Selling stolen gold is to get tougher for jewellery thieves as pawnbrokers and second-hand shops sign up to a police code of conduct.

As exclusively revealed in the Telegraph & Argus in January, the Gold Standard is a voluntary agreement between retailers and police.

Now police say they are confident that all retailers who buy and sell second hand jewellery in Bradford will sign up.

Under the scheme shops agrees to stop selling items for a short time to allow police to inspect them. Staff will also take the seller’s photograph identification and give details to police.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Thomas, of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “We’re hoping this initiative will build on our recent success in driving down burglary.

“Working with partners is an excellent way of reducing crime and we look forward to working with retailers across Bradford and tightening our grip on criminals who believe that the second hand jewellery market is an easy way to make some quick cash.”

The manager of the Keighley branch of Cash Converters, Gary Marsland, said: “We are happy to help West Yorkshire Police promote this latest initiative, which will not only help reduce jewellery thefts, but will also give our customers confidence to buy such items from our outlets.”

Bradford Council is also backing the scheme.