Detectives seized valuable haul after raiding two addresses in south London

Police are making an appeal to trace the owners of valuable south Asian jewellery and ornaments which was seized during two raids.

Members of the south Asian community are being urged to look at the haul which has been captured in 43 images.

Brent has a high population of south Asian residents and investigating officers believe the valuables were stolen in burglaries across London and the UK.

Detective Sergeant Ian Gibson, who is leading the investigation, said: “Many of these items are unique. Some feature engravings of names and what we believe is Hindi script. There are a number of items, featuring Hindu and other religious imagery.

“Given the unique nature of these items, we suspect that they are family heirlooms or ceremonial pieces, and that they will hold sentimental value for the owners.

“We are very keen to return these items which we believe have been taken from homes across the UK. We would urge anyone who has had something like this stolen to look at the photos, even if they have never lived in London, or have moved away from the capital.”

To look at all the images visit www.flickr.com/metropolitanpolice.

Anyone who recognises their stolen goods is asked to email MaximAppeal@met.police.uk or call DS Ian Gibson on 020 8649 3980.

They can also leave a voice message and must provide the unique reference number that accompanies the photo and their name and address and a contact phone number.