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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
