Police warn Asian households after £2,000 burglary

POLICE have issued an “Asian gold” warning after a house in Bangor was burgled in broad daylight.

A Chinese family’s home was targeted last Wednesday and £2,000 worth of cash and gold was stolen.

The incident happened near Caernarfon Road, beside a busy retail park, sometime between 9.35am and 3pm on Wednesday.

As a result of this, North Wales Police are asking members of the Asian community throughout North Wales, but more so in eastern areas of the region, to take extra precautions to keep their valuables safe.

The force have said they are seeing a trend emerging in other neighbouring forces with thieves looking for high-value gold jewellery.

This can often be bought as wedding gifts and passed down through generations in British Asian families.

Det Sgt Jenna Hughes said: “Our aim is not to scare, but to alert the Asian community to be vigilant of this emerging crime trend where high-value gold jewellery is being targeted in neighbouring forces.

“Usually, when we have seen these types of burglaries happen in nearby force areas in the past, areas of North Wales, usually in the east, have also been targeted.

“As the nights become darker during the autumn and winter months, we do also usually see an increase in these type of burglary offences.

“It’s important people are aware of these offences and take extra precaution to secure their valuables.”

The advice from North Wales Police is to improve security, such as with CCTV or burglar alarms.

Security lighting can also add to the safety of your home.

It is also important to make sure all windows and doors are locked before leaving the house. They also advise keeping high-value items in a safe deposit box or a bank.

Also, they have said to take photos of your jewellery and itemise it on your home insurance.

Det Sgt Hughes added: “A home that looks empty is far more likely to be targeted, so it’s worth making sure your home looks occupied.”

She went on to add: “If you notice any suspicious activity surrounding your home or work address, report it on 101 or via the live web chat.”

North Wales Police are asking anyone with information following the burglary in Bangor to contact police on 101 or via the live webchat, quoting reference 21000677511.