CrimeJan 06, 2022
America’s Auction Channel Employee Arrested in Jewelry Theft SchemeCrimeJan 12, 2022
JSA Notes ‘Disturbing Upsurge’ in Smash-and-Grab Robberies
The suspects have been hitting stores in multiple states, including 23 in California since last May.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance is warning of a “disturbing upsurge” in smash-and-grab robberies and is sharing tips to help jewelers mitigate losses in the event they are hit.
In its most recent crime alert, JSA said the robberies have been happening in multiple states. California has been hit especially hard, with 23 smash-and-grab robberies in the state reported to JSA since last May.
In its alert, JSA outlined incidences that have occurred in four states—California, Colorado, Maryland and New Mexico—between Dec. 24 and Jan. 3.
They include an attempted smash-and-grab at a jewelry store in Upland, California on Dec. 30 in which the suspects used bear spray on employees.
The Claremont Courier reported that Upland police arrested four suspects in that crime, and police said the suspects are believed to be responsible for recent similar robberies in Claremont and Chino Hills, California.
In a Jan. 3 robbery in Westminster, Colorado, a lone male suspect entered a mall jewelry store and smashed a showcase of gold chains.
JSA said the suspect is a Hispanic man between 5 feet 11 and 6 feet tall, weighing about 170 pounds with a slender build and a red tattoo under his right eye. He fled the scene in a black BMW.
He is believed to have been an accomplice in an attempted smash-and-grab at the same store on Jan. 1.
Anyone with information on this robbery is asked to contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
Related stories will be right here …
In its most recent crime alert, JSA said the robberies have been happening in multiple states. California has been hit especially hard, with 23 smash-and-grab robberies in the state reported to JSA since last May.
In its alert, JSA outlined incidences that have occurred in four states—California, Colorado, Maryland and New Mexico—between Dec. 24 and Jan. 3.
They include an attempted smash-and-grab at a jewelry store in Upland, California on Dec. 30 in which the suspects used bear spray on employees.
The Claremont Courier reported that Upland police arrested four suspects in that crime, and police said the suspects are believed to be responsible for recent similar robberies in Claremont and Chino Hills, California.
In a Jan. 3 robbery in Westminster, Colorado, a lone male suspect entered a mall jewelry store and smashed a showcase of gold chains.
JSA said the suspect is a Hispanic man between 5 feet 11 and 6 feet tall, weighing about 170 pounds with a slender build and a red tattoo under his right eye. He fled the scene in a black BMW.
He is believed to have been an accomplice in an attempted smash-and-grab at the same store on Jan. 1.
Anyone with information on this robbery is asked to contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
In a recent interview following the release of JSA’s annual crime report, JSA President John J. Kennedy noted smash-and-grabs as a particular threat to jewelers in 2022. He said they can mitigate losses by having showcases outfitted with burglary-resistant glass.
In its most recent crime alert, JSA noted other steps jewelers should take in regard to smash-and- grabs, and recommends they review them with employees. They include the following.
— Do not resist, as suspects may be armed with guns in addition to sledgehammers and other potentially dangerous tools.
— Having audible glass breakage alarms on showcases can scare away robbers. A buzzer on the door can also help to keep out smash-and-grab robbers, and hiring an armed, off-duty police officer as a guard can be a deterrent too.
— When smash-and-grabs are surging, it can be a good idea to keep some amount of heavily targeted merchandise—heavy gold chains, for example—in the safe instead of putting everything out in the display case.
— Keep a logbook and save surveillance video of suspicious incidents, as it can be a great help in subsequent investigations.
— Consider sharing information and photos among other local jewelers, police, and JSA.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
