Police are clamping down on the popular cash-for-gold trend which they believe has contributed to crime in the Corporate Area.

Superintendent Derrick Knight of the Half-Way-Tree Police Station said police have begun targeting men who have been trading people's gold belongings for money without a licence.

"We are clamping down on them because we are seeing where it has contributed to criminal activity," Knight said.

Just yesterday, Donovan Maye pleaded guilty to dealing in second-hand jewellery without a licence in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court and was sentenced to 10 days in prison. He was also fined $200.

Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey was not pleased with this activity. She told the court it will soon lead to an increase in crime since men will start to steal gold jewellery in order to make money.

Knight, supporting RM Pusey, said this was a very serious issue.

The most recent case of cash-for-gold criminal activity occurred last Saturday when two 'traders' were held up and robbed. One was shot in his buttock during the robbery.

Police said the two men received a call that there was some unwanted gold for sale. On arrival at the location, they were robbed of their jewellery and money.

The police are also investigating whether the robbery of a jewellery store in Cross Roads, St Andrew, has any connection with the trade.