In these uncertain economic times, some people, who need money are cashing in thanks to gold jewelry they may have lying around.

The value of gold has sky-rocketed in recent weeks, and local jewelry stores and pawn shops have seen an influx of people bringing in their old necklaces and rings.

At Valley Pawnbroker in Staunton, manager Robert Ron says his shop works with local police to make sure they aren't taking in stolen items.

Ron explains, "We take all their information. We have to have a state ID. It gets logged into the computer and every transaction we do goes down to the police department."

If the police are called to a home burglary, one of the first places they check for the items are local pawn shops. Ron says about one percent of items sold to pawn shops nationwide are stolen goods.