Crime

The Biggest Security Mistakes Jewelers Are Making Right Now

CrimeDec 20, 2022

The Biggest Security Mistakes Jewelers Are Making Right Now

Ahead of the holidays, JSA’s John Kennedy outlines five common jewelry crimes and what to do, and not to do, if they happen in your store.

2021_Crime scene tape.png
New York—While the final data won’t be in until early 2023, Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy estimates jewelry crime hit a five-year high this year.

Retailers are nervous as they prepare for what typically are some of the busiest days of the year in their stores.

While it’s too late for many to make long-term investments or wholesale changes in security equipment or procedures, there are small adjustments jewelers can make immediately that might help.

Below, Kennedy outlines the five types of jewelry crimes JSA sees happening most frequently right now and shares tips for preventing, or mitigating the effects of, these crimes.

1. Distraction Thefts

Biggest mistake: Showing too much product at once and/or leaving the showcase unlocked during presentations

Kennedy said the number of skilled distractions thefts is on the rise after declining in 2020 and 2021, when COVID restrictions limited travel. 

Often, these thefts involve a group of people—three to five, or even more—coming in together, flashing cash or bragging about how much they are going to spend, and then asking to see multiple pieces of jewelry.

“Their goal,” Kennedy said, “is to get as much product out [of the showcases] as possible and confuse you as much as possible.”

The suspect will then either palm the jewelry and/or reach in an open showcase to grab it.

One member of the group also might distract the store’s salespeople while another heads to the safe to see if it’s unlocked. If it is, they clean it out, Kennedy said.

He said jewelers also need to keep showcases locked, show only one item at a time, and keep track of the product as it’s being shown.

He also noted that retailers should be wary of people entering the store in groups of three or more.

2. Safe Burglaries
 
Biggest mistake: Not responding to any and all communications from the alarm company

More sophisticated gang of burglars are also circulating again as COVID travel restrictions are lifted, with suspects cutting wires or otherwise disabling a store’s electrical box in order to take out the alarm system and security cameras.  

They then enter the store through the roof, or via an adjoining store that is unoccupied, unalarmed, or otherwise easily can be entered.

Once inside, “These people go after your safe. They have the tools or equipment to saw into [it],” Kennedy said, and this means big losses.    

In these types of burglaries, jewelers receive messages along the lines of “communication error” or “power interruption” from their alarm company, but they don’t respond in the same way they do when they get an alarm alert.

That is a mistake, Kennedy said. 

“You must respond to any type of anomaly you get from your alarm company. You have to go to the store, or have somebody go to the store, with the police.” 

He added that retailers need to have a robust call list for the alarm company so someone is always available to respond, regardless of how many people are on vacation, out sick or otherwise unavailable. 

Jewelers who have done so have seen burglars fleeing the scene, scared off by the arrival of police. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

3. Smash-and-grab robberies

Biggest mistake: Trying to stop the suspects or otherwise interfering

In some smash-and-grab robberies, the suspects are armed with guns or knives in addition to the sledgehammers or whatever implement they are using to destroy showcases.

Jewelers can mitigate losses in the short term by not putting all high-value merchandise in the same showcase or keeping some items in the safe.

Longer-term, they can invest in laminated showcases that are smash-resistant. 

The most important thing, though, is for retailers to just stay out of the way when a smash and grab is happening, Kennedy said.

Don’t try to stop the robbers by throwing things at them—like a chair or, as Kennedy saw in one instance, a stapler—or otherwise getting involved. It’s dangerous and can lead to injuries, as happened recently at a Macy’s store in the Atlanta suburbs, or even death.

4. Grab-and-run thefts

Biggest mistake: Showing multiple items at a time and/or putting a tray full of jewelry on the counter

Kennedy said grab and runs are the most common type of jewelry crime. It’s simple and exactly what it sounds like; a salesperson brings out a couple of necklaces or watches, and the suspect snatches them and runs out the door.  

While he admits it’s tricky to tell salespeople not to show product to customers, showing one item at a time reduces the risk of major losses, as does not leaving trays of jewelry out on the counter. 

This is especially true when dealing with new customers, or when someone comes in and asks to see the “most expensive” watches, necklaces, etc., the store has.


5. Three-minute burglaries

Biggest mistake: Leaving product out and visible when the store is closed

Three-minute burglaries refer to incidences in which the suspects smash in a window or door and take whatever is there to grab. They don’t take very long and, unlike rooftop safe burglaries, aren’t normally committed by professional criminals with a lot of know-how, tools, or organization. 

Kennedy said retailers can mitigate losses from three-minute burglaries simply by putting product in the safe at night. If there isn’t room in the safe, then at least store it out of sight. 

Also, do not cover showcases with cloth when the store is closed. 

“They assume there is something there. Even if there is no product there, it increases the risk,” he said.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

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

The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

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.

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.

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.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
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.

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.

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.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

Sothebys Watchcheck
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair Services

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

×

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