West Yorkshire police have appealed for help from Asian communities to help stem a
rising tide of high-value gold jewellery thefts.
The issue is not a new one – 2023 saw a major spike in gold thefts from Asian
families across the county, with 112 reported incidents compared to just eight the
year before. Last year the number rose again, to 133, and in 2025 January alone
saw 17 thefts.
South and West Bradford have borne the brunt of these crimes but the problem has
spread across West Yorkshire and even into neighbouring regions – North Yorkshire
Police recently issued a similar warning to residents in their region.
A total of 12 people have been arrested but, said DCI Mark Atkinson, the case is far
from closed.
“Following those arrests we’ve already seen an immediate fall in reports of similar
crimes being committed but we’re taking nothing for granted,” he said. “We continue
to work with the Crown Prosecution Service to bring charges against these
individuals but the investigation is ongoing, and we’re co-ordinating with
neighbouring forces and even the National Crime Agency.
“We appeal to the community to help us with any evidence but also to take measure
to protect themselves.”
DCI Atkinson outlined a number of ways that members of the public can help:
Make sure any home CCTV or alarm systems are serviced and working
correctly
Take clear photographs of any gold jewellery
Make sure doors and windows are secured – ideally with up-to-date snap
locks
Hide gold jewellery away, if possible under lock and key
“There’s another question to consider – that any gold stolen is being sold on,
somewhere. Interestingly, in at least one case thieves have taken gold but left behind
high-value precious stones. Our assumption is that the gold is being melted down to
conceal its origins, whereas stolen stones would be more difficult to disguise,” he
continued.
“These are very serious incidents – while many thefts have taken place from houses
that were unoccupied at the time of the break-in, at least one family has been
threatened with violence when burglars entered their property while they were at
home. We’re doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice. We
appeal for anyone with information about gold being offered for sale to come forward
and contact us,” he continued.
Police held a security clinic on 1 March, in Wibsey, and further events are planned.
Detective Inspector Dennise Bell of the Bradford Crime Team added: “Throughout
our investigation we believe the suspects have used e-bikes and vehicles to target
properties. Anyone who has seen anything suspicious of this nature is asked to
come forward with information.
“We are also keen to see any doorbell footage that may have captured these
bikes/vehicles riding past properties.”
If you have been the victim of high value gold jewellery theft, you can report theft
online, by contacting police by Live Chat or by calling 101. If a crime is in ongoing,
call 999.
“The whole force is involved in this campaign, so residents can pass information to
any police station, or to any individual police officer or PCSO, and it will be handed
on to the investigating team,” DCI Atkinson added.
