Thefts of gold necklaces rocket

RISES in the value of gold have caused an explosion in the number of cases of gold necklaces being stolen by being ripped off.

In September last year, when former Paris police chief Michel Gaudin said he was putting in place an action plan to deal with the problem, police estimated there were about 10 such thefts in the capital per week. There are now more than 10 per day.

Paris police estimate between April and May this year alone the thefts increased 260%, from about 154 a month to 400.

With gold at €1,284 per ounce, up from €1,203 this time last year, its high value combined with the economic crisis is thought to be the reason for the rise. Elderly people are often targeted.

“You’ve also got to take account also of how easy it is for these criminals to steal these necklaces,” said police sources quoted in France Soir. “It’s very attractive for them because they can profit quickly; and then, with the nice weather, despite our preventative work, the necklaces are visible.”

New Paris police chief Bernard Boucault, appointed on Tuesday by Interior Minister Manuel Valls, has reacted by reinforcing police in sensitive areas in the capital and Seine-Saint-Denis.

They are also increasing checks on two-wheeler riders as such thefts are often carried out from the back of scooters or motorbikes. On Monday two youths on a scooter, who were being watched by the police, snatched necklaces off women aged 85 and 61, before being stopped.

Since the start of the year 106 people have been arrested in connection with the crime.

Increased surveillance on the streets is also being combined with more efforts to crack down on resale networks for the stolen goods. Mr Boucault has asked police to work more closely with customs officers and national federations of jewellers and gold workers.

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