philip Don Wilson said without the proper legislation in place, there is only “so much” police can do to stop jewellery theft.

His comments came after police raided and temporarily shut down six cash for gold businesses suspected of selling stolen jewellery. Hundreds of gold and silver confiscated items were estimated in the tens of thousands.

 “Police continue to agitate for legislation governing the cash for gold business. We know that it is in the making and in the meantime all we expect from these cash for gold businesses is due process,” he said.

“If someone comes to you with a chain that is popped, we expect you to use your common sense. A three thousand dollar popped chain in the hands of a young boy coming to you for cash, common sense should kick in. We need operators to not encourage theft, do not give cash to these young fellows. Exercise your due diligence.”

Supt Wilson said six cash for gold operators were taken into custody following the raids, however, they were all released pending further investigation.

He said police conducted the raids following an increase in chain snatching and housebreaking in the South Central area. For the year, officers of the South Central police station have received 78 reports of jewellery theft.

“We received numerous complaints from law-abiding citizens who were either moving about or sitting in their vehicles in the Coconut Grove/Robinson Road, Englerston areas, when they were confronted by juveniles, in particular young men, who suddenly snatched their jewellery before fleeing,” he said.

“We were able to establish that even though we seldom recover merchandise, we were able to ascertain that the stolen properties were allegedly taken to various Cash4Gold outlets in return for instant monies. On Thursday past officers here executed a number of search warrants on several business outlets that exchange cash for various jewellery. The result of this exercise is the confiscation of gold and silver  merchandise.”

Supt Wilson said police are appealing to members of the public who were victims of these types of crimes to visit the showcase room and see if they can identify their items. “However,” he said, “you must bring proof the items are yours or be able to identify special markings. You will also only be allowed to view if you made a complaint with the police and your data is logged within their computer records.”