A Department of Justice report has found no “major crime” involvement in the cash-for-gold sector. However, it says there are grounds for considering the introduction of some controls on the purchase of jewellery at such outlets.
The report, published yesterday by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, was commissioned after an increase in burglaries over the past two years. In 2011, they were up almost 8 per cent, compared to 2010 following a reduction in previous years. From 2005 to 2011, burglaries have increased by 4 per cent.
The report states that cheaper commercial rents for premises and the huge increase in the price of gold on international markets have contributed to the spread of the shops internationally.