THE police are warning persons to take special care of their jewellery following an increase in the persons entering the 'Cash for Gold' trade as buyers and sellers; and a corresponding increase in thefts. Criminal gangs in Spanish Town are heavily involved, police said.

Police believe that the trade is flourishing during the current recession since persons are looking to convert their devaluing cash to precious metal to avoid losing out to inflation.

Gold is currently priced above US$1,098, following a 24 per cent price increase last year. Cable television broadcasts from the United States regularly feature commercials from companies seeking to buy 'your old gold'.

"This practice seems to have migrated to Jamaica where individuals are now attempting to purchase old gold jewellery from Jamaicans with the view of selling these items for a profit to the overseas companies. The phenomenon first came to the attention of the police when gangs based in Spanish Town St Catherine was observed purchasing old gold. Since then other groups, not necessarily gangs have embarked on the trade," said a release from the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Reportedly the trade is becoming ever more visible with persons driving around communities in vehicles equipped with loud speakers advertising that they are looking to buy gold. Permanent and semi-permanent premises are also springing up where persons can take their jewellery to be purchased.

However, purchasing gold without a license in Jamaica is a violation of Section 3 of the Metal and Jewellery (Control of Second Hand) Act. It is also stimulating increased criminal activity around the trade.

"Information is that members of the Clansman gang have been involved in a number of robberies in the Spanish Town area. These gang members are targeting items of jewellery. Indications also are that incidents of gold chain grabbing in the Corporate Area has increased in recent times. A number of other criminal incidents have also been linked to this trade," said the police.

They believe that the trade will encourage people to steal gold, as persons have done with scrap metal before Government banned that trade as a result. It is believed, however, that Cash for Gold could have a significantly negative impact on the crime rate.

"With the gangs actively involved, there is likely to be an increase in crimes against the person and property theft.  With a ready market for gold, just like the scrap metal trade, there is going to be a move away from acquiring gold through those who want to sell, to the sourcing of this precious metal through other criminal means.

"It is also likely this additional sources of income for gangs will only lead to a strengthening of the financial bases of these gangs.  There will be conflicts within gangs and conflicts between gangs, potentially increasing the incidents of murders and shootings."

Police are asking members of the public to take the following precautions:

1. Do not leave jewellery loosely around at home. Keep and secure jewellery in safe places known only to a few trusted persons.

2. Make regular checks on jewellery in your possession.

3. Do not leave jewellery items and other valuables (such as laptops) in vehicles especially in public parking areas.

4. Make assessments on the amount and type of jewellery worn depending on places to be visited.