A SCHEME to create a Londonwide network of volunteers to help combat Asian families being targeted for their ceremonial gold jewellery is being set up by the Met Police.

Volunteers would provide a link between police and London's diverse communities, to make families aware of the support available for improving their personal safety and protecting their homes and jewellery.

Two people from each of London's 32 boroughs are being sought - with anyone welcome to come forward, regardless of their race, sex or religious beliefs.

Volunteers would form the Family Gold Network, which has its inaugural meeting at New Scotland Yard on Sunday, October 12.

The Met has had a specialist team working as part of Operation Nugget, to combat the increase in burglaries where the sole purpose is to steal gold jewellery. Many of the households affected being from Asian communities.

In a two-month spell last year, there was a 10% fall in burglaries where gold jewellery was stolen, compared to the same period the previous year. Police made a total of 66 arrests.

Next weekend (Sunday, October 12) there is a pre-Diwali event in Trafalgar Square, which is expected to bring hundreds of celebrants together from the Asian community for music, dance and food ahead of the official festival day on October 23.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Family Gold Network, contact the co-ordinator, Heena Patel, on heena.familygoldnetwork@hotmail.com