CrimeOct 24, 2023
Philadelphia Jeweler Followed Home, Robbed of Luxury Watch CrimeNov 22, 2023
JSA Warns of Surge in Attacks on Jewelers on the Road
There have been eight attacks in the last month, spanning from a jewelry store parking lot in Rhode Island to highways in California.
Ahead of the holiday weekend, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said jewelers and traveling jewelry salespeople need to be on alert amid a rise in off-premises attacks and be vigilant about any alerts from their alarm companies.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance issued two alerts ahead of the long holiday weekend urging jewelers to take caution while traveling with merchandise and reminding them to respond to all alarms at their stores.
In the first alert, issued Monday, the organization said there have been eight crimes committed against jewelers and traveling jewelry salespeople between Oct. 16 and Nov. 16.
These attacks have been taking place from coast to coast.
According to JSA, these incidences include a jeweler being followed by a suspect on a scooter and robbed in Queens, New York, on Oct. 16; a traveling salesperson who had their trunk lock cut and a large amount of merchandise stolen while in the parking lot of a jewelry store on Nov. 1 in Providence, Rhode Island; and two robberies involving suspects crashing into jewelers’ cars in California.
The first crash took place Oct. 24, when four gang members deliberately crashed into the vehicle of a salesman from Hong Kong on the I-10 in Los Angeles.
JSA said the suspects swarmed the damaged car and stole merchandise while the salesman was on his knees with his arms raised.
The second happened Nov. 16 on the I-405 in Huntington Beach, south of Los Angeles. The suspects hit two cars on the freeway before robbing a jewelry store employee and taking off in a different vehicle, a white Ford Explorer, JSA said.
Related stories will be right here …
In the first alert, issued Monday, the organization said there have been eight crimes committed against jewelers and traveling jewelry salespeople between Oct. 16 and Nov. 16.
These attacks have been taking place from coast to coast.
According to JSA, these incidences include a jeweler being followed by a suspect on a scooter and robbed in Queens, New York, on Oct. 16; a traveling salesperson who had their trunk lock cut and a large amount of merchandise stolen while in the parking lot of a jewelry store on Nov. 1 in Providence, Rhode Island; and two robberies involving suspects crashing into jewelers’ cars in California.
The first crash took place Oct. 24, when four gang members deliberately crashed into the vehicle of a salesman from Hong Kong on the I-10 in Los Angeles.
JSA said the suspects swarmed the damaged car and stole merchandise while the salesman was on his knees with his arms raised.
The second happened Nov. 16 on the I-405 in Huntington Beach, south of Los Angeles. The suspects hit two cars on the freeway before robbing a jewelry store employee and taking off in a different vehicle, a white Ford Explorer, JSA said.
Crimes against jewelers and other jewelry industry personnel hit record levels in 2022, as both the number of incidences and dollars losses rose considerably.
This included an increase in what JSA classifies as off-premises crimes, defined as an attack that occurs away from the victim’s business base of operations.
The organization recorded 65 cases of off-premises attacks in 2022, nearly double the number from 2021.
On Monday, JSA reminded jewelers of some the tips it has shared in the past for reducing risk and losses while on the road with jewelry.
They include jewelers: taking evasive action, whether walking or driving, when leaving a sales call; not leaving merchandise in an unattended vehicle; considering themselves a crime target if they suddenly have a flat tire or their car is overheating; and shipping merchandise after trade shows, if possible.
JSA also noted that jewelers need to be skeptical of all strangers who approach them when they are carrying merchandise.
According to JSA, on Oct. 17, a woman approached a jeweler who was filling up at a gas station in Miami to ask for his assistance in pumping gas. Suspects opened his trunk and stole jewelry while he was “helping” the woman.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
JSA’s second alert came Tuesday, reminding jewelers about the risk of burglaries over holiday periods, like the approaching Thanksgiving weekend.
The organization said if jewelers receive an alert from their alarm company over the long holiday weekend, they or an employee must respond with the police.
Stores should also make sure their list of contacts filed with the alarm company is up to date and includes enough people so someone is reachable over the holiday weekend.
When they do respond, they and the police must examine all possible points of entry, including the roof, sidewalls, and any way to get into the store through a neighboring business.
JSA President John Kennedy spoke about the increase in off-premises attacks and the need for jewelers to respond to any and all alarm signals on a recent episode of “My Next Question,” National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s webinar series.
Watch the full webinar, “How to Protect Your Store This Holiday Season,” here.
The organization said if jewelers receive an alert from their alarm company over the long holiday weekend, they or an employee must respond with the police.
Stores should also make sure their list of contacts filed with the alarm company is up to date and includes enough people so someone is reachable over the holiday weekend.
When they do respond, they and the police must examine all possible points of entry, including the roof, sidewalls, and any way to get into the store through a neighboring business.
JSA President John Kennedy spoke about the increase in off-premises attacks and the need for jewelers to respond to any and all alarm signals on a recent episode of “My Next Question,” National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s webinar series.
Watch the full webinar, “How to Protect Your Store This Holiday Season,” here.
More on Crime
The Latest
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
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.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
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.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
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.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
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.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
