CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryCrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California
JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance said since March, it has received reports of violent smash-and-grab robberies across California. The incidences involve mobs of up to 30 people swarming the store at once and smashing display cases to grab high-karat gold jewelry.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance issued a warning this week about a pattern of jewelry store robberies in California that JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky described as one of the most violent he’s ever seen.
The smash-and-grabs involve gangs of 10 to 30 individuals who either arrive at the store in stolen vehicles and then rush in, armed with pickaxes and hammers, or ram a vehicle into the front of the store and then begin looting the cases.
“In all my years doing this, I’ve never seen this many vehicles being driven [into jewelry stores] and this many groups bum-rushing jewelry stores,” Guginsky said.
In one recent incident, a jewelry store owner in the Southern California city of Anaheim, about 25 miles south of Los Angeles, managed to scare off the would-be robbers.
According to a report from KTLA, the attempted smash-and-grab happened last Thursday just before 6:30 p.m. at Al-Amira Jewelry.
The smash-and-grabs involve gangs of 10 to 30 individuals who either arrive at the store in stolen vehicles and then rush in, armed with pickaxes and hammers, or ram a vehicle into the front of the store and then begin looting the cases.
“In all my years doing this, I’ve never seen this many vehicles being driven [into jewelry stores] and this many groups bum-rushing jewelry stores,” Guginsky said.
In one recent incident, a jewelry store owner in the Southern California city of Anaheim, about 25 miles south of Los Angeles, managed to scare off the would-be robbers.
According to a report from KTLA, the attempted smash-and-grab happened last Thursday just before 6:30 p.m. at Al-Amira Jewelry.
Security footage aired by the news station shows about 18 individuals, covered head to toe in black, red, and white clothing, jump out of what appears to be four different vehicles and rush toward the front of the jewelry store.
After the store’s owner fires a single shot in their direction, they all jump back into the cars and flee.
The KTLA report noted that a similar smash-and-grab robbery happened recently at store across the street from Al-Amira Jewelry.
Guginsky said since March, JSA has recorded 17 of these types of robberies in California, 12 of which have happened in Northern California, with four in Southern California (Anaheim and Artesia) and one in Fresno in Central California.
All of the incidents have occurred between 2 and 7 p.m., in broad daylight when stores are open (or have just closed) and staff and customers are present.
In 12 of these robberies, the perpetrators smashed through the front of the store in a stolen vehicle.
The remaining three were similar to the attempted robbery in Anaheim, where a group of individuals pulled up in separate vehicles and rushed the store.
Related stories will be right here …
After the store’s owner fires a single shot in their direction, they all jump back into the cars and flee.
The KTLA report noted that a similar smash-and-grab robbery happened recently at store across the street from Al-Amira Jewelry.
Guginsky said since March, JSA has recorded 17 of these types of robberies in California, 12 of which have happened in Northern California, with four in Southern California (Anaheim and Artesia) and one in Fresno in Central California.
All of the incidents have occurred between 2 and 7 p.m., in broad daylight when stores are open (or have just closed) and staff and customers are present.
In 12 of these robberies, the perpetrators smashed through the front of the store in a stolen vehicle.
The remaining three were similar to the attempted robbery in Anaheim, where a group of individuals pulled up in separate vehicles and rushed the store.
Guginsky noted that the majority of business owners who have been targeted are South Asian.
Their stores are attractive targets for thieves right now because they carry high-quality (22-karat) gold jewelry, which easily can be fenced and is lucrative, with the current price of gold well above $3,000 an ounce.
He added that the crimes are believed to be the work of several different groups, not one gang or criminal enterprise.
They also seem to be planned in advance, given the number of individuals and stolen vehicles involved.
JSA has tips for jewelers to help prevent or mitigate losses from robberies like those currently happening in California.
Guginsky said first, retailers should notify local law enforcement about this pattern and request extra patrol coverage.
They should display less merchandise, or spread it out a little bit more, and also consider reinforcing the front of their stores with ballistic, shatter-resistant glass.
With the approval of their landlord, jewelers also might want to place flowerpots, stanchions, or bollards in front of the store as a barrier to stop, or at least slow down, vehicles.
Guginsky noted that all jewelers should have an insurance policy that adequately covers the value of their inventory, both what gets left in the vault and what doesn’t.
“You have to make sure you have proper insurance coverage for what is taken out and displayed in the store,” he said.
He said JSA always has recommended jewelers have armed security guards, preferably retired law enforcement, which can be a deterrent to perpetrators.
Lastly, jewelry store owners need to train staff not to resist in the event of a violent smash-and-grab or other robbery.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
