TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
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
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
