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
The Latest
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
