CrimeJun 15, 2023
Dollar Losses From Jewelry Crime Hit 13-Year High CrimeJun 21, 2023
Police Investigating More Than a Dozen Smash-and-Grab Robberies in NJ
They’ve occurred at jewelry stores across the state over the first two weekends in June, said officials.
Police in towns across New Jersey are investigating a string of smash-and-grab robberies.
Union, N.J.—Several New Jersey police departments are investigating a string of smash-and-grab robberies at jewelry stores across the state.
As of last week, a dozen jewelry stores had been robbed over the first two weekends of June, according to an ABC7 report, with at least one more occurring this week.
On June 12, the Union Police Department responded to a call from Union Jewelers Exchange’s alarm company at 3:58 a.m.
Surveillance video shows four masked men using a tire iron and sledgehammer to break the door, enter the store and smash the showcases, leaving with jewelry estimated to be worth thousands.
“We had officers across the street at the time, and they got there within minutes,” Union Police Deputy Chief Scott Breslow told ABC7, adding officers spotted a white Jeep Cherokee exiting the parking lot.
The officers followed the Jeep to Newark, but then lost it. After checking out the license plate number, it led them to the house of a person who was missing their license plate.
Breslow said the Jeep seen on surveillance tape, as well as its license plate, likely are stolen.
Related stories will be right here …
As of last week, a dozen jewelry stores had been robbed over the first two weekends of June, according to an ABC7 report, with at least one more occurring this week.
On June 12, the Union Police Department responded to a call from Union Jewelers Exchange’s alarm company at 3:58 a.m.
Surveillance video shows four masked men using a tire iron and sledgehammer to break the door, enter the store and smash the showcases, leaving with jewelry estimated to be worth thousands.
“We had officers across the street at the time, and they got there within minutes,” Union Police Deputy Chief Scott Breslow told ABC7, adding officers spotted a white Jeep Cherokee exiting the parking lot.
The officers followed the Jeep to Newark, but then lost it. After checking out the license plate number, it led them to the house of a person who was missing their license plate.
Breslow said the Jeep seen on surveillance tape, as well as its license plate, likely are stolen.
The robberies have all occurred in a similar fashion, said Breslow, with the thieves smashing through the door, windows and showcases, then fleeing with the items.
Many of the robberies have occurred overnight and involved a similar white Jeep Cherokee.
At 4:14 a.m. on June 12, around 15 minutes after the robbery in Union, the Maplewood Police Department responded to an alarm activation at Trimarco Jewelers, the department said in a statement.
Officers noted broken front door windows and an unspecified amount of missing gold jewelry.
“Similar incidents have occurred in other nearby jurisdictions and the Maplewood Police Detective Bureau is working closely with these departments,” the department said, adding it can’t share further details as it is an active investigation.
Another smash-and-grab robbery occurred at Bentley’s Jewelers in Hillsborough on Tuesday around 2:45 a.m., according to a local report.
Jewelry stores in Scotch Plains, Linden, Woodbridge, Middletown, Eatontown, Green Brook, Hainesport, Robbinsville, Long Branch, and Westfield have all been victims of smash-and-grab robberies as well.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance reported earlier this month that jewelry crime hit an all-time high in 2022, with smash-and-grab robberies one of the categories driving the increase.
JSA said a total of 169 smash-and-grab robberies were reported to the organization last year, nearly double the number in 2021.
More on Crime
The Latest
Lab-GrownDec 01, 2023
Lightbox Teams Up With Brand Founded by Former Tiffany ExecThe lab-grown diamond brand also collaborated with the website The Future Rocks on a collection launching today.
FinancialsDec 01, 2023
Movado Lowers Guidance Again After Q3 Sales DipThe company said it is facing a “challenging retail environment” but is prepared for the holiday season.
CollectionsDec 01, 2023
Piece of the Week: Muzo’s Emerald and Argyle Pink Diamond NecklaceIt’s the hero piece of the newest "Green Jewel" collection, a collaborative offering from the two mines.
Brought to you by
If It’s Custom, Make It PlatinumWith holiday proposals right around the corner, encourage your customers to go for platinum when making the big purchase.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
This Pink Diamond Reigned Supreme in Hong KongThe 15.48-carat fancy intense “Pink Supreme” topped Christie’s fall jewelry auction in Asia, while a Patek Philippe led the watch sale.
Weekly QuizNov 30, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
MajorsNov 30, 2023
Claire’s Hires Former Bath & Body Works Exec as CFO, COOChris Cramer, who also spent time at Gen Z intimates brand Parade, will take on the dual role.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
Sotheby’s To Auction 133-Carat Yellow DiamondThe stone headlining the upcoming sale could fetch up to $5 million.
Brought to you by
Did You Know? The Vital Role of IGI: The International Gemological InstituteIn a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose is truly invaluable.
IndependentsNov 30, 2023
Frank Adams Rolls Out Kwiat’s ‘Mine to Shine’ ProgramThe retail offering lets customers track their diamond’s journey.
SourcingNov 29, 2023
Largest New Diamond Mine of the Decade Coming Online in Angola The Luele mine is expected to eventually make the country the world’s third-largest diamond producer.
SurveysNov 29, 2023
Holiday Shoppers Broke a Record This Weekend, Says NRFFrom Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers shopped online and in stores.
MajorsNov 29, 2023
Cast Debuts at Nordstrom, Closes on More VC FundingThe growing company also plans to open more of its own boutiques.
EditorsNov 29, 2023
Warren Buffett on Success, Mistakes and Betting on AmericaThe best quotes from the Oracle of Omaha and his right-hand man Charlie Munger from the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Maine Jeweler to Relocate After 76 YearsJ. Dostie Jewelers will move from Lewiston to Yarmouth this spring.
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Fink’s Jewelers Opens 10th StoreIt’s the company’s second location in Tennessee.
AuctionsNov 28, 2023
Mary Tyler Moore’s Jewelry Is Up For Auction You can have this jewelry, why don’t you take it?
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2023
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Is Celebrating 60 YearsNext year’s milestone show will be full of educational programming and collaborations.
EditorsNov 27, 2023
10 Tips for Selling Diamonds This Holiday SeasonSales experts and a diamantaire share their best advice on how to send customers home with diamond jewelry.
CollectionsNov 27, 2023
See the New ‘Platinum Born’ JewelryThe brand has released five new collections.
IndependentsNov 27, 2023
Frank Adams Jewelers Named ‘Family Business of the Year’The Albany Business Review recently honored the 100-year-old company.
GradingNov 27, 2023
Dr. John W. Valley Retires from GIA Board of GovernorsTo honor his legacy, GIA has set up a scholarship in his name.
TrendsNov 22, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: November GlowThese 15 pieces of jewelry celebrate November babies and the hues of citrine and topaz that reflect the colors of the season.
SourcingNov 22, 2023
Columbia Gem House Raises $12K for WildlifeThe money will help a nonprofit rehabilitate sea turtles.
MajorsNov 22, 2023
Facet Barcelona Opens New Factory in SpainThe jewelry manufacturer said it can now better serve the North American market.
TechnologyNov 21, 2023
See David Yurman’s New High-Tech Holiday Campaign The jewelry brand takes viewers through a virtual winter wonderland set in New York City.
Events & AwardsNov 21, 2023
Here Are the Winners of BIJC’s Inaugural ‘Rock the Jewels’ AwardsThe organization recognized outstanding industry players at its celebratory event.
SourcingNov 21, 2023
De Beers’ Rough Diamond Sales Sink to $80M India’s voluntary moratorium on rough diamond imports coupled with a stunted recovery in China continue to impact the miner.
