Police are urging Asian communities to protect their homes during the festival of lights after �15,000 of valuables were stolen in a series of break-ins last month.
The Met said 10 households had their festivities “ruined” by burglars who stole their possessions while they joined the religious festival of Eid in Barking and Dagenham at the end of October.
The thieves made of with around �15,900 of valuables in five raids.
Police said they broke into another five properties but left empty-handed.
The Met stressed Asian gold burglaries were a concern as communities prepared to mark Diwali, the religious festival of lights, next week.
Acting Supt Mike Hamer said: “People often think that burglary is something that happens to other people, but it can happen to anyone and it is not about what the burglars take away, it’s the loss and devastation that they leave behind.
“Please make sure that you don’t leave yourself vulnerable to burglars this autumn.”
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