DID YOU RECOVER ANY OF THE STOLEN ITEMS?

May 10, 2012

This is the first question that people ask me. Where do you look to recover stolen gold jewelry from your family? Around here the following items are being stolen in this order: money, pain meds, gold jewelry and old coins. These items are small and easy to "Grab and Go". Gold jewelry will bring in the most money at $1,584 an ounce.

So you had your jewelry appraised which is great for insurance purposes but won't necessarily help find grandmother's gold necklaces.

Since you discovered the theft and called the police, start making your list of stolen items as you clean up and put things away. The list will be one of the first things the police will ask for, in addition to the list of any suspects.

Remember time is of the essence if you are going to recover any items. The thieves you are dealing with are most likely drug addicts and will have sold your stuff within 24 hours. Now make sure you let the police deal with the thieves. You can keep the police informed. However, you cannot threaten the thieves to have to repay you, at least not until they have been actually charged. Use your insurance company.

The store or shop that purchased your stolen items cannot return them directly to you. It is stolen goods and has to be turned over to the police. Even after the state trooper showed me the recovered jewelry, he has to keep it as evidence. They take pictures for your file.

You may want to look up stolen goods regulations for Licensing of Second Hand Precious Metals and Objects Dealers and Pawn Brokers. Most states have them. See a few links in May 1 2012 blog "So You Have Been Robbed, Now What?"

• Some states have stricter laws than others. A good example is Maryland: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/pm/pmadvisoryid.
  
• Some states require dealers to keep items for 24 hours to as long as 30 days. Best to Google your state plus regulations for licensing Second Hand Precious Metal and Objects Dealers.
  
• Remember the shops that buy gold and precious metals are in business to make money. So when they have x number of necklaces, they ship them to the smelter in batches.
  

Remember State Police and County or City sheriffs don't have time to go to all the places that buy gold jewelry. This is your chance to play detective.

• First check out all the places within five mile radius of your house. Begin with the jewelry and gift shops that have a sign in their window, "we buy gold". You will be shocked to see how many places do. Look at Pawn shops second unless you get a heads up about a place that gives good prices.
  
• You can call ahead but be prepared for a cool reception from some of them. A nice jewelry store does not want to get a reputation of dealing with drug dealers and addicts.
  
• You also need a case number from the investigating officer before they will talk to you. Get that as soon as possible.
  
• The most effective way is a face to face to present your list of stolen items plus descriptions, sizes, number of carat gold and any markings like engravings and list of suspects.
  
• Provide the dealer with a list of stolen items and possible suspects for them to keep. Also provide your own identification and contact phone number.