Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Professional Burglars Target Stores in Virginia, Florida
The incidences prompted the Jewelers’ Security Alliance to release a list of burglary prevention tips ahead of the holiday weekend.
New York—Professional burglars recently targeted jewelry stores in Virginia and Florida, prompting the Jewelers’ Security Alliance to release a list of burglary prevention tips ahead of the holiday weekend.
The first incident happened Nov. 9 in Stuart, Florida, a town on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Surveillance video obtained by police showed a white vehicle driving around the area of the store throughout the afternoon and night of the attempted burglary, which took place on a Saturday, possibly acting as a lookout.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Drew Patterson of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office at 772-220-7075.
The second incident happened Sunday at a store in Falls Church, Virginia.
Burglars broke into the store from an adjoining vacant bank. The suspects were able to enter one safe but not the other, which has a higher UL rating, JSA said.
JSA President John J. Kennedy said Wednesday that there is not enough evidence to tie the two cases together.
In issuing the alert, JSA provided a list of tips for burglary prevention for jewelers, which includes the following.
1. Make sure the store’s alarm company call list is up to date and includes enough responders that someone always can be reached, even during vacation periods, holidays and weekends.
2. Never enter the jewelry premises alone in response to an alarm signal; wait to be accompanied by police.
3. Do not put safes on an outside wall or a wall of a neighboring office or store. This gives burglars the opportunity to break through a wall and penetrate the safe without even entering the premises.
4. TL-15x6- and TL-30x6-rated safes are not adequate protection from today’s burglars who can cut into and penetrate them with tools purchased at a regular hardware store.
5. Both jewelers and police must respond to alarm signals promptly and examine not only the ground-floor doors and windows but also all other possible points of entry, including the roof and sidewalls.
6. Don’t leave merchandise, even inexpensive jewelry, out in the showcases at night. It encourages break-ins, and can add up to a significant loss if burglars take enough of it. If all the store’s merchandise won’t fit in the safe, then find somewhere to lock it away out of sight.
7. Don’t
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.