A prolific gold thief is responsible for a spate of burglaries in York.
Police are investigating ten burglaries at homes on the east side of York. All are believed to be linked and included gold jewellery.
The first occurred on Saturday 21 January and most recent was last Sunday (16 March)
Tomorrow (Friday), detectives are to feature the offences on BBC Crimewatch.
All the victims are predominantly of Asian heritage. It’s believed that addresses are being targeted and the suspect or suspects are using surveillance to scope out the property prior to committing the break-in.
In Fulford, one victim had over £100,000 worth of gold stolen.
The jewellery had been accumulated over generations by the victim’s daughter and she was due to wear it at her up-coming wedding.
In another incident a victim had a suitcase stolen which contained £6,000 in cash, £6,000 worth of jewellery and further sentimental items including his dead wife’s death certificate.
The CCTV still above was captured at one of the burglaries on Kirkham Avenue in Heworth.
Police want to hear from anyone who can help them identify the person pictured .
Tomorrow morning (Friday) DCI Shaun Page will be in the studio of Crimewatch Live at 10.45am on BBC One to urge local communities as well as people from across the country to come forward with any information that may assist our investigation.
Det Ch Inspector Shaun Page said: “This spate of gold burglaries is concerning, and a full investigation is underway.
“I believe that there is information within the local community that will help us, and I’m hopeful that tomorrow’s appeal on BBC’s Crimewatch will generate positive lines of enquiry.
“In the meantime, our neighbourhood policing team is working closely with our local communities to issue crime prevention advice.
“ I would urge anyone who has gold within their property to be aware that the price of gold has recently surged, please think about simple steps that you can take to deter thieves away from your property.”