We have received reports of offenders targeting people wearing visible gold jewellery. These incidents often happen quickly, with suspects approaching on foot, bicycles, motorcycles or in vehicles before snatching jewellery and making off.
How to Reduce Your Risk
✅ Avoid displaying expensive gold chains, necklaces or other valuable jewellery in public where possible.
✅ Consider wearing jewellery underneath clothing, especially when walking alone or in quieter areas.
✅ Stay alert to your surroundings and be wary of unknown persons approaching you unnecessarily.
✅ Avoid distractions such as mobile phones or headphones which may reduce your awareness.
✅ When walking, keep valuable items out of sight and remain vigilant around busy shopping areas, transport hubs and isolated locations.
✅ If you believe someone is following or watching you, move to a populated area or enter a shop or public building and seek assistance.
✅ If you regularly wear valuable jewellery for cultural, religious or personal reasons, consider varying routes and times when travelling.
If You Become a Victim
🚨 Do not put yourself at further risk by chasing offenders.
🚨 Call 999 immediately if the incident is in progress or has just occurred.
🚨 Try to remember descriptions of suspects, vehicles, bicycles or motorcycles involved, including registration numbers if safe to do so.
🚨 Ask witnesses to remain at the scene and preserve any CCTV opportunities.
Reporting Suspicious Behaviour
Please report any suspicious activity, people paying particular attention to jewellery, or individuals repeatedly loitering in the area:
· Call 999 in an emergency.
· Report non-emergencies via 101 or the force website.
By remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity promptly, residents can help reduce opportunities for offenders and assist police in identifying those responsible.
