Police Commissioner Donna Jones urges communities to stay vigilant during Diwali celebrations
15 October 2025
As families across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight prepare to celebrate Diwali and other cultural festivals, Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones is encouraging residents to take simple steps to help protect their homes and valuables, particularly high-value gold jewellery, which can be a target for criminals during the festive season.
PCC Donna Jones said:
“Gold jewellery holds deep cultural and emotional significance, especially during times of celebration. Sadly, we know these periods can also attract organised criminals and opportunistic thieves who target families wearing or storing visible items of value.
“Ensuring your safety and peace of mind is one of my top priorities. Police are increasing engagement with communities who may be more vulnerable to theft, offering reassurance and support throughout the festive period.
“There are also a number of simple steps you can take to deter burglars from targeting you and your home. If you have made a significant investment in gold and jewellery, please consider taking all possible precautions to protect these items.”
Top tips to keep your valuables safe
Whether you’re attending a celebration, visiting loved ones, or going about your day, consider the following advice:
- Be discreet: Think carefully about when and where you wear high-value jewellery, especially when travelling alone or on public transport.
- Secure your items: Use certified safes or bank safety deposit boxes instead of storing valuables at home.
- Enhance home security: Lock all doors and windows, and consider installing alarms, security lighting, or video doorbells.
- Keep a record: Photograph your jewellery, keep receipts and valuations, and store them separately from the items.
If you see anything suspicious, report it:
- Call 101 for non-emergencies
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Or report online at www.hampshire.police.uk
Donna Jones added: “This is a time of joy and celebration for many families in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. I want you to enjoy this season with confidence and peace of mind.
“Wishing all those celebrating a safe, peaceful, and happy Diwali.”
For more advice on how to protect your most cherished items, see the Constabulary’s crime prevention advice below:
STORAGE
- Consider keeping your gold and jewellery in a safety deposit box. There are specialist companies that provide this service. Please speak to your bank or insurance company for advice.
- If you prefer to keep high value items at home, invest in a good quality safe which complies with official insurance rating standards, secured to a brick wall or floor and is fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Gold and jewellery don’t all need to be kept in the same safe. Think about storing smaller amounts in more than one secure place; each location should have the same level of protection.
- Your insurance company will provide advice as to which type and grade of safe best suits your needs.
- Approved and tested security products awarded the Police Preferred Specification status can be found at securedbydesign.com or www.soldsecure.com
HOME SECURITY
- For advice on improving home security, such as door, patio and window locks, contact an approved locksmith registered with the Master Locksmiths Association locksmiths.co.uk
- Monitored intruder detector alarms with additional panic buttons, CCTV (including video doorbells) and security lighting can all offer added layers of protection to your home.
- Security companies (accredited by the National Security Inspectorate or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) can advise on the most suitable products for your property.
RECORD AND REGISTER ITEMS
- Register your property for free at immobilise.com
- Photograph each piece of valuable gold or jewellery against a plain background with a ruler next to it.
- Keep a written description for each item.
- Jewellery can be forensically marked with a suitable security product. Always take specialist advice before marking expensive or irreplaceable items. You can find out more about traceable liquids at securedbydesign.com
Report suspicious activity in your area to police by calling 101 or online at www.hampshire.police.uk
In an emergency always call 999.
Deaf? Non-emergency text
07781 480999
For crime and community information