Crime

At Annual Luncheon, JSA Provides a Snapshot on Crime in 2020

CrimeJan 07, 2021

At Annual Luncheon, JSA Provides a Snapshot on Crime in 2020

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance also presented its usual awards at a virtual event held in lieu of its annual luncheon in New York.

New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance held its annual event online Wednesday, handing out its usual awards and providing a snapshot of jewelry crime in what was an unusual year.

JSA President John J. Kennedy said 2019 was a “very bad year for crime,” with the association’s annual report for the year showing an 87 percent jump in dollar losses due to professional gangs.

The year 2020 “was an outlier,” with the usual types of crimes perpetrated against jewelry stores and salespeople down considerably because of the pandemic.

Stores were closed for periods of time, there was less foot traffic in malls, employees were more careful, and fencing and travel opportunities for criminals were limited.

But 400 stores were looted in June, Kennedy said. Looting is a “very atypical” crime and resulted in a lot of property damage, though little theft of jewelry.

There also were a number of high-dollar-loss safe burglaries—made easier in part because of all the stores that were currently vacant or closed, giving criminals the ability to enter via adjacent businesses—as well as grab-and-run thefts, which are always a problem for jewelers.

JSA’s virtual event also included the presentation of the 22nd annual James B. White Award to Law Enforcement and the 16th annual Industry Service Award.

White Award recipients FBI Special Agent Ivan Romo and Los Angeles Police Department Detective Dennis Bopp specialize in investigating burglary gangs from Chile that target jewelers and have worked to compile a list of about 300 other law enforcement agents who do the same so they can share information.

The Industry Service Award went to Joe Barnard, director of stores for Bernie Robbins Jewelers.

Barnard started at Bernie Robbins 30 years ago, originally joining the company for what was supposed to be just a summer job.

Today, he handles security for Bernie Robbins and a network of other stores and is “someone that JSA turns to for information and advice about retail security practices,” Kennedy said.

Wednesday’s virtual event started off as the physical event does every year—with a moment of silence for members of the jewelry industry killed on the job the previous year.

 Related stories will be right here … 

In 2020, the industry lost three: Connecticut jeweler Mark Vuono, retired police Capt. David Dorn, and Los Angeles jeweler Eshagh Natanzadeh

Kennedy also called for a moment of silence for all those who have died as a result of the event  that has “overshadowed our industry … and brought sadness to so many”—COVID-19. 

As of press time, more than 350,000 people had died of the virus in the United States.

Members of the jewelry industry who have succumbed to the disease include M.K. Diamonds’ Julio Ramirez, Texas jeweler Randy Flatau, jewelry designer Yupadee Kobkul Boonsiri, industry veteran Bob Siragusa, Nebraska jeweler Frank Kumor, colored gemstone wholesaler James Breski, and InStore ad salesman Fran Zimniuch.

The annual JSA luncheon is one of a handful of events that normally take place in New York City in January but has been moved online or postponed. 

The annual Jewelers Vigilance Committee luncheon is scheduled to take place online Friday while the Gem Awards have been moved to July.

The Latest

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Athena Calderone x John Hardy Collection
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired Collection

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs Impact

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy