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Operation Nemesis Police appeal after burglars target jewellery stores on the Isle of Wight

Press Releases

Published: 20/04/2009


Police are asking businesses to check their security after a series of burglaries on the Isle of Wight.

Thieves have targeted premises containing high value jewellery in remote and rural locations across the Island several times during the past week.

Two burglaries were reported at Isle of Wight Pearl on the Military Road near Brighstone: The first during the early hours of Friday, April 10 and the second overnight between Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16.

Two burglaries were also reported at The Old Smithy in Godshill: The first taking place shortly before 1.00am on Thursday, April 9 and the second shortly after 11.00pm on Thursday, April 16.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses who might have seen any suspicious people or vehicles loitering near these businesses or any other commercial premises on the Island.

People who are offered quality jewellery to buy second hand are also asked to report their suspicious to Newport CID by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45, or calling the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Businesses that stock high value items are asked to ensure:
● Jewellery is locked away securely during closing hours.
● Burglar alarms are activated when the premises are unoccupied.
● Photographs of valuable stock are taken to help trace items that may be stolen.
● CCTV is installed and kept in good working order.
● Staff challenge and question suspicious people who visit their business during opening hours.

The Isle of Wight’s Crime Prevention Design Advisor Michala Bailey said:  “Burglary can have a substantial financial impact on companies as well as individuals. Commercial theft has the potential to put a victim out of business.

“The most important pieces of advice I give to businesses is to make sure their perimeters are secure. This includes checking gates and outbuildings are locked, and not storing tools or other items such as ladders in visible and accessible places where potential burglars could use them force entry to a premises.

“I am encouraging more businesses to take the time to mark and log their property. Etching, engraving, electronic tagging, website registration, and ultraviolet marking all assists police in tracing and recovering stolen goods, and apprehending those responsible.

“I am keen for business owners and staff to form good crime prevention habits to limit the opportunities for criminals to target their livelihoods. Individuals and companies who do become victims of crime should not be reluctant to contact the police. It is essential for us to communicate consistently with the business community. This allows our resources to be targeted effectively on the most accurate information available about the business crimes that need to be detected, prevented and reduced."

For further crime prevention advice, businesses can contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or 0845 045 45 45.


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