Detectives in Enfield are investigating three burglaries in Enfield, in which more than £100,000 worth of jewellery was stolen.
The three offences were all committed in the last week and residents are being advised to ensure their home security is as up-to-date as possible.
On Saturday, 17 November at 20:28hrs, officers were called to Lindal Crescent, Enfield, to reports of an aggravated burglary.
A 76-year-old woman was found who reported that three masked men had broken into her home.
The victim said her door had been forced open by one of the men and two others had then pushed her to the floor and cut a gold chain off her neck. Bracelets were then snatched from both of her wrists.
One of the suspects produced a screwdriver and threatened to kill her as the other two performed an untidy search of the house. The victim sustained injuries to her wrist. In total, more than £1,000 worth of jewellery was stolen.
On Monday, 19 November, at 20.28hrs, officers responded to reports of another aggravated burglary at an address in Morton Way, Enfield.
On this occasion, five men dressed in black, wearing face coverings and gloves, targeted an address where a 75-year-old man and his 63-year-old wife were watching TV with their 75-year-old friend.
One of the burglars entered the property by breaking the bottom pane of glass from the back door and crawling through. This man was armed with a screwdriver in one hand and a knife in the other. He was then joined by four others.
The three victims were forced into the kitchen where they were forced to remove any gold jewellery they were wearing. They were then questioned about the whereabouts of valuables. During the course of this interrogation, one of the suspects sprayed them in the face with an unknown substance. This caused a burning sensation to the women’s face, however she has not suffered any lasting injuries.
Two of the suspects remained with the three victims in the kitchen, whilst the others conducted an untidy search of the rest of the property. After approximately one hour the suspects asked for the keys to the back door and fled.
Three of the men were described as speaking with an Eastern European accent, the other two with London accents.
The suspects stole a total of £30,000 worth of jewellery.
Another burglary took place at an address in Townsend Avenue, Enfield on Friday, 16 November.
Police were called after the homeowner returned to find her back door had been forced open.
It is believed that £500 cash was stolen along with several items of jewellery including a £12,000 Rolex watch, £15,000 diamond engagement ring, a £5,000 engagement ring, a Cartier watch and a Jimmy Choo Handbag. In total approximately £70,000 of property was stolen.
Detective Inspector Paul Ridley from North Area CID said: “These were terrifying attacks against elderly people who were confronted in their homes by armed burglars. The victims were threatened while the suspects ransacked their homes.
“I can reassure residents that extra high visibility patrols have been deployed in the area. All of these burglaries targeted high-value ‘Asian gold’ and I would strongly recommend that residents review their home security in line with the burglary prevention advice which has been issued by the Met.
“I would urge any members of the public that may have witnessed any of these offences to come forward as well as anyone who may have been offered the stolen jewellery for sale.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Enfield CID via 101, or by tweeting @MetCC.
Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
No arrests have been made.
Burglary advice is available on the Met’s website at: www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary
