Crime

112 Rings Stolen in NYC Diamond District Distraction Theft

CrimeMay 02, 2022

112 Rings Stolen in NYC Diamond District Distraction Theft

It’s one of several recent jewelry store distraction thefts, almost all believed to be the work of professionals.

2021_Crime police cars.jpg
New York—A three-person team recently stole more than 100 gold and diamond rings from a store in New York City’s Diamond District, one in a line of recent distraction thefts believed to be the work of professionals.
 
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance said the theft happened around 3 p.m. on April 7 at a store on 47th Street. 
 
According to JSA, a woman and a man acted as lookouts, using umbrellas and a piece of cardboard to signal to each other and coordinate the theft. 
 
The woman is described as being between 40 and 50 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall with a medium build, while the man is believed to be 30-40, 5 feet 9 inches tall with a slim build. 

The third member of the crew, a woman described as being 25 to 35 years old, was the one who went behind the counter, grabbing the stack of ring trays when a sales associate when into a back room, JSA said. 

 
They reportedly fled the scene by jumping on the New York City subway (F train line) at Rockefeller Center. 

Security camera footage of the theft can be viewed above.  
 
According to NBC 4 New York, police believe the trio could be linked to other crimes targeting individuals, including robbing a man of his cell phone and cash at a Downtown Brooklyn convenience store.
 
Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Detective Joseph Metsopulos on the NYPD’s Major Case Squad, or JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
 
The theft in New York’s Diamond District is one in a string of recent distraction thefts at jewelry stores, the majority of which JSA believes are being coordinated and pulled off by professionals.
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
At a jewelry store in Chicago on April 21, a man and woman (pictured below, far left) allegedly used distraction to draw sales associates in opposite directions before the man leaned over an open showcase and stole a diamond ring.  
 
JSA said it is believed the couple carried out a similar theft in Houston on March 15 as well as in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and other parts of Texas between 2020 and 2022. 
 
The male is described as weighing 350 lbs., and the female as weighing 275 lbs.

20220502_distraction suspects INSERT.jpg
Security footage stills provided by Jewelers’ Security Alliance show, from left, the couple wanted in a string of distraction theft stretching from Wisconsin to Texas; the woman wanted for stealing two rings from a Breckenridge, Colorado jewelry store; and the man wanted for a Dallas-area theft.
 
On April 2, JSA said a woman described as being in her mid-30s or early 40s with blond hair (pictured above, center) was in a jewelry store in Breckenridge, Colorado when she took two diamond rings left out on a showcase. The theft occurred between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. 
 
And on April 6, a man (pictured above, far right) stole from a jewelry store in the Dallas area. He first asked about rings for his daughter-in-law and then asked about men’s rings.
 
After being in the store for about 15 or 20 minutes, JSA said he pulled a men’s ring out of a sales associate’s hand and fled the store, getting away in a late-model gray Chrysler. 

 The suspect is described as being in his mid- to late 30s, bald, and 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 3 inches tall with a heavy build.
JSA said with the exception of the woman in the Breckenridge theft, these suspects are believed to be professional distraction thieves. (It noted that the woman wanted in Colorado might be professional too, but it does not have any evidence at this point.) 
 
It shared three recommendations when it comes to distraction thefts. 
 
1. Larger groups, i.e., three or more persons, entering a jewelry store together can be a red flag. 

2. Using signals, whether with hands or umbrellas, can also be a red flag. 

3. Don’t leave merchandise out on counters or in unlocked showcases.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.
tags:

The Latest

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

1998 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516 Rolex
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Lugano Diamonds store in Greenwich, Connecticut
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

2025 Met Gala jewelry
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry Moments

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

instappraise-1.png
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal Format

Sponsored by Instappraise

Brilliant Earth three stone Sabine diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

Exterior of Margot McKinney Beverly Hills Location
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New Boutique

The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales Manager

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

Pandora gold and silver charm bracelet
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for Tariffs

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Headshot of Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and Beyond

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest Auction

Its commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.

Logo for “In the Loupe,” Punchmark’s podcast
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest

National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy