Asian jewellery recovered from suspected thieves may be from Warwickshire

The Courier reported last week on a spate of burglaries in which Asian households had been targeted by criminals lured by a five-year high in the price of precious metals.

The Hertfordshire Constabulary is hoping to return around 5,000 items recovered in May in an operation which resulted in the arrest of a Gloucestershire man.

The jewellery is believed to have been stolen in burglaries across the country and some may be from Warwickshire.

Police had stopped and seized a vehicle on the M40 heading for London, where it is alleged criminals hoped to break the jewellery up, melt it and sell it.

A 30-year-old man from Chipping Norton was arrested at the scene and warrants subsequently carried out at addresses in London and Chipping Campden.

The man has since been charged with conspiracy and proceeds of crime offences and is currently going through the courts system.

About 5,000 items have been recovered, much of it jewellery, and photographs uploaded to the Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Facebook site in the hope that items will be recognised.

Anyone who has been a victim of burglary, particularly one in which antique or Asian jewellery has been taken, is encouraged to visit the Facebook site.

Anyone who believes they recognise their possessions should contact Hertfordshire Police through the secure online reporting form available on a link from the ‘good to know’ section of the force’s website. Ownership will have to be verified.

To visit the Facebook site please click on the link above right.