CrimeSep 07, 2021
6 Charged in Connection with Green Vault Jewel HeistCrimeJun 30, 2022
Smash-and-Grab Robbers Hit Booth at TEFAF: Watch the Video
The fair was evacuated temporarily Tuesday after four suspects smashed a showcase and stole jewelry from British jeweler Symbolic & Chase.
The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) in Maastricht, Netherlands temporarily evacuated attendees Tuesday following an armed smash-and-grab robbery. Dutch police are still looking for the four suspects. (Image courtesy of TEFAF)
Maastricht, Netherlands—Attendees and exhibitors at the European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) in Maastricht, Netherlands were temporarily evacuated Tuesday following an armed smash-and-grab robbery.
According to Dutch police, around 11:30 a.m. local time, four men, unmasked, approached the showcases of British jeweler Symbolic & Chase, an antiques dealer specializing in 20th century European fine jewelry and objets d‘art.
The robbery was captured on video by onlookers and shared via social media.
One video shows one of the suspects taking a sledgehammer from his bag and smashing the display case open before reaching in to grab jewels and stuff them into a bag.
The other men stood guard, with at least one appearing to brandish a weapon and another appearing to spend the entire robbery trying to load his gun.
An onlooker reaches for a vase of flowers to presumably throw at the robbers but puts it down and backs away when one of the robbers appears to point a gun in his direction.
According to Dutch police, around 11:30 a.m. local time, four men, unmasked, approached the showcases of British jeweler Symbolic & Chase, an antiques dealer specializing in 20th century European fine jewelry and objets d‘art.
The robbery was captured on video by onlookers and shared via social media.
One video shows one of the suspects taking a sledgehammer from his bag and smashing the display case open before reaching in to grab jewels and stuff them into a bag.
The other men stood guard, with at least one appearing to brandish a weapon and another appearing to spend the entire robbery trying to load his gun.
An onlooker reaches for a vase of flowers to presumably throw at the robbers but puts it down and backs away when one of the robbers appears to point a gun in his direction.
BREAKING poging roof #TEFAF #Maastricht VIDEO Rovers proberen vitrines met daarin diamanten kapot te slaan. pic.twitter.com/3Fnqt6Nlds
— Henrik-Willem H⭕️fs (@HWHofs) June 28, 2022
Shortly after the robbery, Dutch police arrested two suspects, a 22-year-old and a 26-year-old man, both from Belgium, whom they believed took part in the robbery, according to a press release from the department.
According to the AP, police released the two men Wednesday after an investigation cleared them. No additional arrests have been made.
“The robbery generated a lot of media attention. In the interest of [the] investigation, no more information can be released at this time,” said Dutch police.
According to the AP, police released the two men Wednesday after an investigation cleared them. No additional arrests have been made.
“The robbery generated a lot of media attention. In the interest of [the] investigation, no more information can be released at this time,” said Dutch police.
So strange… @TEFAF pic.twitter.com/78PeHa7inO
— Carole Blumenfeld (@CarolBlumenfeld) June 28, 2022
TEFAF did not immediately address the robbery on its social media channels but did tweet Tuesday that the show was “temporarily evacuated due to an incident at the fair.”
“The situation is under control and the fair is still open to visitors and exhibitors,” it added.
“The situation is under control and the fair is still open to visitors and exhibitors,” it added.
On Wednesday, TEFAF said via a press release that security procedures were implemented immediately following the smash-and-grab.
“Dutch police were on site within minutes. Nobody was injured during the incident, which took place at a jewelry booth,” said TEFAF.
“Dutch police were on site within minutes. Nobody was injured during the incident, which took place at a jewelry booth,” said TEFAF.
Un casse à la Tefaf Maastricht en pleine journée : des vitrines d'un stand de bijoux fracassé à la masse, deux truands menaçant avec des armes pour protéger leur complice. Ils se sont enfuis par le restaurant... pic.twitter.com/qY4ounavdf
— La Tribune de l'Art (@ltdla) June 28, 2022
The company confirmed that jewelry was stolen but said it would not provide additional details at this time.
In an interview with the New York Times, fair attendee and robbery witness James Butterwick said though he couldn’t see what was stolen, it seemed the robbers were looking for “specific items.”
Symbolic & Chase did not respond to National Jeweler’s request for comment on the incident.
SEE: Some of the Jewels Symbolic & Chase Brought to TEFAF
In an interview with the New York Times, fair attendee and robbery witness James Butterwick said though he couldn’t see what was stolen, it seemed the robbers were looking for “specific items.”
Symbolic & Chase did not respond to National Jeweler’s request for comment on the incident.
SEE: Some of the Jewels Symbolic & Chase Brought to TEFAF
Dutch police are interviewing witnesses and have received CCTV footage, said TEFAF. Forensic investigations have also been carried out at the MECC venue where TEFAF is being held.
The show will remain open through Thursday, June 30.
This year marked TEFAF’s first in-person fair in Maastricht since 2020. Organizers attempted to hold a 2021 edition, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Related stories will be right here …
The show will remain open through Thursday, June 30.
This year marked TEFAF’s first in-person fair in Maastricht since 2020. Organizers attempted to hold a 2021 edition, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19.
More on Crime
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 22, 2025
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Fare in 2024? Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.
Policies & IssuesJan 22, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Steps Up Aid for LA Jewelry BusinessesThe company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.
Events & AwardsJan 22, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ ClassNow in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
SurveysJan 22, 2025
Holiday Sales Hit Record High, Says NRFCore retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 22, 2025
Foundrae’s New Collection Channels the Power of NowThe “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little SecretPeter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha MoussePantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board MembersJulia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
