Crime

Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft

CrimeFeb 13, 2025

Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft

The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.

Surveillance image of Macy’s jewelry thief
The suspect seen here attempted to steal $1.5 million worth of jewelry from a Macy’s store in Brooklyn, New York, but was thwarted by an employee. The thief is still at large and the New York Police Department is asking the public to help identify the suspect. (Image courtesy of the NYPD)
Brooklyn, N.Y.—A Macy’s employee foiled an attempt to steal jewelry from the department store chain’s soon-to-close store in downtown Brooklyn.

According to the New York Police Department, on Monday, an individual entered the Macy’s store on Fulton Street around 10:15 p.m, near closing time.

When the store was officially closed, the suspect stuffed around $1.5 million worth of jewelry in suitcases and fled.

Store employees told officers that the masked man entered the store, changed his clothing, and pretended to be a security guard, waiting around until after the store closed for the evening, according to an amNewYork report.

 

An employee saw the suspect leave the store through the Hoyt Street exit, according to the amNewYork report, and followed him, confronting him outside. 

Police said the man dropped the jewelry and fled. There were no injuries reported related to the incident. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Officials are asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect.

Macy’s robbery surveillance image
Macy’s employees reportedly told police the suspect changed clothes after he entered, dressing as a security guard.


The NYPD asked that anyone with information regarding this incident call its Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Tips also can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website or via X (formerly Twitter) to @NYPDTips.

The downtown Brooklyn Macy’s is one of the stores slated to close as part of the struggling retailer’s turnaround plan.

Macy’s is planning to shutter 150 underperforming locations over a three-year period, recently releasing the list of the first 66 stores that will close.

Macy’s came in at No. 7 on National Jeweler’s 2024 State of the Majors “$100 Million Supersellers” list, which ranks North America’s largest sellers of fine jewelry, with jewelry and watch sales totaling $1.48 billion in 2023.

The Latest

Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th Anniversary

Cohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.

Peter Smith Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales

“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.

Lionheart Cassandane Collection Campaign
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’

The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Instappraise NAJA
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New Scholarship

It’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.

Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
CASE Awards Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE Awards

The deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.

Industry journalist Rob Bates
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director

After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

AMNH Beryl
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals Database

Wiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.

Boochier Flower Puff Campaign
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine Jewelry

The “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.

Community for Ethical Jewelry logo
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage Webinar

Set for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.

Lisa Bayer
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64

Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”

Tiffany & co diamond ring
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online Sale

The highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.

AGTA GemFair Tucson
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029

The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.

Tom Heap
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, Watches

Former Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.

Georgia May Jagger in Tommy Hilfiger campaign
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, Women

Movado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.

Marco Bicego Art of Craft Campaign Imagery
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’

After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”

Couture Time to Watches logo
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This Year

Couture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.

Macy’s New York City Herald Square flagship
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’s

Plus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.

Jwaneng Diamond
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ Diamond

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Tiffany & Co.’s Three Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Archives Brooches
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars Win

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

Women wearing Zales jewelry
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen Banner

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026

From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut white diamond
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at Auction

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

JCK Rocks Nelly Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With Nelly

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

Lady Wardington and diamond-clip brooch
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161K

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

My Next Question Episode 3 guest Johnny Nelson
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny Nelson

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

×

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