High-value Asian gold theft crisis continues as two more homes targeted

Two housebreakings have taken place in Bathgate and Armadale, prompting an appeal for information from Police Scotland, after gold worth £27,000 was stolen from one home.

The Evening Times has recently been covering the crisis which has been sweeping Scotland and other parts of the UK in recent years.

READ MORE: Glasgow cops working with English forces to catch brazen jewel thieves

The new West Lothian incidents are believed to have taken place between 7pm and 9pm on Wednesday, March 13, at addresses in Bridgend Park, Bathgate, and Mallace Avenue, Armadale.

After entry was forced to the properties, large quantities of high-value gold jewellery were stolen from the homes.

Thefts of high-value Asian gold peak around wedding season and religious holidays

Efforts to establish the full value of the items taken from Armadale are ongoing. However, jewellery worth over £27,000 was stolen from the Bathgate address.

Officers believe both break-ins are linked and inquiries, so far, have identified that a black Audi A4 or S3 - which was seen in the area of the Cupcake Café and Bar in Bathgate later that evening - is involved.

We reported just last month how a dedicated team tasked with solving the thefts across the West of Scotland is collaborating with officers from other forces in England.

READ MORE: High-value gold theft crisis - Arrests made as Glasgow cops target jewel thieves after raids

As exclusively revealed by us, around 30 arrests have been made in the hunt for jewel thieves with around £2 million worth of goods stolen across Scotland since July 2017.

The crimes were related to the Govan, Dalmarnock, Bellshill and Kilmarnock areas. However, only £70,000 worth of gold has been recovered.

Two high-value thefts in Uddingston recently left victims devastated at the loss of sentimental items.

DI John Morrison is leading 'Operation Suitcase' to crack down on the crime gangs

The Evening Times understands a spate of similar burglaries have taken place across North Lanarkshire - and Stirling and Fife - since the New Year. It is believed many more have taken place since then.

READ MORE: Gran, 64, 'distraught' as thieves ransack family home to steal gold jewellery worth thousands

Anyone with information on the West Lothian incidents is now being asked to come forward.

Constable Marc Lunn, from the West Lothian Community Investigation Unit, said: “The theft of this jewellery has left the owners deeply upset and we are eager to ensure it is returned to them.

“I would ask anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in either Bathgate or Armadale on Wednesday evening to contact police immediately.

“In particular, we are keen to hear from motorists who were on the B8047 and who may have dashcam footage that captures the Audi we believe to be involved.

READ MORE: High-value gold theft crimewave continues as another reported near Glasgow

“It is likely the suspects will look to sell on the stolen goods and so, if members of the public are approached by anyone looking to offload Asian gold jewellery with no proof of ownership, please decline and get in touch with us.

“I would also remind those living in the local area to remain vigilant and contact Police Scotland on 101 if you see any suspicious behaviour. Always, dial 999 if you see a crime in progress.”

Those with information can contact officers at West Lothian’s Community Investigation Unit via 101, quoting incident number 3836 of March 13 for Bridgend Park incident, or incident number 4257 of March 13 for Mallace Avenue incident.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is offering a cash reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the capture of those responsible.

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