AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
CrimeDec 18, 2018
Industry saw smash-and-grab ‘explosion’ in 2014
While overall jewelry crime continued to trend downward in 2014, there was a spike in the number of smash-and-grab robberies due primarily to two large gangs.
New York-- While overall jewelry crime continued to trend downward in 2014, there was a spike in the number of smash-and-grab robberies due primarily to two large gangs, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said.
According to the JSA’s annual report, released Thursday, the report shows that the number of smash-and-grab robberies reported to the JSA rose 77 percent in 2014, from 62 to 110.
JSA President John J. Kennedy said he doesn’t believe the industry has ever seen so many smash-and-grabs in a single year. “This is really an explosion,” he said.
Many the work of two large and likely unrelated gangs, one based in Detroit and the other in California, these crimes continued through the first two months of the year but have slowed recently, due in part to the indictment of 17 individuals alleged to be part of the Detroit smash-and-grab ring, Kennedy said.
He said the two gangs perpetrating these crimes are huge--there are believed to be as many as 80 individuals involved in the Detroit area, including the 17 just indicted--and have a couple of experienced ringleaders who use money to lure non-experienced criminals in to do one or two jobs.
The robberies, where the perpetrators take heavy-weight hammers to display cases then grab the merchandise, targeted primarily cases of loose diamonds and high-end watches, pushing the total dollars losses for 2014 to $77.8 million, a 17 percent increase over the prior year.
They also plagued more mall jewelers than any other type of retailers in 2014, the JSA’s report shows. Of the 110 smash-and-grab robberies reported to the JSA in 2014, nearly half, 49, happened in mall jewelry stores.
A total of 26 happened in standalone stores, 13 in stores located in strip shopping centers, 12 in downtown stores, 6 in department stores and one in a jewelry store located in a hotel. (The location of three of the 110 was unknown.)
Kennedy said while it might seem counter-intuitive to go to a crowded mall to perpetrate such a visible crime, the robbers case the mall beforehand, perhaps selecting a store that’s close to an exit, and bank on being able to blend into the mall traffic after leaving the jewelry store. In addition, fewer mall stores have buzzers on their doors, making them easier targets.
To guard against smash-and-grabs, Kennedy said jewelers need to have buzzers on the door, which
can be a deterrent, and laminated glass in sturdy display cases. It also helps to have high-quality functioning cameras, to watch for people casing the store and to share information with other jewelers about anyone deemed suspicious.
“We have seen that if they can’t get (to the jewelry by) smashing the showcase, then they leave,” Kennedy said, adding that while these types of showcases might be expensive, they are worth it for stores carrying high-end merchandise.
While smash-and-grab robberies increased in 2014, industry crime was down overall.
The total number of crimes reported to the JSA decreased from 1,414 in 2013 to 1,381 in 2014, a 2 percent decline.
As mentioned, dollar losses increased year-over-year because of the smash-and-grab thefts of diamonds and high-end watches, but have been steadily dropping for years along with overall crime. Dollar losses are down 43 percent over the last 10 years when adjusted for inflation.
Other noteworthy statistics from the report include the following.
--The number of homicides of jewelers fell from five in 2013 to three in 2014.
-- There were two home invasions of retail jewelers, compared with three in 2013. After spiking in recent years, “tiger kidnappings,” incidences where jewelers are cased, then followed and attacked away from their store, have subsided in the past couple years.
--Multi-branch firms, retail chains and department stores experienced the lion’s share of thefts (grab-and-run, distraction thefts, switches, etc.) at 60 percent while independent jewelers had more robberies (64 percent) and burglaries (78 percent).
--Rooftop burglaries were up 6 percent year-over-year, with Florida the most active state for this crime. Three-minute burglaries, which are named for the amount of time they take to commit, were down 33 percent. The JSA noted that both of these types of crime occur when jewelry is left out in showcases overnight.
A PDF of the JSA’s entire 2014 report is available via JewelersSecurity.org.
More on Crime
The Latest
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
