Jewellery holds more than just financial value — it can be deeply sentimental, passed down through generations or tied to cherished memories. Sadly, jewellery is also a common target for thieves, and with the rising value of gold and precious stones, thefts have become an increasing concern across the UK.
UK jewellery theft trends
Jewellery theft has been steadily rising in recent years (Aviva). According to police data and crime reports, there has been a noticeable year-on-year increase in thefts from homes (ADT), with almost one in every three home break-ins in England and Wales reporting a jewellery or watch theft. Opportunistic thefts like robberies — including muggings — make up a growing proportion of overall reported crimes with a 4% increase from last year (ONS).
The soaring price of gold is a key factor. In the last year alone, gold has seen a significant rise in value, meaning items that may have once been considered modest are now worth far more (gold.co.uk). Unfortunately, many people are unaware of just how much their jewellery is now worth — and as a result, are underinsured.
Is my jewellery at risk?
While any jewellery can be stolen, certain items are especially attractive to thieves:
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Gold chains and bracelets- Easy to carry, hard to trace, and quickly resold.
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Luxury watches- Brands like Rolex, Cartier, and Audemars Piguet are top targets.
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Designer jewellery can often carry a premium on the resale market.
Another high risk category is wedding and engagement rings. For many people, their wedding or engagement ring is the highest value piece they own, and as they tend to be worn every day, they can be an easy target for thieves.
Jewellery theft hotspots
Regional crime data suggests there are certain areas in the UK where jewellery theft is more common. Unsurprisingly, thefts tend to be higher in major urban areas with greater foot traffic and wealth concentration. Tourist-heavy areas are more prone to pickpocketing and bag snatches, where jewellery is often taken along with handbags or phones.
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London continues to top the list for jewellery and watch thefts, particularly in affluent boroughs such as Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, and Camden.
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Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds have also seen higher-than-average incidents, especially in city centre locations and affluent suburbs.
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Low income areas like Middlesbrough and Doncaster are also at high risk, particularly from home burglaries (ADT).
That said, no area is immune. Theft can happen anywhere, and it’s often the lack of adequate security — rather than location — that determines whether a home or individual is targeted.
Securing your jewellery: Simple steps to reduce risk
Don’t worry, you don’t need to hire a 24 hour security team to keep your valuables safe — just some smart habits and simple adjustments around the home.
Store your jewellery properly
Remember to keep precious items out of sight. Never leave jewellery on show near windows or entrances, as thieves often ‘window shop’ when casing houses. The same goes for social media — it might be tempting to post that new engagement ring or share your holiday snaps, but thieves do monitor online activity. So, avoid advertising your absence or flaunting your valuables unless you have a private account.
If you can, try not to keep all your jewellery in the same place. Store everyday pieces in one location and keep heirlooms or high-value items hidden elsewhere. A locked box in an airing cupboard or disguised in an old shoebox in the loft can work surprisingly well, or you may find it helpful to invest in a safe.
Have the right insurance
Many people assume their standard home insurance will cover jewellery — but this often isn’t the case for high value items unless they are specifically declared and valued. Jewellery should be professionally valued every few years to reflect rising gold and gem prices. Always ask for a valuation document and keep digital copies of it.
Then, check your policy limits. Most home insurance policies have a single-item limit (often between £1,000–£2,500). If your item is worth more, you’ll need to list it separately on your policy. For high-value collections or frequently worn items like engagement rings, specialist jewellery insurance may offer better protection, including worldwide cover and accidental damage.
Always keep proof of ownership. Take high-quality digital photographs of each piece of jewellery and store them — along with receipts and valuations — in a secure cloud-based storage system. This is to avoid relying solely on a home computer or laptop, as these can also be stolen if you experience a break-in.
What to do if your jewellery is stolen
If the worst happens and your jewellery is stolen, there are ways to make the claims process and recovery efforts easier. Report the theft to the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number, then notify your insurer as soon as possible and provide as much documentation as you can — be sure to include photos, receipts, valuations, and a list of stolen items.
Monitor resale sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local pawn shops. Thieves often look for a quick turnaround and may use these avenues to offload stolen jewellery quickly. You can also try asking jewellers to be on the lookout, as local shops may be willing to help if you can provide a clear photo and description. Some insurance policies include access to recovery services or jewellery tracing networks, so it’s worth checking what’s available on your plan too.
“While the rising tide of jewellery theft is worrying, the good news is that there’s plenty you can do to reduce your risk and protect what matters most. Secure storage, careful insurance, and up-to-date documentation can make all the difference — both in preventing a theft and recovering from one. To avoid accidentally purchasing stolen jewellery, always buy from reputable dealers and jewellery shops.”— Jamie Cooper, Gold Jewellery Buyer at Chapelle
