Shatter needs to act as ‘gold’ robberies spike says TD

Alan Shatter

FIANNA Fáil TD Billy Kelleher has called on Justice Minister Alan Shatter to regulate the ‘cash-for-gold’ sector amid a worrying increase in robberies where gold jewellery appears to be the main target.

Deputy Kelleher said: “The Minister for Justice, despite his bullish rhetoric, from the opposition benches, has proved to be very soft on crime.  In one area of my own constituency there has been a spate of break-ins.  I have been made aware of cases where older people who were at mass in broad daylight had their homes broken into and valuables, particularly gold jewellery is being targeted.”

Minster Shatter has to get tough on this type of crime. “It is too easy altogether for these criminals to sell on the gold to make quick cash and it is impossible to ever get the jewellery back.

“In November last year Minister Shatter said his Department was working on a report on the criminal justice aspects of the ‘cash-for-gold’ trade in Ireland.  It is clear that the sale of gold and jewellery has increased significantly in last couple of years and deterrents should be put in place to prevent gold from being sold on so easily.  I believe that proof of original purchase or ownership should be required by a seller and the Government should move to act on this issue urgently.”