This summer's heatwave may have sparked a rise in jewellery thefts in Croydon, police have said.

Cooling off or topping up your tan could put you at risk of falling prey to thieves on the lookout for expensive jewellery exposed by victims' lighter clothing, warned officers. 

Many of a rising number of victims were Asian women, who are targeted due to wearing expensive gold adornments, said police.

Sergeant Jay Chapman, from the Bensham Manor safer neighbourhood team, said: "During the past few summers, we've seen an increase in people having their jewellery stolen when out and about. 

"Thieves are targeting Asian women in particular, due to the high quality and value of the gold jewellery many Asian women wear."

Avoiding opportunist thieves will be a focus of four crime prevention roadshow events in Thornton Heath in the next three weeks.

Officers will hand out personal safety alarms and offer tips on staying safe.

The roadshow events will be held from 1pm - 4pm on:
• Thursday July 25 at Thornton Heath Pond
• Thursday August 1 at Tesco, Brigstock Road
• Wednesday August 7 at Sainsbury's, Whitehorse Lane
• Thursday August 15 entrance to Norbury Park, Norbury Avenue, at the junction with London Road

Sergeant Chapman added: "Our advice is not to give thieves an opportunity and keep your expensive jewellery covered or just don't wear it if it's going to be highly visible to people.

"It's also a good idea to make sure you keep expensive jewellery stored securely at home. Invest in a quality and secure safe at your home, or even consider putting expensive items in a safety deposit box with a bank."

 

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