Crime

Dollar Losses From Jewelry Crime Hit 13-Year High

CrimeJun 15, 2023

Dollar Losses From Jewelry Crime Hit 13-Year High

Losses totaled nearly $130 million while the number of crimes reached a record level, JSA’s annual report shows.

Stock image of police officers and crime scene tape
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance released its 2022 Annual Crime Report this week. According to the report, the number of crimes committed against jewelers and reported to JSA last year reached a record level.
New York—To anyone who owns a jewelry store in the United States, the numbers in the Jewelers’ Security Alliance 2022 crime report may not be surprising.

A total of 169 smash-and-grab robberies were reported to JSA in 2022, nearly double the number the organization recorded in 2021.

A total of 984 grab-and-run thefts, up from 842 the previous year, including one in Colorado that added up to a $725,000 loss.

There were also 28 safe attacks, compared with 17 in 2021.

All told, JSA recorded 2,211 crimes committed against U.S. jewelry firms in 2022, a record number for the 140-year-old organization, as noted at the JSA’s annual luncheon earlier this year, and a 31 percent increase over 2021.

Dollar losses also soared to an inflation-adjusted $129.4 million, an astounding 85 percent year-over-year increase and the highest total since 2009, when losses reached $132.6 million.

In an interview with National Jeweler Tuesday, JSA President John J. Kennedy said while there are no firm answers as to why crime rates fluctuate, for the jewelry industry, 2022 could signal a trend reversal.

“The losses have been on a general decline since the early ‘90s. Maybe we hit bottom,” he said. “It wasn’t going to go down forever; maybe it’s going to go up again.

“We may have entered a period where [losses] are on the rise and not on the fall.”

He also pointed out that while the number of overall crimes hit a high in 2022, the number of homicides and other violent crimes committed against jewelers, traveling jewelry salespeople, etc., are still well below the levels they were decades ago.

2022 Rise, Explained
Kennedy said myriad factors contributed to the increase in the number of jewelry crimes last year.

The further relaxing of restrictions on international travel in 2022 allowed criminal gangs from countries including Colombia, Chile and Romania to enter the country again, gangs whose members target trade shows, and commit burglaries and distraction thefts, he said.

In some jurisdictions, the increase in property crimes has been attributed to bail reform laws, though there is debate about how closely the two are linked

In addition, Kennedy said there is a “tremendous sense of lawlessness” in the U.S. today that stems in part from having a country in which there is a lot of anger, disagreements and violence in the air.  

“It’s part of the atmosphere, it’s part of the fabric of what’s going on, and it causes an increase in lawlessness,” he said. 

The sharp increase in dollar losses is, in part, due to the increase in the number of crimes, though it also has to do with which types of crimes are committed more frequently in a given year.

Kennedy said last year, there were more off-premises incidences (65 cases in 2022 vs. 34 in 2021), which typically result in higher losses ($19 million total vs. $13.1 million in 2021).   

There also were more robberies (260 in 2022 vs. 189 in 2021) and burglaries (484 vs. 311), both of which tend to result in bigger losses as well. (Robbery is defined as the taking of property from a person by the use of force and/or fear, while burglary involves entering a premises with intent to commit a crime.) 

Robbery dollar losses more than tripled year-over-year, $46.5 million in 2022 compared with $12.8 million in 2021, while burglary dollar losses rose to $42.7 million from $33.1 million, a 29 percent increase. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Crime Trends of Note
Among the statistics in the 2022 crime report that stick out to Kennedy are smash-and-grab robberies and the “dramatic” increase in the number of crimes committed at jewelry trade shows.

Smash-and-grab robberies are frightening, often result in large losses, and can deter people from coming out to stores to shop, potentially resulting in a loss of business for jewelers.

The number of smash-and-grab robberies nearly doubled last year, with 169 reported to JSA compared with 85 in 2021.

The number of these robberies in which one or more of the perpetrators had a gun tripled, 33 in 2022 compared with 11 in 2021, though Kennedy noted the perpetrators do not often use their guns.

There also were more arrests of smash-and-grab robbery suspects last year, 76 vs. 46 in 2021.

The number of robberies, burglaries and thefts at trade shows, meanwhile, rose to 20 compared with just two reported to JSA in 2021.

The increase is due in part to shows being more robust than they were in 2021, when many events still were scaled down due to COVID, and it led to increased security at the Las Vegas shows this year. 

Trade shows were the most common setting for off-premises attacks against jewelers last year, accounting for 31 percent of all off-premises crimes, JSA statistics show. The average dollar loss from these incidences was $243,000.

Two members of the jewelry industry were killed on the job in 2022, compared with one in 2021 and two in 2020.

Arasb Shoughi, 60, was beaten during a robbery at his Queens, New York, store in late March 2022. He died in the hospital three weeks later.

In November, a jewelry store security guard, later publicly identified by family as 57-year-old Norman Thomas, was shot and killed while on the job in the River Oaks Mall in Calumet City, Illinois.

The Best Advice
Kennedy said trying to predict whether crime will go up or down in the future is, “like predicting the stock market. It’s very difficult to do.”

While he can’t reliably prognosticate on jewelry crime in 2023, he did note that so far this year, crimes against jewelers still are occurring regularly but not with quite as much frequency as they did in 2022.

He also cannot give a blanket crime prevention recommendation, as each type of crime has its own security protocols that need to be followed in order to prevent it or mitigate losses.

Kennedy, however, did recommend jewelers have regular staff meetings, either weekly or bi-weekly, in the morning before the store opens.

They can focus on one crime a week, discussing what to do in the event of a smash-and-grab robbery or how to prevent distraction thefts, for examples.

He also pointed to the recent online training program JSA launched in conjunction with Jewelers Mutual Group and UL Solutions.

The 16-module program, which Kennedy said takes four to five hours to complete, is free and open to anyone in the industry. It can be accessed via Jewelers Mutual’s website.

The full 2022 Annual Crime Report from JSA is available to download on the organization’s website.

The Latest

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

GIA pearl report
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification System

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jorge Adeler, Wendy Adeler, Valentina Adeler
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Bulgari Invisible Violet Necklace and Rainbow Flow Necklace
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ Collection

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Industry analyst Edahn Golan
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

Beyoncé bolo tie necklace
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter Tour

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Gem Legacy logo
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory Council

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Annie Doresca
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, President

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

QVC Group logo
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from Nasdaq

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through Change

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Luis Morais Miami Beach Flagship Interior
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 Years

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Exterior of Tanishq Santa Clara Storefront
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. Store

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

New Cartier store at Los Angeles airport
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Instappraise and NAJA logos
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

Day’s Jeweler’s Tuscan Village Location Painting
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth Location

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Gemfields emeralds, rubies, sapphires
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern World

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

The Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’s

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

×

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