Jewellery Gang Targeting Liverpool Families

Police are hunting a gang who have burgled a number of addresses in Liverpool and stole expensive jewellery. Asian families have been targeted in Wavertree, Aigburth and Cressington over the last month. It follows similar incidents in Wirral and St Helens. The burglars are making their escape in a white van. Three people have been arrested by Merseyside Police detectives and some jewellery suspected of having been stolen has been found and reunited with its owner. A police investigation led by Liverpool CID is on-going and officers are working with Asian community leaders to encourage people to be vigilant and take better crime prevention steps to deter future offences. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Ephgrave said: “Being burgled is an extremely frightening and upsetting ordeal for the victims and a concerted effort is being made by detectives and neighbourhood officers to put a stop to these crimes. “We are making every effort to identify the gang or gangs involved and when we do, they will be arrest and brought to justice. “The pattern is that homes belonging to Asian families are being broken into mainly during the day when everyone is out. The offenders are knocking on the door as a cold-caller would and when they don’t get a response they are breaking in. “These criminals are operating in twos and threes, often arriving in an innocuous white van and once inside they are searching the house and stealing jewellery and sometimes cash as well. “The jewellery in particular is unique in that it is made of gold, has been crafted as a one-off piece back in Asia and as such, is worth a considerable amount and can't be replaced. “We are encouraging people who keep high-value jewellery and large amounts of cash at home not to do so, even if they think it is well hidden, and instead invest in hiring a safety deposit box at a reputable company. " If they can’t do this they should put their valuables in a good quality safe which is secured to something within the house and can’t be removed. They should also photograph their jewellery so that when the police recover stolen items they can be reunited with their rightful owners.

“Also, make sure you use a burglar alarm when the property is left empty, check your home CCTV system is working correctly, and as neighbours look out for any suspicious people or vehicles in your street. “Members of our community engagement unit are working closely with community leaders and attending meetings with residents to give them crime prevention advice and answer any concerns people might have. “Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure inside their own home and I would also ask anyone with any knowledge of these incidents to think about how they would feel if this was their home or their family and call the police immediately if they have any information that could help us. “The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible to these offences and people can call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111 if they prefer not to speak to us.” Some of the recent incidents include: July 10th - Offenders target house in Wavertree by forcing open a kitchen window. Once inside they steal gold necklaces, bracelets and rings plus a small free-standing safe. July 9th - Offenders target a house in Childwall by smashing a window and unlocking the front door. Once inside they steal large amounts of cash in various currencies. July 5th - Offenders target a flat in Aigburth by breaking in through the roof of a next door property. Once inside they steal a gold diamond ring and cash. June 22nd - Offenders peer into windows of house in Cressington before climbing into the back garden and forcing their way in through a patio door. Once inside they steal several gold necklaces and gold rings. White van seen in area at the time. June 18th - Suspicious incident in Wavertree reported by a neighbour who sees offenders knock at door then enter back garden and try to force entry to house. Offenders leave in white van.