Burglary victims across south London will be swarming to the Fairfield later this week hoping to reclaim up to £500,000-worth of stolen goods.

The Met Police Operation Bumblebee Roadshow comes to Croydon for the first time in four years hoping to reunite a vast collection of jewellery, paintings, furniture and other items with their rightful owners.

The free roadshow will be in the Arnhem Gallery on July 24 and 25 and will see more than 2,000 items of property on display.

Croydon Police Chief Supt Stephen Thomas told the Guardian he was expecting a big turnout though he was quick to point out anyone thinking they could lay claim to what they fancied would be sadly disappointed!

"Many of the items are extremely distinctive and easily identifiable. Crime prevention officers from all over London are working on the various stalls taking details from people who believe they have recognised their goods - it's not just a case of people turning up saying `That jewellery belongs to me!'"

He added: "The last roadshow in Croydon saw about 2,500 visitors but they have really taken off since then. The last roadshow at Epsom racecourse attracted more than 10,750 people leading to 167 items worth more than £250,000 being identified."

Each year Operation Bumblebee seizes millions of pounds worth of property and the roadshow's impressive display of property is one of the ways officers look to reunite people with their possessions.

There will also be an extensive range of crime prevention displays as well as officers with advice and free property marking pens.

The roadshow runs from 10am to 6pm on both days.

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