Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 19, 2018
JSA: Smash-and-Grab Robbers Targeting Michigan Jewelers
Seven robberies or attempts have been made in the last five weeks, while attempts have also been made in Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
New York—Smash-and-grab robbers are hitting jewelers across Michigan and other states during the busy season, the Jewelers Security Alliance said.
In a recent email alert, the JSA said seven robberies or attempts have been made in Michigan in the past five weeks.
These include in Clinton Township on Dec. 6, Troy on Dec. 10, Auburn Hills on Dec. 14 and 15, Grandville on Dec. 15 and Taylor on Dec. 16.
Attempts also have been made in Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
In the recent incidents, the suspects have concealed their identities with hoods, JSA reported, but added that nine suspects have been arrested who carried out four of the robberies.
The JSA said in addition to the violence, effect on staff and loss of inventory, robberies at this time of year often force stores to close for repairs during their busiest time.
The organization said in its email alert that this pattern of robberies is similar to the wave of smash-and-grab robberies throughout the country that led to more than 50 indictments and arrests in 2015.
The JSA makes these recommendations to jewelers.
1. Don’t resist in a smash-and-grab robbery; in addition to sledgehammers and other dangerous tools, suspects might be armed with guns.
2. A good deterrent is to hire armed, off-duty police officers in the store.
3. Have buzzers on the door to control who is entering and exiting.
4. Consider investing in showcases with burglary-resistant, laminated glass and special frames since they can withstand many blows from a hammer and can prevent or reduce large losses.
The JSA said it hasn’t seen robbers take “retaliatory action” when showcases have laminated glass and they aren’t able to smash it or can only create a small hole for removing merchandise.
Robbers also frequently cut themselves on the small holes, leaving behind valuable DNA evidence.
5. Have an audible glass breakage alarm on showcases to scare robbers away.
6. The robbers have been targeting loose diamonds and high-end watches, JSA said; spread this merchandise among several showcases rather than concentrating them in one to reduce loss.
7. Have security cameras at eye level inside and outside the store. Surveillance photos from this level can provide great evidence for police, as opposed to “useless” photos of the top of heads or hats that come from ceiling cameras.
8. Keep a log book of suspicious incidents, and save and put
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
aside surveillance videos of suspicious incidents, or save them in the cloud, to help if needed in investigations.
9. Share information and photos with others, such as local jewelers, police and JSA, about casings and suspects to help prevent crime and assist with investigations.
9. Share information and photos with others, such as local jewelers, police and JSA, about casings and suspects to help prevent crime and assist with investigations.
More on Crime
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
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.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
