Crime

Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

CrimeApr 24, 2024

Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.

Stock image of police crime scene tape
New York—The number of crimes perpetrated against the jewelry industry dropped significantly in 2023, though dollar losses remain at a decades-long high, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance’s annual crime report shows.

Released Tuesday, the report is an annual accounting of all the jewelry crimes reported to JSA in the past year, broken down by category and occurrence.

According to JSA, the number of jewelry crimes totaled 1,621 in 2023, down 27 percent from the record 2,211 incidences reported in 2022.

Despite the decline in the number of crimes, dollar losses were up 3 percent to an inflation-adjusted, 14-year high of $133.2 million, topping the $129.4 million in losses reported last year.

In an interview Tuesday, JSA President John J. Kennedy explained why dollars losses increased while the number of crimes plummeted. 

He said the organization saw a massive drop in the number of grab-and-runs in 2023, which contributed to the overall decline in the number of crimes. 

Grab-and-runs were down from 984 in 2022 to 663 in 2023, a 33 percent drop, more than any other category tracked by JSA. 

Kennedy attributed the decline to fewer people wearing face masks now as compared with the years immediately proceeding the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“If you can’t wear a mask … you’re probably less likely to want to do it,” he said. 

But there was also a significant increase in what JSA classifies as off-premises crimes, e.g., attacks against traveling salespeople or trunk show operators, retailers or their customers being robbed away from the store, and thefts at trade shows. 

The number of these types of crimes rose 54 percent year-over-year, from 65 cases in 2022 to 100 cases in 2023, while dollar losses more than doubled, soaring to $40.4 million, compared with $19 million in 2022.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Kennedy pinpointed this increase as the main reason the industry saw dollar losses rise again in 2023.

Of these crimes, the majority, 71 percent, took place at either trade shows (41 percent) or involved a traveling salesperson (30 percent).

The number of reports of trade show losses doubled year-over-year (20 in 2022 vs. 41 in 2023) with dollar losses averaging $245,000.

“JSA has taken a more active role in working closely with trade show organizers to ensure proper security and safety concerns are addressed,” the organization noted in the report. “JSA also shares intelligence with law enforcement regarding the professional criminals who target trade shows.”

Kennedy said Tuesday that trade show organizers are making a “major effort” to tighten up security at shows from Las Vegas to Atlanta to Miami, particularly as it pertains to badges.

He also noted, as he does every year when the organization’s annual crime report is released, that while up year-over-year, the number of off-premises incidences remain well below the levels recorded in decades past.

In 1999, for example, there were 323 off-premises losses, the vast majority of which were attacks on traveling salespeople or trunk shows organizers.

In the report, JSA attributed the decline to dedicated interest by law enforcement, particularly the FBI; there being far fewer traveling jewelry salespeople on the road today; and greater education and sharing of information regarding suspects.

The jewelry industry lost only one member in 2023, Peter Damian Arguello, owner of Peter Damian Fine Jewelry in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Arguello was shot to death in his store on the morning of Nov. 29. In late December, police arrested 41-year-old Charles Robinson Shay of Aurora, Colorado, in connection with Arguello’s death.

To read the report in full, visit the JSA website

The Latest

Cartier Panthère watch
WatchesSep 11, 2024
These Are the Watches Women Want, Says Chrono24

Its “Her-ology” report highlights trends in the women’s luxury watch market, from top brands to movement preferences.

Marrow Fine x Adalina Martini and Tennis Necklace
IndependentsSep 11, 2024
Take a Sip of Marrow Fine x Adalina’s $13K Martini

The smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini, only available at Adalina in Chicago, is served with a 9-carat diamond tennis necklace.

Lightbox loose lab-grown diamonds
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2024
Lab-Grown, Natural Diamonds to Be Focus of AGS Confluence

Scheduled for Sept. 25, the online-only event will be open to non-AGS members this year, for a fee.

How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024 2.0 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024

Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.

Brilliant Earth Showroom Fairfax Virginia
MajorsSep 11, 2024
Brilliant Earth Expands International E-Commerce

Customers in more than 150 countries can now shop at the jewelry retailer’s online store.

Weekly QuizSep 05, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gems Keep Giving
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2024
Gems Keep Giving Reorganizes, Taps Hayley Henning as Board Chair

The organization, which was started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now a 501(c)(3).

