Gold prices on the rise: robbers eyeing ornaments!

Mangaluru: Even as the price of gold is going sky high, cases of gold robbery are also gaining pace. This has created fear among gold merchants, buyers and those who have kept gold in their homes.

The gold robbery cases which have occurred within Mangaluru police commissionerate are proof enough for the above state fact. On Ganeshotsav day, robbers made off with 3 kg of gold from a jewellery shop located at Bunder. On Sep 3^rd, a gang of robbers barged into a house at Irvatturu, tied up the couple within the house, and stole gold worth lakhs of rupees at gun point. According to police sources, altogether 14 cases of gold robbery have been reported from various police station within Mangaluru commissionerate between the months of July-August. Instances of chain snatching from the neck women is also on the rise and it is well advised for the people to take precaution.

Search operation, awareness

The cops have considered the gold robbery cases seriously and are getting ready to take strict action. Searches are being conducted at prominent lodges in the city. A strict eye is being kept on those who have arrived from outstations, sellers and on beggars, inform police sources. Information is being provided to the people during police beat.

In the backdrop of robbery at jewellery shop, a shopkeepers meeting was held under the leadership of ACP Bhaskar Okkaliga on Thursday. The businessmen were advised to take precautionary measures.

What should the shopkeepers do?

Precautionary measures should be taken for the safety of the shop. The jewellery must be insured and CCTV cameras must be installed. Appoint security guards. The gold must be kept within a locker o a strong room.

Price of 1 gram gold to increase by Rs 314 within a month

On Aug 5^th, a gram of gold cost Rs 3,390 which by Sep 5^th rose to Rs 3,680, and increase of Rs 290. A gram of 24 karat gold which cost Rs 3,738 has risen to Rs 4,052, which is an increase of Rs 314.

Do not ignore security

Owners of all the gold shops in the city should not ignore security and take precautionary measures. On noticing any suspicious persons near the shop, immediately inform the police – Prashant Shet, secretary, DK district gold merchants association

Take care when people from outstation visit shops or houses. Provide information to police regarding suspicious people – Laxmi Gansh, DCP (Crime and Traffic), Mangaluru

Become members of the beat

People should come forward to join the police beat. Information will be provided there. Contact will police will also be available – Dr| Harsha P S, Mangaluru Police Commissioner