EditorsNov 15, 2024
Why Fine Jewelry Belongs at New York Comic ConSenior Editor Lenore Fedow makes the case for why more jewelers should be appealing to nerds at the annual event.
CrimeFeb 28, 2017
Jewelry Store Distraction Thefts ‘Rampant,’ JSA Says
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has issued another bulletin warning retailers of small bands of distraction thieves who are hitting jewelry stores around the country.
New York--The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has issued another bulletin warning retailers of small bands of distraction thieves who are hitting jewelry stores around the country, a problem JSA President John J. Kennedy said is “rampant” in the industry right now.
A continuation of the trend first noted by the JSA in October, the three latest incidences involved jewelry stores in Ohio, Maryland and Texas.
The most recent distraction theft relayed by the JSA happened Feb. 23 in St. Clairsville, Ohio, which is located near Wheeling, West Virginia.
While viewing the pieces, they were able to distract the associate and take one gold chain.
On Feb. 21 in Hanover, Maryland, the JSA said that the man pictured below at the far right distracted store employees while the other two men stole a “high-end” watch.
Anyone with information about this particular crime is asked to call Corporal William Seekford of the Anne Arundel (Maryland) Police Department at 410-222-2400.
Prior to that, a husband-and-wife team are suspected in the theft of a high-end gold watch from a jewelry store in Dallas on Nov. 9.
They allegedly asked to see several watches and while there were three or four on the counter, the man put his hand over one of them, distracted the employee and slipped the watch into his jacket pocket.
His wife added to the distraction by trying on a watch and holding her arm up in the air at the same time.
According to the JSA, other tactics used in this string of distraction thefts including reaching into showcases, using wrapping paper or boxes as a method of distraction or concealment, or covering up items with a large purse while counting out a cash payment.
While the uptick in distraction thefts is recent, there is nothing new about certain types of jewelry crime surging, Kennedy said.
In 2014, the industry witnessed what JSA described as an “explosion” in the number of smash-and-grab robberies,
crimes where the perpetrators were entering jewelry stores with hammers and smashing up display cases.
But the numbers fell in 2015 after police arrested about 70 people in Detroit, Oakland, California, and Texas who were members of two fairly large, separate gangs perpetrating the attacks.
The recent spate of distraction thefts is thought to be the work of numerous small groups of individuals, Kennedy said.
The JSA advises that store owners and their employees show only one item at a time and keep showcases locked except when they are removing or returning merchandise.
In addition, the JSA provided a list of characteristics common among these recent distractions thefts.
They include: suspects ask to see a large number of items--typically heavy gold chains and watches-- that they have placed or spread out on the showcase; they enter in groups of two, three, four or more, often with babies in their arms or children in strollers to project a sense of innocence; they find a reason to suddenly leave at the point of sale but promise to return; and they speak in a foreign language that was described by one sales associate as “an unknown European language.”
But the numbers fell in 2015 after police arrested about 70 people in Detroit, Oakland, California, and Texas who were members of two fairly large, separate gangs perpetrating the attacks.
The recent spate of distraction thefts is thought to be the work of numerous small groups of individuals, Kennedy said.
The JSA advises that store owners and their employees show only one item at a time and keep showcases locked except when they are removing or returning merchandise.
In addition, the JSA provided a list of characteristics common among these recent distractions thefts.
They include: suspects ask to see a large number of items--typically heavy gold chains and watches-- that they have placed or spread out on the showcase; they enter in groups of two, three, four or more, often with babies in their arms or children in strollers to project a sense of innocence; they find a reason to suddenly leave at the point of sale but promise to return; and they speak in a foreign language that was described by one sales associate as “an unknown European language.”
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsNov 15, 2024
Marie Lichtenberg Battles Counterfeits with New ‘Raiz’in Scapular’ DesignsThe latest “Raiz’in” drop showcases a newly designed “Scapular” necklace and donates a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish France.
