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.
CrimeAug 04, 2016
Jewelry Crime Continues to Drop
The number of crimes has totaled 528 through the first six months of the year, a 6 percent decline from the same period last year.
New York--The mid-year report from the Jewelers’ Security Alliance shows that jewelry crime is continuing its decline this year.
There have been a total of 528 crimes perpetrated against jewelers, jewelry stores and traveling jewelry salesmen in January through June 2016, compared with 562 in the same period last year. That’s a 6 percent drop.
Dollar losses fell in lockstep, declining 7 percent, from $33.2 million to $30.8 million.
There was one homicide in the first six months of the year, the June murder of traveling jewelry salesman Muhammed Shaikh, 42.
According to The Dallas Morning News, Shaikh was at a gas station near the Dallas airport when he saw several people breaking into his rental car. When he confronted them, he was forced into another vehicle and driven off, and later found dead about two miles away.
In an interview with National Jeweler on Wednesday, JSA President John Kennedy said Dallas and Houston currently are “areas of concern,” as there are gangs operating there who are going after traveling salesmen.
Shortly after Shaikh’s murder, another traveling jewelry salesman was targeted in a gas station parking lot but managed to escape.
“It’s dangerous in that area at this moment for traveling salespeople,” Kennedy said.
On a category-by-category basis, crime was down across the board, with the exception of thefts.
The number of robberies (robberies involve the taking of property through the use of force or fear) dropped mostly sharply, declining 31 percent year-over-year. There were 132 robberies by this point last year and only 91 this year.
The number of off-premises crimes, which includes attacks against traveling salesmen, fell from 21 to 18, while burglaries were down 5 percent, from 115 to 109.
But while the overall number of burglaries has fallen so far this year, Kennedy said there have been an “unusual” number involving the suspects breaking into stores in the middle of the night by driving a vehicle into them. There have been 11 such incidences so far this year, compared with just two in 2015.
He said it is unclear at this point if these crimes are being perpetrated by a specific group or are unrelated.
The JSA recommends that jewelers have planters or stanchions installed outside their stores, if they are able to do so.
Declining along with the number of crimes so far this year is the number of arrests. They’ve dropped from 209 to 132,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
but have included a few high-profile apprehensions, including the armed female robber and the arrest of the majority of the members of a smash-and-grab crew operating in California.
Kennedy said the drop in industry crime is attributable to a number of factors, chief among them the increased interest law enforcement agencies have in investigating jewelry crimes, which can be tied to money laundering, and, in turn, linked to terrorism.
Also helping is technology, which has made it easier to share information, and the increased cooperation between the industry and law enforcement agencies.
It’s also worth noting that there are fewer jewelry stores today and far fewer traveling salesmen, a major target for criminals.
Thefts, the only category of crime to see an increase, rose 5 percent, from 294 to 310. Theft is the taking of property without the use force or fear and includes grab-and-runs, switches, credit card fraud, and distraction and sneak thefts.
JSA received reports of 187 grab-and-runs in retail jewelry stores, 49 distraction thefts and 36 sneak thefts through the first six months of the year.
Kennedy said jewelers need to keep their showcases locked, except when taking out product and putting it back in, and avoid showing too much product at one time. Don’t, for example, pull out multiple watches or bring out an entire tray of rings, he said.
Kennedy said the drop in industry crime is attributable to a number of factors, chief among them the increased interest law enforcement agencies have in investigating jewelry crimes, which can be tied to money laundering, and, in turn, linked to terrorism.
Also helping is technology, which has made it easier to share information, and the increased cooperation between the industry and law enforcement agencies.
It’s also worth noting that there are fewer jewelry stores today and far fewer traveling salesmen, a major target for criminals.
Thefts, the only category of crime to see an increase, rose 5 percent, from 294 to 310. Theft is the taking of property without the use force or fear and includes grab-and-runs, switches, credit card fraud, and distraction and sneak thefts.
JSA received reports of 187 grab-and-runs in retail jewelry stores, 49 distraction thefts and 36 sneak thefts through the first six months of the year.
Kennedy said jewelers need to keep their showcases locked, except when taking out product and putting it back in, and avoid showing too much product at one time. Don’t, for example, pull out multiple watches or bring out an entire tray of rings, he said.
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
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.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
