Gold thieves target Wirral's Asian community

Detectives are investigating seven incidents that took place between January 8 and 27 February 27 in Upton, Woolton, Sutton Heath, Thatto Heath and Eccleston.

On six occasions, thieves have stolen large quantities of high-value, distinctive Asian jewellery. 

It is believed the burglaries are linked as all victims were members of the Asian community.

Merseyside's chief superintendent Louise Harrison said: "Burglary is a very personal crime and understandably the victims have been left distressed by these incidents, with high-value and often very sentimental pieces of jewellery being stolen.

"We are carrying out extensive enquiries and taking a coordinated approach to investigate them - we are examining CCTV, and making house to house enquiries as well as carrying out forensic examinations of all of the scenes, to trace those responsible."

Detectives are also working closely with members of the Asian community – officers from the force's Community Engagement team and have visited a number of community centres across Merseyside to speak with members of the community and to provide crime prevention and security advice. 

Chief Superintendent Louise Harrison continued: "Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own homes and I would ask anyone with any knowledge of these incidents to think about how they would feel if this was their home and their items?

"It is rare that people from this community have been targeted in this way and it is important that these offenders are brought to justice.

"Any information about these incidents could be vital to our investigation and I would urge anyone with any information to get in contact."

If you have any information about the burglaries call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.