When my necklace snapped and the chain and pendant fell to the floor, I considered it an accident – but then someone else joined me on the floor to scramble around hunting for lost jewellery. Was there a thief in our midst, tugging on the chains that decorated the necks of wealthy women in the hope of stealing their jewels?

This theory was tested when my cousin BB left her handbag stuffed with costume jewellery in full view on the hotel reception desk. I wasn’t sure if this was a deliberate act on her part, but I removed her credit card from her purse to minimise the potential for damage, should the thief make a visit. Sure enough, within minutes, the bag was gone.