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
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
