CrimeNov 08, 2021
Police Searching for Suspect in Jewelry Store Bomb Scare CrimeNov 22, 2021
CA Malls See Wave of Smash-and-Grabs Carried Out by Groups
The latest happened Nov. 15, when nine suspects smashed up the showcases at a mall jewelry store in Concord, California.
New York—Small gangs of smash-and-grab robbers have been hitting mall jewelry stores in recent months, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said, including a recent robbery involving nine suspects who targeted a store in California.
According to the Concord Police Department, on Nov. 15 around 7:30 p.m., nine people armed with hammers entered the Iceberg Diamonds store in Sun Valley Mall.
They started smashing the display cases and stealing jewelry. Employees who tried to intervene were kept back by the robbers.
Some customers inside the mall called 911, mistaking the sound of the hammers hitting the showcases and glass breaking for gunshots.
No one was injured in the robbery, but the nine individuals escaped before police arrived, Concord PD said.
In its most recent email alert, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance noted the Concord robbery is one of several smash-and-grabs carried out by groups of three to seven individuals—or, in this case, nine—at mall jewelry stores in California.
According to JSA, there were similar incidences in Milpitas, California on May 20; Hayward on May 21; Daly City on Sept. 15; and San Jose on Oct. 28 and 29.
Anyone with information in any of these cases is asked to contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
Related stories will be right here …
According to the Concord Police Department, on Nov. 15 around 7:30 p.m., nine people armed with hammers entered the Iceberg Diamonds store in Sun Valley Mall.
They started smashing the display cases and stealing jewelry. Employees who tried to intervene were kept back by the robbers.
Some customers inside the mall called 911, mistaking the sound of the hammers hitting the showcases and glass breaking for gunshots.
No one was injured in the robbery, but the nine individuals escaped before police arrived, Concord PD said.
In its most recent email alert, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance noted the Concord robbery is one of several smash-and-grabs carried out by groups of three to seven individuals—or, in this case, nine—at mall jewelry stores in California.
According to JSA, there were similar incidences in Milpitas, California on May 20; Hayward on May 21; Daly City on Sept. 15; and San Jose on Oct. 28 and 29.
Anyone with information in any of these cases is asked to contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
In the same email alert that included information on the Concord robbery, JSA noted another recent smash-and-grab, this one committed by a lone male suspect at a jewelry store in Tacoma, Washington on Nov. 16.
JSA has a list of tips for staying safe and mitigating losses in the event of a grab-and-run robbery. They include the following.
— Do not resist in a smash-and-grab robbery. A hammer can be a dangerous weapon and the suspects may be armed with guns as well.
— Audible glass breakage alarms on showcases can scare away smash-and-grab robbers.
— Place cameras at eye level both inside and outside the store. Ceiling cameras are not as effective, as they generally capture useless photos of the top of heads or hats.
— Spread out high-end watches and loose diamonds among several showcases. This can help reduce loss in the event of a smash and grab.
— Use burglary-resistant laminated glass on the front and sides of showcases as well as special frames that can withstand many blows with a hammer.
JSA said it hasn’t seen robbers take retaliatory action when laminated glass is used.
The right glass and frames can prevent grab-and-run robberies entirely or will only yield enough to create a small opening. This reduces the amount of product robbers can grab and could result in them getting cut when they reach in, leaving behind DNA evidence in the form of blood.
For more security recommendations, including holiday- and event-specific safety tips, watch National Jeweler’s latest webinar featuring Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff in conversation with JSA President John J. Kennedy and Berkley Asset Protection co-founder and Executive Vice President Greg Smith.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
CrimeNov 02, 2021
Graff Gets Hit by Ransomware Attack
CrimeOct 27, 2021
How Jewelers Can Travel with Jewelry SafelyMore on Crime
The Latest
SurveysMay 19, 2022
5 Predictions for Jewelry Retail in the Second Half of 2022From a slowdown in sales growth to rising costs, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.
MajorsMay 19, 2022
As It Nears 75, Here’s How Grandview Klein Stays CompetitiveOnce a part of Julius Klein Group, the diamond company combines its direct supply and cutting expertise with a keen eye to the future.
SourcingMay 19, 2022
De Beers’ Rough Sales Up 21% So Far This Year One analyst cited rising diamond prices and the sanctions on Alrosa as contributing factors.
