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

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

Caryl Capeci Starboard Cruises
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry Shopping

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56K

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

Alex Brown
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee Group

Founder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Jade Ruzzo Gloria Collar
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.

Jewelry industry author, speaker, and sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?

If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.

Selection of jewelry from Sotheby’s New York High Jewelry sale
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale

The top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.

Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America’s SVP of corporate affairs
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JA

Gizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.

Kering CEO Luca de Meo
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEO

Luca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.

Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las Vegas

Following visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.

Greenwich Street Jewelers Your Love Has the Perfect Ring Campaign
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ Couples

The “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.

Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.

The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.

New York Liberty Nyara Sabally Catbird campaign
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand Ambassador

The New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.

Robinson Pelham Fruits of Love Pear Earrings
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear Earrings

Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

Three diamonds with diagrams
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education Conference

The one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.

Ella Sophie
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella Sophie

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

A pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 2499
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.

Gabriel Love Foundation Logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias Gabriel

The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

Celine Assimon
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins Bonhams

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

De Beers CEO Al Cook speaking at JCK Las Vegas 2025
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and Tariffs

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

Pandora Las Vegas ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American Flagship

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Tiffany Stevens
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board Leader

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

Lee Min Seo and Ianyan Jewelry
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused Award

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

×

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