WatchesNov 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: Citizen’s Commemorative Pocket WatchNo. 1 out of 100, the timepiece was created to mark Citizen’s 100th anniversary and will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s next month.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Recorded WebinarsNov 15, 2024
Watch: 10 Tips to Keep Your Jewelry Store Secure On the latest episode of “My Next Question,” two experts share best practices for store security during the holidays and year-round.
Weekly QuizNov 14, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 14, 2024
18th-Century Diamond Necklace Sells for Nearly $5M Sotheby’s sold the necklace, which potentially has ties to Marie-Antoinette, for $4.8 million to a woman bidding via phone.
MajorsNov 14, 2024
Saks Fifth Avenue Cancels Holiday Light DisplayInstead of its usual elaborate display, the store will illuminate its façade and frame the windows to highlight its flagship’s architecture.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
WatchesNov 14, 2024
Grand Seiko Partners With Ben Bridge on First Hawaii Store The new Grand Seiko boutique is located in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood.
SourcingNov 13, 2024
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2025 Trip Eleven spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
Aga Khan Emerald Sells for $8.8M, Sets RecordThe emerald brooch-turned-pendant returned to auction after 55 years, setting a world record for most expensive emerald sold at auction.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
‘Exceptional’ Burmese Ruby Ring Tops $5M at Auction Phillips also sold a 1.21-carat fancy red diamond dubbed the “Red Miracle” for more than $1 million at its jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Ariana Grande, Anya Taylor-Joy Star in Holiday Jewelry CampaignsFrom Swarovski to Tiffany & Co., jewelry retailers are enlisting celebrities to highlight their holiday offerings.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Royal Chain’s New Catalog Is Out NowThe 2024-2025 book introduces hundreds of new designs.
FinancialsNov 12, 2024
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels Continue to Shine for Richemont Richemont’s jewelry sales ticked up 2 percent in the first half of the year, while watch sales plummeted 17 percent.
GradingNov 12, 2024
GIA’s Next-Day Services Return for the HolidaysOffered by the lab since 2016, the holiday season special is good from now through mid-December.
CollectionsNov 12, 2024
Mikimoto and Chrome Hearts Blend Aesthetics in New CollaborationThe “Mikimoto Chrome Hearts” jewelry brings pearls from Mikimoto together with distinctive motifs from Chrome Hearts.
CollectionsNov 08, 2024
Piece of the Week: Larkspur & Hawk’s ‘Tapestry Lily’ Earrings These earrings use flat-backed white quartz to create a window onto an antique ribbon embroidered with a floral design.
Events & AwardsNov 08, 2024
AGTA Reveals Spectrum, Cutting Edge Award Winners for 2024This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards included a new category for engagement rings and a new award highlighting female designers.
FinancialsNov 08, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Fall 13%Plus, CEO Beth Gerstein shares her insight on the holiday season and the possibility of new tariffs.
TrendsNov 07, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Golden and Blue November HuesThe month’s birthstones, citrine and blue topaz, reflect the changing colors of the season.
CollectionsNov 07, 2024
Sidney Garber Collaborates With Carey Lowell on Capsule CollectionThe “Carey Lowell x Sidney Garber” collection stems from the friendship between the jewelry designer and ceramicist.
MajorsNov 07, 2024
Ritani Debuts ‘No-Fuss’ Holiday TV CampaignThe two ads highlight diamond engagement rings and diamond studs with a straightforward approach.
Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearIn 2025, the nonprofit plans to continue its support of longstanding partners while also allocating some funds to a new initiative.
AuctionsNov 06, 2024
Two Rolexes With Ties to Titanic Head to AuctionThe Rolex watches are from the collection of “Titanic” co-producer Alfred “Al” Giddings and will go up for sale at Sotheby’s next month.
FinancialsNov 06, 2024
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Q3The Danish jewelry company plans to open up to 150 concept stores this fiscal year.
GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelThe location will close by the end of the year due to it being financially unsustainable, GIA said.
