CrimeJun 30, 2022
What JSA’s Annual Report Tells Us About Jewelry Crime in 2021CrimeJul 06, 2022
3 Wanted in Shooting, Smash-and-Grab at Chicago-Area Jewelry Store
The suspects shot a store employee during the robbery, but he has been upgraded from critical to good condition.
Oak Lawn, Ill.—Police in the Chicago suburb of Oak Lawn, Illinois are searching for three men who committed an armed smash-and-grab robbery at a local jewelry store, shooting and injuring one employee.
According to the Oak Lawn Police Department, the armed robbery happened at 2 p.m. on Friday at Reichman Jewelers, an independent retailer that’s been in operation in the Chicago area since 1908.
Three armed and masked men entered the store, put a gun in the face of the off-duty police officer hired to guard the store and disarmed him before they began smashing the showcases and stealing jewelry.
During the robbery, one of the store’s employees emerged from the back of the shop to confront the robbers and they shot him twice, police said.
The employee, who is one of the store’s two owners, was taken to a local hospital and upgraded from critical-but-stable to good condition over the weekend, his business partner of 40 years, who asked not to be identified by his name, told National Jeweler Tuesday.
Oak Lawn police said one of the suspects was wearing a white T-shirt while another had on a dark hooded sweatshirt. No descriptions were available of the third suspect.
They exited the store and drove off in a silver four-door sedan police believe to be a Chrysler 200 made between 2014 and 2017.
Gerald Vetter, chief of the Oak Lawn Police Department’s Investigations Division, said Tuesday they have no updates on their search for the offenders and the Reichman Jewelers armed robbery remains an active investigation.
Police are asking local residents and businesses to check the footage on any video surveillance systems between 1 and 2:15 p.m. on Friday for the suspects’ vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Oak Lawn detectives at 708-907-4051.
According to the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, there has been only one industry homicide so far this year, 60-year-old Arasb Shoughi, who was beaten with a metal rod during a robbery in his Queens, New York jewelry store in late March and died three weeks later.
Police arrested and charged 48-year-old Rondolfo Lopez-Portillo in the case.
However, JSA has seen an increase in the violence and frequency of jewelry crimes across the board this year, particularly in smash-and-grab robberies and assaults, JSA President John Kennedy said in an interview last week.
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.
