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
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
