A leading Bradford detective has urged members of the Asian community to take security steps to avoid becoming victims of gold thieves.

Police are continuing to investigate a terrifying smash and grab raid at Kesser jewellers, in Oak Lane, Manningham, in which two masked men wielding machetes stole up to £100,000 of gold.

It was the latest of a number of gold raids in the city in recent months, which have included a husband and wife robbed of £4,000 wedding jewellery and £2,000 cash after leaving a jewellers in White Abbey Road last November.

And a family were left terrified when a masked gang toting fake guns and other weapons burst into their home in Brantwood Drive, Heaton, last September and stole gold jewellery.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark McManus said: “This latest incident indicates the lengths some are prepared to go in order to obtain expensive jewellery.

“I would urge residents, particularly within our Asian community, to consider the security of such items. They are often of particular sentimental value, and by taking some simple steps people can avoid the heartache of becoming a victim.

“Don’t make yourself an easy target by advertising jewellery in public, and keep them safely locked away when you are at home.

“I can assure members of the public that we are proactively targeting those involved in such offences and we are continuing to work closely with local jewellers.”

Sophia Bi, who was at home with her five-year-old son, disabled sister and parents, when the armed raiders struck at their bungalow in Brantwood Drive, called on police to act positively on information from the public and urged families to ‘shop’ relatives they knew were carrying out gold robberies.

She said: “We are worried about our future and that of the community. It is an increasing trend, and it is frightening that some people are prepared to rob in the street in daylight.

“A lot of people are out there who have worked hard for what they have and others are just grabbing it off them. Parents who know their children are involved should tell the police.

“I fear there will be more robberies with the wedding season coming up and people buying jewellery. I urge people to make their homes as secure as possible, and be vigilant.

“If you see anything suspicious, like a strange car outside, report it to the police, who need to act on information from the public.”