Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeJul 02, 2019
Why the JSA Is Issuing a ‘Red Alert’ This Fourth of July
The number of stores having their power lines cut continues to climb, and it usually happens on weekends or holidays.
New York—The number of stores having their power lines cut by potential burglars continues to climb, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance reported last week.
After issuing a “red alert” on power-line cutting Thursday, JSA President John J. Kennedy told National Jeweler Monday that six more stores had their power interrupted over the weekend, all in Florida.
The outages were determined not to be accidental (i.e., due to lightning or a widespread blackout) and five happened in one town, which Kennedy said is not uncommon. Perpetrators often target multiple stores in the same area, then sit and wait to see which store is the most vulnerable.
None of the stores were robbed, he said, because the jewelers were aware that it was an issue—JSA has been sending out alerts about power-line cutting since the spring—and called police.
Prior to the past weekend’s power outages in Florida, JSA reported three other recent, similar incidences of note.
On June 23, suspects cut the power lines to a jewelry store in Yorba Linda, California, that was closed because it was Sunday. The owner’s family came by to check on the store and noticed the cameras and alarm weren’t working so they called the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff’s deputies staked out the store and caught two of the four suspects when they broke in and started smashing cases with a crowbar. The other two fled in a vehicle, police said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department identified the suspects as 22-year-old Almendra Yeliann Marchant Torres and Andres Ismitt Hidalgo Duarte, 29. As of Monday, both remained in custody and were ineligible for bail.
A similar incident took place around the same time in the Kansas City area.
JSA said on June 22, a Saturday, suspects cut the power to five stores around the same time and targeted one, a store in Leawood, Kansas.
At that store, they pried open the rear door and unsuccessfully tried to break into the safe, which Kennedy said is common in many, though not all, of these incidences. The perpetrators come through the doors, roof or walls and try to get into the store’s safe, even if they have to spend a few hours inside to do so.
In the Leawood store, JSA said the suspects stole a “large quantity” of jewelry from the showcases as well as a back-up drive for the computer before fleeing. No arrests have been made.
And,
about a month ago, three suspects who allegedly cut the power to two different jewelry stores and robbed one in Scottsdale, Arizona, were arrested in their motel room with stolen jewelry.
The Scottsdale Police Department identified the individuals as 28-year-old Abraham Pablo Herrera Montecino, 24-year-old Juan Francisco Antonio Ramirez Cruz and Christian Alejandro Pierola Sepulveda, 36. Information on their custody status was not immediately available.
59 and Counting
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance first issued an alert about the epidemic of power-line cutting in May. At that time, the organization said it was aware of more than 30 cases in seven states and Canada.
Since then, that number has risen to 59, and those are just the cases JSA was able to confirm, Kennedy said. He added that there is no number from last year to compare to it because it wasn’t a crime the JSA was even tracking.
Kennedy said while power-line cutting has always existed as an m.o. in burglaries, it was seldom used but has been “rampant” this year. He said in all his time with JSA, he’s never seen so many cases in one year.
The suspects are believed to be Chilean and are operating in multiple cells nationwide. It is unknown at this time if the cells are affiliated, even if just loosely so.
The Jewelers Security Alliance has a list of recommendations for jewelers on how they can prevent a burglary if the power to their stores is cut.
No. 1 among them, according to Kennedy: At this point, a retailer should assume if there is a power interruption, then a burglary is in progress and she or he should go to the store with the police in tow.
“Don’t let the alarm company or the cops tell you it’s weather or it’s [something else],” he said.
Other tips include making sure the call list with the alarm company includes the owner and enough employees so that someone will be available to respond even on weekends and holiday nights, and alerting the police to the situation, including the fact that there might be burglars near the store who are watching their response.
“We’re predicting more cuts over the Fourth [of July weekend],” Kennedy advised, “so be careful.”
A full list of recommendations on preventing a burglary in the event of a power interruption can be found in this story.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected post-publication to clarify what was taken from the Leawood, Kansas jewelry store. It was the back-up drive for the computer, not the hard drive as originally reported.
The Scottsdale Police Department identified the individuals as 28-year-old Abraham Pablo Herrera Montecino, 24-year-old Juan Francisco Antonio Ramirez Cruz and Christian Alejandro Pierola Sepulveda, 36. Information on their custody status was not immediately available.
59 and Counting
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance first issued an alert about the epidemic of power-line cutting in May. At that time, the organization said it was aware of more than 30 cases in seven states and Canada.
Since then, that number has risen to 59, and those are just the cases JSA was able to confirm, Kennedy said. He added that there is no number from last year to compare to it because it wasn’t a crime the JSA was even tracking.
Kennedy said while power-line cutting has always existed as an m.o. in burglaries, it was seldom used but has been “rampant” this year. He said in all his time with JSA, he’s never seen so many cases in one year.
The suspects are believed to be Chilean and are operating in multiple cells nationwide. It is unknown at this time if the cells are affiliated, even if just loosely so.
The Jewelers Security Alliance has a list of recommendations for jewelers on how they can prevent a burglary if the power to their stores is cut.
No. 1 among them, according to Kennedy: At this point, a retailer should assume if there is a power interruption, then a burglary is in progress and she or he should go to the store with the police in tow.
“Don’t let the alarm company or the cops tell you it’s weather or it’s [something else],” he said.
Other tips include making sure the call list with the alarm company includes the owner and enough employees so that someone will be available to respond even on weekends and holiday nights, and alerting the police to the situation, including the fact that there might be burglars near the store who are watching their response.
“We’re predicting more cuts over the Fourth [of July weekend],” Kennedy advised, “so be careful.”
A full list of recommendations on preventing a burglary in the event of a power interruption can be found in this story.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected post-publication to clarify what was taken from the Leawood, Kansas jewelry store. It was the back-up drive for the computer, not the hard drive as originally reported.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
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.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sA private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
