A new initiative has the aim of restricting the sale of stolen jewellery in shops which offer cash for trinkets.
‘The Gold Standard’ is a voluntary agreement in Bradford between retailers and West Yorkshire Police, which allows officers in the Bradford South and Airedale and North Bradford Divisions to inspect the stock of any retailers following reports of jewellery thefts in the area.
By signing up to this code of conduct, the shop agrees to withhold the items from sale for a short time to allow the police to make any checks. It also takes the seller’s photographic identification and gives details of its staff to a police database.
There are believed to be around 50 outlets in the Bradford area which buy and sell second hand jewellery. Police expect all will sign up to the agreement, which will highlight places where people should be able to buy jewellery without fear of obtaining stolen property.
Inspector Vicky Lawrance of the City Ward Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “This initiative will bolster the communication network which already exists through the City Centre Beat Management.
“By regulating the market for jewellery in Bradford we can directly impact upon those prepared to accumulate it through illegal means.”
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Thomas, head of crime at Airedale and North Bradford, said: “We’re hoping this initiative will build on our recent success in driving down burglary.
“Working with partners is an excellent way of reducing crime and we look forward to working with retailers across Bradford and tightening our grip on criminals who believe that the second hand jewellery market is an easy way to make some quick cash.”
Manager of the Keighley branch of Cash Converters, Gary Marsland, said: “We are happy to help West Yorkshire Police promote this latest initiative, which will not only help reduce jewellery thefts, but will also give our customers confidence to buy such items from our outlets.”
Bradford Council has also given its support to the initiative.
Councillor Imran Hussain, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council, said: “We welcome this initiative which will make it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen jewellery in Bradford.
“By allowing the police to check second-hand jewellery, retailers can be assured that they won’t be buying stolen property and customers can make purchases with increased confidence.
“The Gold Standard should also serve as a deterrent for criminals who target and traumatise victims.
“We encourage all second-hand jewellery retailers to support the programme.”
