Devon and Cornwall Police offer up guidance on keeping jewellery and gold items safe.
Devon and Cornwall Police are urging residents and shop keepers across the region to take extra precautions in keeping their jewellery and gold items safe.
Jewellery is a valuable asset that can hold both financial and sentimental value to its owners. However, it is important to take steps to keep your jewellery safe from theft. Here are some top tips to keep your treasured items safe at home or when out and about:
- Keep your doors and windows locked and secured at all times. This is the most basic way to deter thieves.
- Consider installing a house alarm or security lighting. This can provide an extra layer of security for your home.
- Join your local Neighbourhood Watch group. This can help you stay informed about crime in your area and work with your neighbours to keep each other safe.
- Make sure your home looks occupied when you are out or away. Use an automatic timer switch to turn interior lights on and off.
- Be aware that thieves sometimes ring the doorbell to check whether someone is in. Make sure you know who is at the door before you answer it. Check ID of all service providers to ensure their identity.
- Be aware of strangers or strange vehicles in your area. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the police.
If you have high-value jewellery, the best place to keep it is in a safety deposit box at a bank. If you must keep your jewellery at home, consider installing a safe that is securely fixed to the floor or wall.
It is also important to make a list of all of your jewellery, including a description and photographs. Do not keep the list and the photographs together. Keep the list and photographs in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.
Be sure to have your jewellery adequately covered by your insurance. You should also register your jewellery with a free service such as Immobilise.com. This will help us recover your jewellery if it is stolen.
When you are wearing jewellery in public, take precautions to protect it from theft. Consider wearing a scarf or something similar to cover your jewellery when you are walking or taking public transportation. Avoid posting about weddings, festivals, or other celebrations on social media. Criminals may see your posts and work out when you won’t be at home, or use your photos to identify valuable gold or jewellery.
When attending events, consider only putting your jewellery on when you arrive, and removing it again before you leave. Always put your jewellery away after use. Do not leave valuables in the car.
By following these tips, you can help protect your jewellery from theft.
Report suspicious activity to Devon & Cornwall Police online at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact
or by email to 101@dc.police.uk. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency always dial 999.
