A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Tips for Burglary Prevention as Professionals ‘Return to Work’
JSA says there’s been an uptick in burglaries by skilled criminals after a period of dormancy due to COVID-19.
New York—As stores nationwide continue to reopen and perhaps even extend their hours, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance is urging retailers to review the safeguards they have in place to prevent burglaries.
In its weekly bulletin sent out Thursday, JSA shared a dozen recommendations for preventing burglaries or, at least, mitigating losses.
They included the following.
— Respond to all alarm signals promptly, and examine every possible point of entry—the doors, windows, roof and walls, including those that are shared with neighboring premises.
— Electrical junction boxes also need to be examined since some gangs cut or disconnect the power to disable alarm systems and cameras.
— Don’t leave merchandise out in showcases overnight and don’t cover them; it is safer if potential burglars can see that a store’s showcases are empty. Even less expensive merchandise needs to be put away out of sight, even if it’s just in a closet or drawer.
— Use some interior lighting when the store is closed so criminals who might be casing the store can see the showcases are empty, and police will be better able to spot any intruders.
— Don’t put the store’s safe or safes on an outside wall or a wall that’s shared with a neighboring business. Burglars break through walls to access them.
— Keep surveillance camera images stored on the cloud or in another remote location in the event burglars remove the surveillance equipment when leaving the store.
The tips came as JSA reported an uptick in burglaries as “professionals”—meaning criminals with more sophisticated tools and know-how—have begun to hit jewelry stores after a period of dormancy the organization believes was COVID-19 related.
Over the past two years, burglaries involving significant losses have been “especially frequent,” JSA President John J. Kennedy told National Jeweler on Thursday.
At the beginning of the year, before COVID-19 became widespread in the United States, JSA warned jewelers about a spate of rooftop burglaries that happened in late December through mid-January.
Kennedy said at the time rooftop burglaries had more than doubled from 2018 to 2019, while safe attacks in 2019 totaled 25, up from 13 in 2018, an increase that looked like it was set to continue into 2020.
But the coronavirus pandemic curtailed that activity, just like it did almost everything else.
“During COVID, stores were closed and merchandise locked away at night. There were fewer people on the streets
The recent string of burglaries has hit stores from coast to coast. Different groups are carrying out these crimes, JSA said.
It detailed two in its bulletin that involved the suspects cutting through the roof or the wall.
On Sept. 25, burglars cut a hole in the roof of a store in Savannah, Georgia, dropped down into the store and proceeded to break into and empty the safe.
Police responded to an alarm signal at the store after midnight, walked around the perimeter and looked in the windows but left because they didn’t see anything, JSA said.
Employees discovered the hole and the emptied safe when they arrived to work in the morning.
Late Friday night on Sept. 25 or early Saturday morning on Sept. 26, burglars cut through the cement wall of a church located adjacent to a jewelry store in Grand Island, Nebraska, and cut into two safes.
Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or via email at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
The Latest
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.