PETALING JAYA: Goldsmiths have become prime targets of robbers as gold prices reach record highs.
Many are now being forced to fortify their shops with bulletproof counters and shatterproof glass, panic buttons, and enhanced CCTV systems.
While Indian goldsmiths have also increased their security personnel, they have been advised to remain alert and watchful for suspicious individuals, Malaysian Indian Goldsmith and Jewellers Association president Datuk Abdul Rasul Abdul Razak said.
“With gold prices rising to all-time highs and becoming a preferred investment in recent years, the criminals see it as easy pickings,” he said.
Abdul Rasul said goldsmiths, particularly those in rural areas, should take greater precautions to secure their businesses.
“Security should not only involve structural measures. Goldsmiths should also be fully familiar with their surroundings, including who they employ. Past cases have shown the involvement of insiders.
“Robbery gangs often plan well and are prepared after studying the movements of staff and gold suppliers,” he said.
Abdul Rasul said there should also be more meetings and dialogue between the industry and police, with greater information- sharing to help authorities pre-empt robbery attempts and solve cases.
He said those who buy and keep gold could also be targets.
“Gold is now also being sold on social media platforms by those who are not traditionally goldsmiths.
“Those who have spent so much on gold as an investment should ensure it is stored safely.
“When wearing gold, they should not leave themselves vulnerable by travelling alone to quiet places or displaying too much of their jewellery,” he said.
Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Associations of Malaysia president Pang Ann Puo said his members had also been advised to beef up security.
Pang said 98% of his members’ shops had already installed shatter-proof glass, while others had taken additional measures like installing bulletproof counters and partitions.
“Additional panic buttons, alarm systems and CCTV cameras capable of capturing clearer images are also in place.
“As part of a multi-layered security approach, we also have a central monitoring system to watch our outlets around the clock.
“This is to ensure that these stores do not become easy targets for criminals,” he said.
Both Pang and Abdul Rasul reassured gold buyers that recent cases of goldsmith shop robberies were isolated incidents and shopping for gold is safe.
Pang also said gold suppliers need to protect their stocks, as they could also become easy targets while transporting gold.
He said several meetings had been held with police over the past two years to discuss security measures at goldsmith shops, with the latest held last week.
“Sharing of information between police and industry players can go a long way in helping solve cases,” he said.
Meanwhile, Klang Selatan OCPD ACP Lim Jit Huey said district police held a meeting with goldsmiths, pawnbrokers and money changers last Wednesday to discuss crime prevention strategies and security weaknesses that could be exploited by criminals.
