As gold prices reach record highs due to the war in the Middle East, police are stepping up efforts to prevent robberies targeting gold shops in Bangkok and other major cities.
Although authorities have arrested suspects in many previous cases, their primary goal is to prevent crimes from happening in the first place. With gold becoming increasingly valuable, jewellery stores have become attractive targets for criminals.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) invited gold shop owners to discuss ways to improve security, with the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) acting as a mediator to ensure all attempts to solve the problem are going in the same direction.
MPB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom said security measures for gold shops already exist nationwide because of the high value of gold. However, the recent surge in prices has prompted police to strengthen preventive strategies.
Crims target weak security
Pol Lt Gen Siam said criminals often conduct surveillance before committing a robbery.
They observe potential targets, paying close attention to the store's layout, security measures and operating hours. If they see strong protective systems in place, they are more likely to abandon the target and search for another shop with weaker security.
He said there are two major gold shop chains that often ignore police recommendations on security measures, and statistics show that these shops are frequently targeted.
While Pol Lt Gen Siam did not disclose the names of the chains, he said their branches are typically located inside Big C and Lotus's supermarkets. Many of these stores are situated on the ground floor near entrances and exits to attract customers and facilitate convenient shopping.
However, this convenient location can also make it easier for criminals to escape quickly after committing a robbery.
Pol Lt Gen Siam said police have attempted to engage with the two gold shop brands to encourage improved security measures. However, discussions have not progressed. He said one possible reason these gold shop brands are not tightening up their security measures is that they rely on insurance coverage to compensate for financial losses in the event of a robbery.
Despite this, Pol Lt Gen Siam said the issue goes beyond property damage. "When a robbery occurs, people nearby panic," he said. "We are concerned about the safety of the public and the shops' employees. If criminals use firearms or other weapons, innocent bystanders could be injured."
The MPB commissioner cited a recent robbery at an Aurora gold shop branch at Lotus's Sukhumvit 50 as an example of how weak security can create opportunities for criminals. Investigators found the shop lacked several basic security measures. There were no metal bars separating customers from display counters, no reinforced security doors and no security guard present. In addition, the shop door remained open even at around 11.30pm.
New security measures
Following that robbery, authorities decided stronger preventive measures were necessary. Pol Lt Gen Siam invited the president of the Gold Traders Association, major gold shop chains, and the OIC to develop new security guidelines.
The meeting resulted in nine key safety measures.
First, gold shops must install reinforced security doors that can be controlled from inside the store to screen customers before allowing entry.
Second, shops must install metal bars or grilles to separate customers from display areas.
Third, alarm systems must be installed with multiple activation points to alert nearby people who could help by acting as witnesses and notifying the police. Fourth, high-quality surveillance cameras must be installed to clearly capture suspects' faces, vehicles and escape routes.
Fifth, stores should refuse entry to customers who conceal their faces or behave suspiciously, such as wearing sunglasses or keeping motorcycle helmets on. Sixth, shops should display only a limited amount of gold at a time, typically one piece per design.
Seventh, shops should keep minimal cash on hand and display signs informing customers that they are being monitored by surveillance cameras. Eighth, emergency exits must be available for employees so they can escape safely after activating an alarm. Finally, after closing each day, shops must quickly secure all gold items in certified high-security safes.
Pol Lt Gen Siam said gold shops typically hold extremely valuable merchandise, around 150 ounces of gold per branch each day, and should adopt security measures that reflect the value of their assets.
Insurance industry steps in
OIC secretary-general Chuchat Pramunphon said insurance policies for gold shops include conditions that encourage higher safety standards, with insurance companies often offering discounts to shops that install security systems such as alarms, reinforced glass, and protective metal bars.
However, he said insurance policy conditions may need to be revised. He said the OIC plans to incorporate the MPB's proposed nine security measures into updated insurance policy requirements, adding this would allow insurers to require stronger safety measures before offering coverage.
