CrimeJun 21, 2023
Police Investigating More Than a Dozen Smash-and-Grab Robberies in NJCrimeJun 30, 2023
Ahead of the Holiday Weekend, JSA Shares Security Advice
Jewelers need to make sure their cameras are working, and someone has to respond to any and all alerts from the alarm company, JSA said.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance gave tips on preventing burglaries over the upcoming long weekend and shared other security advice in a webinar held earlier this week called “Protecting Your Store: Essential Security Measures.” Jewelers of America and The Plumb Club hosted the webinar.
New York—The importance of responding to alarms and inspecting the roof were just a couple of the security tips Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy and Vice President Scott Guginsky shared during a webinar held Wednesday afternoon.
The webinar followed the release of JSA’s annual crime report for 2022, a record year for the number of crimes committed against jewelers, and came just ahead of what will be a long holiday weekend for many stores, which will be closed Tuesday for July 4.
On the whole, jewelry crime is evenly distributed throughout the year. There is no week or month that’s inherently more or less dangerous than any other, Kennedy said during the webinar.
There is, however, sometimes a spike in burglaries over long weekends, as criminals are aware jewelry stores will be closed—and empty—for more than just a day or two.
“Historically, we’ve had burglaries over Fourth of July weekend,” Guginsky said.
A burglary is defined as a crime in which the perpetrator enters or hides in a premises to commit a crime after closing. This includes safe attacks and three-minute burglaries, named for the amount of time they take to commit.
The number of burglaries reported to JSA increased 56 percent between 2021 and 2022, the organization’s annual report shows, while dollars losses grew 29 percent to $42.7 million.
In order to help prevent burglaries, especially over holiday weekends, Guginsky said jewelers must respond to all types of notifications from their alarm company such as power interruptions—burglars have and will cut a store’s power lines in order to disable the alarm system—and motion sensors being tripped.
If the owner is not available, then an employee needs to respond. Guginsky said stores should have an in-case-of-alert list that the alarm company can go down until they reach someone, particularly during holidays when multiple people might be on vacation.
“These holidays weekends, we see that problem,” he said.
And, he said, whoever responds to the alarm needs to go to the store with the police and inspect all the entrances as well as the roof, in the event the perpetrators are attempting to enter the store through the top.
They also should alert the police that the suspects could be near the store, watching to see if and how the owner or employees respond when the power lines are cut.
Guginsky also recommended that stores have line security and talk to their alarm company about installing a back-up battery for the alarm that will last at least 72 hours in the event power to the store is cut.
Related stories will be right here …
The webinar followed the release of JSA’s annual crime report for 2022, a record year for the number of crimes committed against jewelers, and came just ahead of what will be a long holiday weekend for many stores, which will be closed Tuesday for July 4.
On the whole, jewelry crime is evenly distributed throughout the year. There is no week or month that’s inherently more or less dangerous than any other, Kennedy said during the webinar.
There is, however, sometimes a spike in burglaries over long weekends, as criminals are aware jewelry stores will be closed—and empty—for more than just a day or two.
“Historically, we’ve had burglaries over Fourth of July weekend,” Guginsky said.
A burglary is defined as a crime in which the perpetrator enters or hides in a premises to commit a crime after closing. This includes safe attacks and three-minute burglaries, named for the amount of time they take to commit.
The number of burglaries reported to JSA increased 56 percent between 2021 and 2022, the organization’s annual report shows, while dollars losses grew 29 percent to $42.7 million.
In order to help prevent burglaries, especially over holiday weekends, Guginsky said jewelers must respond to all types of notifications from their alarm company such as power interruptions—burglars have and will cut a store’s power lines in order to disable the alarm system—and motion sensors being tripped.
If the owner is not available, then an employee needs to respond. Guginsky said stores should have an in-case-of-alert list that the alarm company can go down until they reach someone, particularly during holidays when multiple people might be on vacation.
“These holidays weekends, we see that problem,” he said.
And, he said, whoever responds to the alarm needs to go to the store with the police and inspect all the entrances as well as the roof, in the event the perpetrators are attempting to enter the store through the top.
They also should alert the police that the suspects could be near the store, watching to see if and how the owner or employees respond when the power lines are cut.
Guginsky also recommended that stores have line security and talk to their alarm company about installing a back-up battery for the alarm that will last at least 72 hours in the event power to the store is cut.
In addition to giving advice for protecting stores over the long weekend, Guginsky and Kennedy shared general security advice that’s applicable all year-round.
Tips included safe safety—they recommend having a TRTL 30x6 and not positioning it alongside and outside wall or a wall that’s shared with a neighboring business—and calling it to the landlord’s attention if the business next to a jewelry store is empty.
“You can’t just leave a vacant store next to a jewelry store,” Kennedy said. “It’s all ingredients for disaster.”
He also noted the importance of testing alarms and cameras to make sure they are recording, and of keeping surveillance video for a minimum of 30 days and storing it securely in the cloud.
The full recording of “Protecting Your Store” webinar is available in The Plumb Club’s Jeweler’s Resource Center (navigate to the “View” area) and on the organization’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
