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.
More on Crime
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
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.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
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.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
