As Las Vegas Trade Shows Return, JSA Releases Security Reminders

Las Vegas—As the industry gathers in Las Vegas for the 2021 market week, the Jewelers Security Alliance has released several security recommendations for the trade.

In the last few weeks, gangs have robbed traveling jewelry salespeople in California and Florida, JSA said in a recent email alert, adding that in the past, such gangs have targeted exhibitors and attendees of the Las Vegas trade shows.

Though the Las Vegas police and security staff are both at the events to help protect attendees, visitors still need to pay attention to security procedures.

“Attendees at these shows must be alert for crime risks,” the organization said.

Here is what JSA recommends.

1. Exhibitors should put goods in a vault at the show site as soon as they get to Las Vegas and always keep the goods there, except during show hours.

2. Exhibitors shouldn’t leave showcases unlocked except to take out or return merchandise.

3. Always control the merchandise at a booth, even when there is heavy buyer traffic, as well as during setup and break down. If there isn’t enough personnel to keep control, consider hiring a security guard.

4. Do business at the booth only; private and unauthorized hotel room business or doing business in restaurants or other public spaces present a serious security risk.

5. Don’t identify yourself as a jeweler in public places and be careful of carrying items that would also do so. Be careful discussing jewelry business in public spaces separate from the show.

6. Don’t wear your show badge after you leave the floor. When you’re leaving a show for good, don’t throw the badge away carelessly, JSA said, like in a garbage can, where anyone can grab it and use it to enter the show. 

7. Be cautious when carrying bags between shows and your hotel rooms, including laptops, large purses, and other valuable items, especially when they have jewelry-related logos, as someone could identify you as being in the business, think you’re carrying goods, and target you.

8. Be prudent when wearing high-end jewelry and watches when traveling to and from the shows or out in public spaces. Criminals in New York and L.A. have recently targeted jewelers wearing high-end goods, stealing items from them using violence.

9. Ship goods to and from the show in an armored courier service and verify end-of-show shipping arrangements before the event closes.

JSA will present a three-hour “security bootcamp” at JCK Las Vegas on Sunday, Aug. 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Room Casanova 601.

“How to Keep Your Store Safe from Today’s Criminals” is part of JCK’s Bootcamps series, which requires registration and a $125 fee. 
 
For more information or to register, go to LasVegas.JCKOnline.com. 

JSA is also exhibiting at JCK Las Vegas to answer any security questions the trade might have. Visit the team at Booth LNG 309 on Level One.