Upsurge in jewellery thefts from local homes

Gardai in south Meath are warning householders of the increase in thefts of gold jewellery from houses, and believe that thieves may be selling stolen goods on to 'cash for gold' stores. They have also asked the cash for gold outlets to make sure they are aware of the origin of pieces that is being sold to them. Garda authorities in Navan say they have already visited all the cash for gold outlets in the town and asked them to be conscious of the problem. Supt Mick Devine, Navan, said they had checked documentation and receipts in the stores and have warned the storekeepers they will be keeping a watchful eye on the situation. In the Dunshaughlin area, Sergeant Paul Tennanty said there has been a noticeable increase in gold being stolen from houses. He says that other valuable items in homes are being left behind, and that the jewellery and gold is being specifically targeted. The Garda warning comes in the wake of former Minister For Justice Dermot Ahern asking Gardaí to investigate whether some businesses buying gold jewellery for cash are being run by organised crime gangs. Mr Ahern asked the new Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan to report on whether the increase in cash-for-gold retail businesses has contributed to a spike in burglaries. The move follows concerns that the exponential growth in cash for gold outlets, where gold is sold over the counter by people walking in off the streets, has made it easier for thieves to sell stolen property. Mr Ahern said it was clear there had been a “significant increase†in the number of cash-for-gold outlets across a large number of Irish towns and cities. “Many kiosks are also situated in hotels or shopping centres operated by individuals that are employed by a number of companies buying gold for cash,†he said. “I am aware that the trade gives rise to concerns reported in communities about crime that may be linked to the cash for gold trade.†The minister asked the commissioner to examine whether existing legislation needs to be reformed to address any criminality linked to the sector. Senior Gardaí expressed concern that the ease with which criminals can now sell gold jewellery and other items for high prices to legitimate businesses may be feeding the increase in burglaries taking place across the Republic. While many outlets recorded the passport or driving licence number of those selling the gold for traceability purposes, some cash-for-gold businesses might not be as compliant as others, they warned. While the informal sale or purchase of jewellery is not specifically regulated here, anybody who buys or sells items that they know to be stolen could be prosecuted, and on conviction would face up to 10 years in prison. The Garda report will also examine whether organised crime gangs have begun operating cash-for-gold businesses as fronts for handling stolen property, and whether existing burglary-related legislation is adequate in policing criminality that may be associated with some cash-for-gold businesses. Meanwhile, Gardai across the county have also been receiving reports of an increase in break-ins to cars, particularly at sporting events or gatherings. The Meath under-21 camogie final at Batterstown between Kilmessan and Dunboyne and the Dunsany Cross-Country Chase were among the events targeted by opportunist thieves at the weekend, and among the items stolen from a car at Batterstown was an award which was due to be presented to the player of the match, Kilmessan's Niamh Carroll. In Dunsany, valuable items and cash were stolen from a car parked at the churchyard, while cars at the GAA pitch were also targeted.