Brought to you by
Dive into GIA’s Pearl ExpertiseWhen it comes to knowing the identity and quality of your pearls, count on GIA as your independent pearl experts.
CollectionsMay 19, 2022
Brilliant Earth Collaborates with Jade TrauThe two have partnered on a capsule collection.
Weekly QuizMay 19, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
MajorsMay 19, 2022
Jewelers Mutual Adds 2 Industry Veterans to Its Board John A. Green of retailer Lux Bond & Green and Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé have joined the board of directors as of May 18.
FinancialsMay 18, 2022
Watches of Switzerland’s Jewelry Sales More Than Doubled in Q4The retailer also said demand for Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet watches continues to exceed its supply.
Brought to you by
A.I. Grading is Changing Conversations at the Retail CounterAdvanced technology levels the playing field, helping jewelers give customers what they want.
AuctionsMay 18, 2022
Jewels from Bette Midler Are Headed to BonhamsThe auction house’s upcoming sale also includes collections from American heiresses.
IndependentsMay 18, 2022
Jeweler Lewis Baribault Celebrates 50th Work AnniversaryThe Connecticut jeweler reflected on five decades in the industry and what the future holds for the family business.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2022
Visit A Mine in New Jersey With WJA New York MetroThe chapter has organized a day trip to the Sterling Hill Mine and Museum in Ogdensburg on Saturday, May 21.
SourcingMay 17, 2022
A New Source in Tanzania Is Producing Cobalt-Blue SpinelThe stones come from a deposit close to Mahenge and have been on the market for several months.
SourcingMay 17, 2022
‘Pop’ the Question With Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Diamond CutThe jewelry designer is partnering with popcorn brand Angie’s Boomchickapop on a whimsical diamond cut.
ColumnistsMay 17, 2022
What You Need to Know About the Google Analytics 4 RolloutIn the latest article from The Smart Lab, Emmanuel Raheb outlines the website changes jewelers can expect with this new software.
TechnologyMay 17, 2022
Virtual Diamond Boutique Uncorks the ‘Sales Genie’The new app allows salespeople to quickly and easily access a lot of inventory.
Events & AwardsMay 17, 2022
‘Cartier and Islamic Art’ Exhibition Opens in DallasFollowing its Paris debut, “Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity” has landed at the Dallas Museum of Art.
IndependentsMay 16, 2022
Mejuri Plans to Triple Its Store Count This YearThe fine jewelry brand expects to open 17 new locations, mostly in North America.
IndependentsMay 16, 2022
Karats Jewelers Plans Expansion Into 30,000-Square-Foot StoreThe Kansas retailer is aiming for a fall 2023 opening.
MajorsMay 16, 2022
Pandora Announces Plans to Build Third Factory, First Outside ThailandIt will be located in Vietnam’s Binh Duong Province, and construction is slated to start early next year.
IndependentsMay 16, 2022
MJSA Has Released its 2022 Buyer’s GuideIt’s full of hundreds of contacts for jewelry-making supplies and services.
FinancialsMay 13, 2022
Brilliant Earth Reports Strong Q1 But Lowers 2022 GuidanceThe company is feeling the impact of the uncertain geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, said CEO Beth Gerstein.
AuctionsMay 13, 2022
Famed Watch Designer Gerald Genta’s Royal Oak Sells for $2.1MIt became the most valuable vintage Audemars Piguet watch ever sold at auction, according to Sotheby’s.
TrendsMay 13, 2022
Piece of the Week: Renna’s ‘Caspian’ PendantIt’s a sneak peek of the newness that will be on display at the Couture Show next month.
MajorsMay 13, 2022
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2022 BoardMoshe Salem was re-elected as president, but there is a new treasurer, secretary, and board members.
AuctionsMay 12, 2022
‘The Rock,’ the Biggest White Diamond Ever Put Up for Auction, Sells for $22M The 228-carat stone came in at the low end of its estimated range while “The Red Cross Diamond” exceeded expectations at $14.3 million.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2022
Julie Lamb Is FGI’s 2022 ‘Rising Star’ in Fine Jewelry The New York City native was honored at the annual Fashion Group International awards ceremony, held Tuesday night.
IndependentsMay 12, 2022
Three Jewelry Buying Groups Form New AllianceThe Independent Jewelers Organization, the Company of Master Jewellers, and Nationwide Jewellers have formed the Global Jewellers Network.
