Report people for wearing too much bling, urge police

A POLICE force are encouraging members of the public to report people wearing too much “bling” during the recession.

Gloucestershire Constabulary yesterday launched a campaign to urge people to shop anyone who wears too much jewellery, drives flash cars or buys expensive items from ill-gotten gains during the credit crunch.

Chief constable Dr Timothy Brain said the “Too Much Bling” campaign, run with Crimestoppers, wants people to report their suspicions of anyone they believe is living a lavish lifestyle on the profits of crime.

“In the current time of financial uncertainty, those who live a lavish lifestyle with no discernable, legitimate income become even more apparent,” he said.

“By flaunting their ill-gotten gains criminals signal contempt for everyone who works hard, and act as very poor role models for the younger members of society.

“There are certain members of the criminal fraternity for whom a prison sentence or some other form of court punishment is not a sufficient deterrent.

“Many criminals, including drug dealers and burglars, prize the trappings they have gained far more than their own liberty, and, having no need to get a legitimate job, are unconcerned by the impact a criminal record will have on their career prospects.”

Adrian Foster, from Gloucestershire Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This campaign marks a call for all members of the public to assist in ensuring that crime really does not pay in Gloucestershire.”