SaferGems helps to catch half a million pound thief

After receiving a report of a gold and diamond necklace theft in Lincoln in September, Lincolnshire Police alerted SaferGems to the man who has now been charged with seven different offences across six counties.

Simon Watson of the Lincolnshire Police Force described how the man used a distraction technique to steal the necklace: “Pretending to buy a ring, the man approached the counter and got out his wallet to pay, then, saying he needed to speak to his wife, he walked outside and ran off. The assistant alerted the store manager to CCTV images which showed the theft of the £20,000 necklace taking place.”

Once the officer in charge sent CCTV images of the suspect to SaferGems, the organisation distributed them nationally and identified the man as being responsible for a series of similar offences across the country.

Watson continued, explaining how “an eagle-eyed jeweller in a store within the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham recognised him from the SaferGems alert and phoned it in. The suspect was apprehended and when he was searched, he was found in possession of three fake diamond rings which he is likely to have used in a distraction or substitution theft.”

Commenting on the arrest, SaferGems’ Lee Henderson said: “This is a great result. We’ve been circulating this man’s details and image to our members for over 12 months so we’re glad we’ve finally got a result!”

Co-founder of SaferGems, CEO of the National Association of Goldsmiths and Jewellery Focus columnist Michael Hoare concluded: “It’s amazing how one man could continue to get away with this for so long. That’s why we’re glad SaferGems has helped us to catch up with him. Once again we see how SaferGems is helping jewellers and police bring jewellery thieves to account.”