IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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,
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.
More on Crime
The Latest
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
Weekly QuizMar 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
MajorsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining SalesThe moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office WearThe “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800sBreitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.
AuctionsMar 19, 2025
10-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Expected to Sell for $20MDubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsMar 19, 2025
AGS Adds New Program, Relaunches CSAThe American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.
CollectionsMar 18, 2025
Beck Debuts New Collection as Trove’s Latest Designer-in-ResidenceRebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.
ColumnistsMar 18, 2025
Peter Smith: The Importance of Culture in HiringSmith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2025
Fink’s Jewelers Is Now a Regional Emmy WinnerThe company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.
WatchesMar 18, 2025
Citizen Announces New Modern Luxury Watch CategoryThe “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.
