Householders are being warned to keep their Asian gold secure after burglars stole �15,000 worth of jewellery from a Dagenham home, leaving a family devastated.

Asian gold is highly desirable because of its purity, according to Barking and Dagenham Police, which revealed theft of the metal has increased by 117 per cent since this time in 2010.

Among the victims are the Azim family. Their home was broken into last Tuesday, between 10.50am and 1pm. Burglars smashed the rear French windows of the house and took the Asian gold, a mobile phone and a small amount of cash.

Samiha Azim, who lives at the property together with her parents, said the stolen goods –which were insured – included her mother’s wedding necklace and ring as well as sentimental pieces from her and her brother’s childhood.

“We may get some of the money back on insurance, but much of the jewellery cannot be replaced,” the 18-year-old student said. “We’re devastated and shocked by this. We can’t believe that people can care so little for others that they take belongings that are precious to their owners. It’s disgusting.”

Det Insp Lee Barnard warned Asian householders they could be targeted: “We understand that these items are often family heirlooms and are irreplaceable. Installing a burglar alarm or renting a secure safety deposit box would be a wise investment.”

Samiha and her family, who were not home during the burglary, are also warning others.

“We don’t want any one else to go through what we are going through now and what many other families have already experienced,” Samiha said.

n Anyone who has information concerning the burglary call 020 3275 1045, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.