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

Bea Bongiasca Animali Tarallo Collection Royal Blue Tang Fish “Dory”
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a Zoo

The pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.

Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas store
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For Now

Parent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.

Natural color diamonds on display at Smithsonian National Museum of History
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C.

Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 02, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on Tariffs

The virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Punchmark
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client Workshop

The educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.

Bergman Jewelers family
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 Years

The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

QVC Group Inc. logo
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in Florida

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS)
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann Collection Bracelets
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry Collection

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Mindi Mond Clarity Earrings
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in Diamonds

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Christies regent kashmir sapphire and regal Burmese ruby
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat Ruby

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

×

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