Warning over gang of jewellery thieves
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ASIAN families have been warned to remain vigilant after a spate of burglaries involving the theft of high value gold jewellery.
Twelve incidents have been reported since April of Asian men purporting to be cavity wall insulation salesmen preying on homes in Broadfield, Tilgate, Langley Green, Pound Hill, Gossops Green, Maidenbower, Furnace Green and Southgate.
Witnesses have reported a group of around six young Asian males and an Asian woman with a limp.
The suspects have been posing with fluorescent waistcoats and holding clipboards as part of their disguise.
A large amount of jewellery has been taken during the daylight burglaries.
The group is said to target Asian homes until they find one that is unoccupied then force the doors or windows to gain entry and steal jewellery.
DC Jez Basting, from Crawley CID, said: “We would like to hear from anyone in Crawley who knows anything about these offences or have been approached by these men who claim to be salesmen.
“This is a timely reminder to all homeowners to always ask for identification of sales people who come to the door, as those who are legitimate will be able to provide this.”
Ashwin Soni, governer of Gurjar Hindu Union, at the Apple Tree Centre, Ifield, said: “Our members have suffered a lot, there’s a lot of fear and worry in the community. Some people are so worried they don’t go out at night, they are too petrified.
“We understand this gang has really run riot in Crawley and we are really frightened because we don’t know what violence they can get up to.”
Mr Soni said Chief Inspector Steve Curry had arranged for an expert to visit the Apple Tree Centre to discuss home security.
One man has been arrested in connection with the burglaries but released without charge.
He is now being investigated in relation to immigration offences.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting serial number 619 of 06/07 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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