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.
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
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
