‘Cops and jewellers at fault for thefts’

The recent spate of dacoities has left jewellers feeling very insecure. DNA speaks to Dinesh Jain, director of All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation on the subject.

Do jewellers feel specifically targeted?
Jewellers are soft targets as jewellery can be liquidated quickly. Just stealing a gold chain can net them upto Rs25,000.

Who do you think is responsible for the dacoities at jewellery shops?
We hold the police responsible, as they need to maintain law and order. But we hold jewellers equally responsible for not adopting adequate security measures.

Would you say the police have failed to maintain law and order?
We would not call it a failure. I’m sure dacoits are giving the police a tough time. We have faith in the police.

What will the federation do to prevent robberies in the future?
We plan to educate jewellers on safety measures and the benefits of installing security systems. They should also employ at least three armed guards. We are planning a road-show on the same soon.

What safety measures are being taken?
There is a preconceived notion that all jewellers are rich, but 60 per cent of them have invested their money in the business. It is not easy for every jeweller to adopt hi-tech security measures. We have requested the government to give us some subsidies.

Are security gadgets a necessity?
Yes,they are.

What about arms? Do jewellers have guns?
Some jewellers have applied for arms licenses, but there have been instances where having arms did not really help.

(As told to Somendra Sharma)