TrendsDec 11, 2025
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.
CrimeFeb 19, 2020
4 Arrested in Louisiana Believed to Be Part of Larger Ring
The men taken into custody for a jewelry store robbery in Hammond, Louisiana are potentially connected to a string of smash-and-grabs in Texas.
Hammond, La.—Police have arrested four men potentially connected to a string of smash-and-grab robberies across eastern Texas after they allegedly hit another jewelry store in Louisiana.
The Hammond (Louisiana) Police Department announced via its Facebook page that the robbery happened at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday.
Three men wearing hoodies entered the city’s Kay Jewelers store and destroyed jewelry cases with a sledgehammer, grabbing nearly $70,000 in merchandise, police said. They fled the store in a waiting white Toyota Avalon with temporary Texas plates.
A bystander was able to snap a photo of the suspects’ vehicle as it sped from the scene.
Police said a description of the men and the vehicle were quickly disseminated to other police departments along the I-12 corridor, which runs east to west in Louisiana from Slidell to Baton Rouge.
At about 6 p.m., Baton Rouge police stopped a car heading west on I-12—toward Texas—that matched the description of the car seen fleeing the scene.
They took four suspects into custody: 43-year-old Ellis Gholson of Houston; Kameron McCoy, 21, of Houston; 22-year-old Frederick Gibson Jr. of Fresno, Texas; and Travion Walker, 29, of Houston.
Police said all four men have been charged with armed robbery.
WATCH: Hammond Police Chief on the Jewelry Store Robbery
In an interview with local station ActionNews 17, Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. said officers did not recover any of the $69,000 in merchandise stolen from the Kay Jewelers store.
He said it is believed there was a “tail vehicle” and the suspects passed off the jewelry to its occupant or occupants.
“We believe this a fairly sophisticated operation that’s running in a multi-state area,” Bergeron said.
Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy agrees.
He said it is a “good working theory” that the four suspects arrested last Thursday in Louisiana are connected to a recent string of five smash-and-grabs in Texas, which JSA warned jewelers about in its most recent alert.
The Texas smash-and-grabs happened in a span of less than two weeks and, like the Hammond robbery, some involved taking out showcases with sledgehammers.
According to JSA, the first took place Jan. 31 around 3 p.m. at a jewelry store in San Antonio. The second occurred a few days later in Texas City, a town about 250 miles to the east in the Houston metropolitan area.
On Feb. 6, three suspects allegedly hit another jewelry store in
San Antonio, this time destroying showcases with a sledgehammer.
The fourth Texas smash-and-grab happened Feb. 9, JSA said, at a Houston jewelry store around 4 p.m.
About an hour later that same day, two men entered and robbed a jewelry store in nearby Sugar Land using a sledgehammer.
Bergeron said federal law enforcement and multiple city and state agencies are now looking into these robberies, and said he expects “a lot of people will [be brought] down,” as a result of the arrest in Baton Rouge.
The JSA has a list of recommendations for jewelers when it comes to smash-and-grab robberies.
It includes the following.
1. Don’t resist. In addition to sledgehammers and other potentially dangerous tools, the perpetrators could have guns.
2. Having showcases with burglary-resistant laminated glass and special frames can prevent and reduce large losses. Robbers will be unable to get into the showcase or will only be able to create a small hole, limiting the amount of merchandise they can take. Also, suspects frequently cut themselves while reaching into these small holes, leaving DNA behind.
3. Having audible glass breakage alarms on showcases can scare away smash-and-grab robbers. Most of them are trying to get out of the store in under a minute.
4. Hiring armed, off-duty police officers can be a deterrent, and having buzzers on the door can help keep out potential robbers as well.
5. Spreading out high-end watches and loose diamonds among several showcases can help reduce losses in the event of a smash-and-grab robbery.
The fourth Texas smash-and-grab happened Feb. 9, JSA said, at a Houston jewelry store around 4 p.m.
About an hour later that same day, two men entered and robbed a jewelry store in nearby Sugar Land using a sledgehammer.
Bergeron said federal law enforcement and multiple city and state agencies are now looking into these robberies, and said he expects “a lot of people will [be brought] down,” as a result of the arrest in Baton Rouge.
The JSA has a list of recommendations for jewelers when it comes to smash-and-grab robberies.
It includes the following.
1. Don’t resist. In addition to sledgehammers and other potentially dangerous tools, the perpetrators could have guns.
2. Having showcases with burglary-resistant laminated glass and special frames can prevent and reduce large losses. Robbers will be unable to get into the showcase or will only be able to create a small hole, limiting the amount of merchandise they can take. Also, suspects frequently cut themselves while reaching into these small holes, leaving DNA behind.
3. Having audible glass breakage alarms on showcases can scare away smash-and-grab robbers. Most of them are trying to get out of the store in under a minute.
4. Hiring armed, off-duty police officers can be a deterrent, and having buzzers on the door can help keep out potential robbers as well.
5. Spreading out high-end watches and loose diamonds among several showcases can help reduce losses in the event of a smash-and-grab robbery.
More on Crime
The Latest
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
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.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
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.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
