Crime

Southern California Jewelers Hit by Violent Robberies

CrimeMar 29, 2016

Southern California Jewelers Hit by Violent Robberies

A total of seven retail jewelers in southern California have been victims of violent robberies recently, leading the JSA to reiterate its advice for escaping a robbery unscathed.

New York--There has been a rash of violent robberies at jewelry stores across southern California of late, according to the Jewelers’ Security Alliance.

Seven jewelry retailers in the southern part of the state have been targets of violent robberies since mid-January.

In all the incidents, the suspects went for high-end watches, and in two of the robberies--in a Costa Mesa store in January and in a West Hollywood store earlier this month--employees were pistol-whipped.

The JSA reported that suspects have been arrested in two of the cases so far. Three individuals were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the West Hollywood robbery, and one arrest was made in connection with the robbery of a store in Torrance.

In an email alert distributed Monday afternoon, the JSA reiterated that its advice for jewelers during a robbery is to not resist and cooperate fully.

It recommends the following.

--Obey the orders of the robber. Don’t say or do anything, including raising your hands, unless told to do so. Cooperate fully and try not to panic.

--Don’t attempt to disarm the robber or reach for a concealed weapon; assume they will shoot without hesitation.

--Never do or say anything that might anger the robber. Do not, for example, stare at the robber as if trying to memorize their facial characteristics.

--Remember that the shorter amount of time the robbers are in the store, the less risk there is of injury. Once the robbers have merchandise, they usually leave quickly.

--Do not chase the robbers or follow them out of the store.

--Do not press a holdup alarm, if the store has one, until the robbers have left the store and doors are locked. If the police arrive while the robbers are there, or if the robbers return, a deadly hostage situation could develop.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Stock image of shipping containers
EditorsApr 09, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

Tiffany & Co. Iguatemi São Paulo Flagship Exterior
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in Brazil

The new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.

Chaumet Art Deco ruby and diamond bracelet
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet Jewels

The pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

Tyla in Pandora jewelry campaign
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand Ambassador

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.

Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
GIA logo
GradingApr 08, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick In

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

Rolex Land-Dweller Platinum Watch
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025

The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

David Webb necklace
MajorsApr 08, 2025
David Webb Has a New Owner

The storied American jeweler also has named a new CEO.

Willis Cowlishaw
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98

Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong Kong

Bonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.

F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleau Byblos Watch
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6M

The 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.

Jewelers Mutual and Jewellers Loop logos
MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New Acquisition

The company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.

Neuroscientist and speaker Beau Lotto
Events & AwardsApr 07, 2025
Converge Taps Neuroscientist as Opening Keynote Speaker

Beau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.

Victorian Burmese sapphire and diamond brooch
AuctionsApr 04, 2025
25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101K

A pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.

Mason Kay International Jade Summit 2025 Graphic
SourcingApr 04, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade to Hold Inaugural International Jade Summit

The event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.

Heather B. Moore Lily of the Valley Oval Charm
CollectionsApr 04, 2025
Piece of the Week: Heather B. Moore’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ Charm

The charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.

Stock image of people shopping in a mall
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRF

The National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.

Tallulah Willis’ Engagement Ring
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With Magic

The 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.

158.2-carat yellow diamond from Diavik
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond

Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Buccellati Naturalia exhibition
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in Milan

The multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on Tariffs

The virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.

Bea Bongiasca Animali Tarallo Collection Royal Blue Tang Fish “Dory”
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a Zoo

The pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.

Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas store
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For Now

Parent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.

Natural color diamonds on display at Smithsonian National Museum of History
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C.

Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

Punchmark
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client Workshop

The educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.

Bergman Jewelers family
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 Years

The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

×

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