 Jeffrey Lynn High
IndependentsSep 10, 2024
Industry Technology Visionary Jeff High Dies at 60

The Gemvision founder is remembered as a passionate mentor with a deep love for God.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Natural Diamonds: A Great (but Often Untold) Geology Story

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.

Foundrae Golden Hour Campaign
CollectionsSep 10, 2024
Foundrae’s Latest Collection Harnesses the Glow of the Golden Hour

The “Golden Hour” collection was designed to “inspire and encourage reflection,” said the brand.

Movado When I Move You Move campaign
MajorsSep 10, 2024
Ludacris, Jessica Alba Star in New Movado Campaign

Movado has named five new brand ambassadors, featuring them in its new “When I Move You Move” campaign.

Carol Woolton
TrendsSep 10, 2024
Carol Woolton To Release New Book

The jewelry historian discusses the history and cultural significance of jewelry throughout time and across the globe.

US Senator Dianne Feinstein
AuctionsSep 09, 2024
US Senator Dianne Feinstein's Jewels Going to Auction

Bonhams will offer more than 70 pieces of the late dignitary’s jewelry next month.

Hearts On Fire Love, Unleashed Campaign
CollectionsSep 09, 2024
Hearts On Fire Debuts New Campaign, Designs

The “Love, Unleashed” campaign is an ode to love, featuring 16 new designs from Hearts On Fire’s “Vela” collection.

Fuli gemstones beidou cut
SourcingSep 09, 2024
Fuli Gemstones Introduces ‘Beidou Cut’

The miner’s new peridot cut will debut at the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry trade show.

Fabergé Beetlejuice Beetlejuice jewelry collection
CollectionsSep 06, 2024
The ‘Fabergé x Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Collection is Scary Chic

It’s showtime for these jewels, inspired by the motifs and color palette of the new Tim Burton film.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsSep 06, 2024
Movado Lowers Guidance as Q2 Sales Slip

CEO Efraim Grinberg pointed to a challenging consumer spending environment, particularly in the watch category.

Lizzie Mandler’s Liquid Gold Hoops
CollectionsSep 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lizzie Mandler’s ‘Liquid Gold’ Hoops

Inspired by a 19th century sculpture, Mandler transformed gold into liquid for these earrings.

Bella Hadid in Chopard Campaigns
CollectionsSep 05, 2024
Bella Hadid Is Chopard’s New Brand Ambassador

The model and entrepreneur stars in two new Chopard campaigns.

Nordstrom men’s store New York City
MajorsSep 05, 2024
Nordstrom Family Offers to Buy Namesake Retailer for $3.8B

Members of the founding family partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to possibly take Nordstrom private.

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Bone cuff
MajorsSep 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates Elsa Peretti’s Bone Cuff

The iconic design has joined a lineup of notable pieces featured in the jeweler’s “With Love, Since 1837” campaign.

New Cadar CEO Ralph Simons
MajorsSep 05, 2024
Former Chopard, Frederique Constant Executive Tapped to Head Cadar

Ralph Simons is now CEO of the jewelry brand started by fashion designer Michal Kadar and her husband, Avraham Kadar, in 2015.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsSep 04, 2024
Creative Connecting: Why ‘Experience Content’ Matters

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen say it’s all about giving your social media feeds a human touch.

 Models Taylor Hill and Soo Joo Park wearing Messika jewelry
TrendsSep 04, 2024
Taylor Hill, Soo Joo Park Star in New Messika Campaign

The models and friends of founder and artistic designer Valérie Messika showcase the brand’s jewelry in the “Back to Icons” campaign.

Bloomingdale’s From Italy, With Love campaign
MajorsSep 04, 2024
Bloomingdale’s to Highlight Italian Jewelry in New Campaign

“From Italy, With Love” will showcase Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, and other Italian brands.

Zales tennis necklace over Prince tennis racket
CollectionsSep 03, 2024
Zales, Prince Debut US Open-Inspired Collection

The jewelry retailer will also have a diamond-set tennis racket on display at the tournament.

Ylang 23 Flagship
IndependentsSep 03, 2024
Ylang 23 Relocates, Expands Dallas Flagship

The retailer has moved into a 3,200-square-foot space at The Shops of Highland Park.

Suzanne Kalan
TrendsSep 03, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Sapphires for September

The month’s birthstone is vibrant in every color.

×

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