Crime

This Suspect Has Pulled Off More Sneak Thefts, JSA Says

CrimeAug 02, 2019

This Suspect Has Pulled Off More Sneak Thefts, JSA Says

A man pictured in a Jewelers’ Security Alliance crime alert back in June has allegedly struck again at stores in New York City and Virginia.

New York—A man suspected in a string of jewelry thefts earlier this summer has struck again, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said Thursday.


The suspect, pictured at left in a photo provided by JSA, allegedly stole a diamond ring from a store on New York’s Fifth Avenue on July 1 and, earlier this week, palmed a high-end gold watch from a store in Virginia while being shown multiple pieces.

He was also spotted on video in the Virginia store sticking his hand in an open showcase while being shown a watch, JSA said.

JSA has classified both crimes as “sneak thefts,” a theft in which the suspect slips a piece into his or her pocket or reaches into a showcase to grab it.

The same suspect was pictured in the JSA’s June 27 crime alert for allegedly pulling off sneak thefts in three states.

According to that alert, he, along with another man, palmed rings at three different jewelry stores—one in California on June 7, one in Virginia on June 20 and one in New York on June 22.

He also reportedly has visited jewelry stores in Washington, D.C., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and possibly Short Hills, New Jersey.

“This guy is very mobile,” JSA President John J. Kennedy said Friday, pointing out that he is believed to have hit stores on both coasts.

Kennedy also noted that the suspect’s MO is to take one high-end item from each store, generally priced between $40,000 and $70,000.

To prevent sneak thefts, JSA advises jewelers show only one item at a time and keep showcases locked unless they are removing or returning merchandise.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

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