The WEEKEND Star has been informed that persons, especially females, are being targeted for by robbers for gold jewellery.

Police confirmed this yesterday, saying it is one of the spin-off of the lucrative cash-for-gold trade.

This was revealed following the attack on a woman who was walking along Young Street in Spanish Town, St Catherine, on Tuesday.

Police reports are that about 10 a.m., the woman was robbed as she walked along the busy thoroughfare.

It is understood that a man walked up to her and broke off her 14-karat gold chain from her neck.

"I was talking on the phone when the man just grabbed the chain and ran away," the distraught woman told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Police, who are investigating the robbery, revealed that in previous incidents, criminals had even abducted two victims, robbed them of their chain and other jewellery, plus wounded them.

"The fear factor is so high that persons are afraid to even wear wedding bands," a sergeant said.

Gold is fetching $2,000 per pennyweight on the street.

Meanwhile, some persons involved in the trade on the streets said they are not involved in the thefts.