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.
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
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.
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.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
