ColumnistsJan 04, 2022
The Smart Lab: 4 Online Shopping Predictions for 2022CrimeJan 10, 2022
What JSA’s Latest Crime Report Tells Us About 2022
JSA President John Kennedy talks crime trends following the release of the organization’s annual report.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance recently published its annual crime report for 2020, which was delayed because of COVID-19 but still provides insight about crime trends in the jewelry industry.
President John J. Kennedy said 2020 was a year in which there were more crimes against the jewelry industry, but dollar losses shrank.
He said there were more opportunists committing low-dollar crimes but fewer smash-and-grabs and safe attacks from professional gangs, which sent dollar losses soaring in 2019.
According to the JSA report, the total number of crimes rose nearly 20 percent (1,718 crimes in 2020 versus 1,438 crimes in 2019) but dollar losses were down 18 percent, totaling $83.2 million compared with $101 million in 2019.
The ability to wear a mask without attracting attention was a contributing factor, as were the economic strains brought about by the pandemic. Kennedy said some people who wouldn’t normally steal found themselves in dire circumstances.
Another factor in the 2020 incidences-to-losses ratio: the demonstrations that broke out in the summer of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd and, in some cases, involved looting.
JSA received reports of 323 break-ins related to the civil unrest, accounting for more than half of all burglaries in 2020 (633).
However, dollar losses, which totaled $14.3 million, were not as high as they could have been because jewelers were vigilant about locking away merchandise. (There was also a great deal of property damage, JSA noted, though that is not included in its dollar losses total.)
Two jewelers and one guard were killed while on the job in 2020.
Connecticut jeweler Mark Vuono was murdered during an armed robbery at his store in March 2020.
Related stories will be right here …
President John J. Kennedy said 2020 was a year in which there were more crimes against the jewelry industry, but dollar losses shrank.
He said there were more opportunists committing low-dollar crimes but fewer smash-and-grabs and safe attacks from professional gangs, which sent dollar losses soaring in 2019.
According to the JSA report, the total number of crimes rose nearly 20 percent (1,718 crimes in 2020 versus 1,438 crimes in 2019) but dollar losses were down 18 percent, totaling $83.2 million compared with $101 million in 2019.
The ability to wear a mask without attracting attention was a contributing factor, as were the economic strains brought about by the pandemic. Kennedy said some people who wouldn’t normally steal found themselves in dire circumstances.
Another factor in the 2020 incidences-to-losses ratio: the demonstrations that broke out in the summer of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd and, in some cases, involved looting.
JSA received reports of 323 break-ins related to the civil unrest, accounting for more than half of all burglaries in 2020 (633).
However, dollar losses, which totaled $14.3 million, were not as high as they could have been because jewelers were vigilant about locking away merchandise. (There was also a great deal of property damage, JSA noted, though that is not included in its dollar losses total.)
Two jewelers and one guard were killed while on the job in 2020.
Connecticut jeweler Mark Vuono was murdered during an armed robbery at his store in March 2020.
Retired police captain David Dorn was shot by looters while guarding a jewelry store in St. Louis in June 2020 and Eshagh Natanzadeh was murdered in his Beverly Hills jewelry store in November 2020.
Kennedy said one of the most important takeaways from 2020, as well as 2021, is that the most likely crime to happen in a jewelry store is a grab-and-run.
In 2020, there were 581 grab-and-runs, accounting for nearly 70 percent of all thefts reported to JSA.
While there’s not a lot jewelers can do about grab-and-run thefts, there are a couple basic security rules they should remind their staff about, including showing only one piece at a time and not leaving product—a tray of rings for example—out on the counter.
He also noted people are going to continue to wear masks without it being considered odd, making it even more important to follow proper protocols and look for other red flags.
The number of smash-and-grab robberies declined in 2020 (96 vs. 130 in 2019) due to the arrests of members of a large robbery ring operating out of Detroit.
Smash-and-grabs, however, remain a threat—there was a spike this holiday season—but Kennedy said jewelers can reduce their losses tremendously by having burglary-resistant glass on their showcases.
Kennedy said he expects to see a “considerable amount of crime” in 2022, from both opportunists who will take advantage of the ubiquitous mask-wearing and professional gangs that cut power lines to rob safes.
One final trend worth noting: while dollar losses and the number of crimes fluctuate year to year, jewelry crime continues to trend down overall.
The industry, Kennedy said, is in a better place than it was 25 or even 15 years ago, when annual losses regularly topped $100 million.
Kennedy credits the decline to the work of law enforcement, JSA, and the internet, which has made information sharing quicker and easier.
“That’s all helpful and it gets criminals off the street, which reduces crime, ultimately.”
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance normally publishes its annual crime report in May, but the report has been delayed the past two years because of staffing and logistical issues posed by COVID-19.
To download the 2020 report, visit the organization’s website.
The industry, Kennedy said, is in a better place than it was 25 or even 15 years ago, when annual losses regularly topped $100 million.
Kennedy credits the decline to the work of law enforcement, JSA, and the internet, which has made information sharing quicker and easier.
“That’s all helpful and it gets criminals off the street, which reduces crime, ultimately.”
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance normally publishes its annual crime report in May, but the report has been delayed the past two years because of staffing and logistical issues posed by COVID-19.
To download the 2020 report, visit the organization’s website.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
