CrimeSep 23, 2021
5 Men Who Fenced Stolen Diamonds Get 15 Years in Prison CrimeOct 27, 2021
How Jewelers Can Travel with Jewelry Safely
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has safety tips to share following a recent string of robberies.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has safety tips for jewelers who travel with merchandise.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has issued a list of safety tips for jewelers traveling with merchandise following a recent string of robberies.
A 67-year-old jeweler in the Borough Park neighborhood of Brooklyn was robbed around 12:30 p.m. by two men who approached his car and demanded he open his trunk, said JSA.
Following a struggle between them, the men grabbed two bags from the trunk and left in a black sedan with temporary New Jersey plates.
The incident took only 30 seconds, but the thieves took an estimated $1.2 million in jewelry.
A few miles away in the Bronx, a 27-year-old man was sitting in his car around 11 p.m. when he was approached by armed suspects. One shot in his direction while another forced him out of his car.
They drove a short distance before leaving the car with $120,000 worth of the man’s jewelry.
In Naperville, Illinois, a group of jewelry salespeople were leaving a hotel around 11 p.m. after a private showing.
Three masked individuals approached the group and stole cases of merchandise following a struggle with one of the jewelers, taking off in a van with two other people inside.
Last month in Worcester, Massachusetts, a traveling jewelry salesperson from Florida traveled to New Jersey. He rented a car in Newark and drove to Worcester, where he checked into a hotel.
The next morning, robbers were in his room, zip tying him before taking his jewelry, car keys, and his phone.
In light of these events, here are some security tips from the organization.
Don’t resist.
It’s the same advice JSA has given in many of its safety briefings, but it still holds true.
Jewelers should not resist during a robbery, at the risk of injury or death.
Do not chase after the thieves either.
“These criminals will not hesitate to use deadly force,” said JSA.
Adequate jewelry insurance should be able to make up for the loss.
“One uninsured crime loss can wipe out a lifetime of work,” warned JSA.
Drive safely.
When driving to and from locations with merchandise in tow, there are a few things salespeople should keep in mind,
After leaving a sales call, don’t drive straight back to a hotel, home, or office, but rather, drive evasively.
Drive slowly, take a few turns around the block, make a U-turn, or pull into the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant or a bank.
When traveling between home and a jewelry business, don’t always take the same route.
When you get to the destination, park as close to the door as possible.
Don’t enter or exit through a rear door or via a secluded entrance.
JSA also advises against sitting in your parked car for any length of time, before or after a sales call. Jewelry merchandise should also not be left in the car unattended.
Be wary of car trouble.
Whether it’s a flat tire or another car bumping into the vehicle, any car problems could be a sign that one is a crime target, so leave the car and get to someplace safe.
When returning a rental car, don’t gas up beforehand, said JSA.
Either just return to the car or purchase the gas through the rental car company.
“It is important to limit your exposure to risk as much as possible, whether at rental car companies, restaurants, hotels, parking lots and elsewhere,” said JSA.
Gangs have placed GPS devices on salespeople’s cars, said JSA, so take a look under the vehicle now and then.
There is technology available that can detect the presence of GPS devices.
Stay aware of the surroundings.
Jewelers carrying expensive merchandise should be especially mindful of who and what is around them.
Robbers may try distraction tactics. If someone asks for change or directions, move along.
When checking in at a hotel lobby, look around to see if anyone has followed. Do the same when driving.
Take note of any cars following one’s vehicle. It could be more than one car, said JSA, as gangs can use multiple vehicles.
Jewelers should call 911 if they get the sense someone is following them.
Make the call obvious to the suspicious person(s) and say, “I am about to be the victim of a robbery.”
If a suspect sees a victim using a cell phone in this instance, they’re less likely to pursue, said JSA.
Remember that even when not carrying jewelry, being in a jewelry store holding a bag makes one a target.
Jewelers should also avoid taking jewelry merchandise to their homes.
Loose lips sink ships.
Only share travel plans with the people who need to know them.
Information about flights, departure and arrival times, hotels, rental cars, and locations to be visited should be kept confidential.
Retailers and traveling salespeople should stay in touch with one another and work together to ensure everyone’s safety.
When a salesperson drives away from the store, for example, the retailer should keep an eye out to see if anyone is following them.
For more information, visit the JSA website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
SourcingAug 19, 2025
Dubai’s Jemora Group Buys Diamond Miner LucapaThe investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry RetailSmith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally RecognizedThe MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesAug 19, 2025
Casio America Names New Timepiece Division ManagerCasio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.
Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on PointOriginally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the YearAllison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in ManufacturerIts investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing DirectorNicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
