Hitchin residents who own valuable gold jewellery are being urged to take extra security precautions following a warning from Hertfordshire Constabulary about burglars targeting homes containing expensive items.

Police have issued the advice as families across the county celebrate religious festivals and other special occasions, when valuable jewellery may be worn more frequently.

Officers say criminals sometimes target properties they believe contain large collections of gold and other expensive jewellery, particularly when homes are left unoccupied.

Residents are being advised to be discreet when wearing high-value jewellery in public and to consider storing expensive items in a secure location away from their homes.

Detective Superintendent Ant Alcock, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Local Policing Command, said: "Some families who have large collections of valuable jewellery, and in particular high value gold, have been targeted by criminals in the past.

"Wearing lots of gold and jewels can draw unwanted attention from criminals, so we recommend keeping it hidden if you are out and about.

"Burglars tend to target houses that are empty, particularly if they are not very well-secured. Taking basic steps to secure your home can be enough to deter many burglars.

"If you have made a significant investment in gold and jewellery, it makes sense to take all possible precautions to protect these items."

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Police have issued the following advice to help Hitchin households protect their valuables and reduce the risk of burglary:

• Store valuables securely: Consider keeping expensive gold and jewellery in a safety deposit box rather than at home. Contact your bank to explore available options.
• Install security equipment: Doorbell cameras, internal cameras and monitored burglar alarms can help protect properties.
• Secure doors and windows: Ensure doors are double locked and windows are closed and locked, even when leaving home for a short period.
• Improve outdoor security: Install dusk-to-dawn lighting and make sure boundary fences and side gates are secure.
• Make your home look occupied: Use timer switches to operate lights, radios or simulated televisions when nobody is home.
• Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid leaving jewellery, keys and other expensive possessions where they can be seen through windows.
• Record valuable possessions: Photograph expensive items and keep a secure inventory containing descriptions and estimated values.
• Protect jewellery when travelling: Keep valuable items in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage.
• Consider forensic marking: Products such as SelectaDNA and SmartWater can help police identify stolen property, although specialist advice should be sought before marking particularly valuable or irreplaceable jewellery.

Police say that taking relatively simple security measures can make a significant difference in deterring opportunistic burglars.

The force is particularly encouraging families with substantial collections of gold jewellery to consider whether keeping these items at home is necessary.

Residents can find further crime prevention advice, including information about protecting valuable jewellery and improving home security, on the Hertfordshire Constabulary website⁠.

Learn more about Arena Security - Hitchin's local provider of security solutions.