MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
OtherAug 24, 2014
What jewelers can learn from crimes in California
A recent wave of crime in California holds a valuable lesson for retailers everywhere: always be mindful of being watched, Jewelers Mutual’s David Sexton writes.
David Sexton, CPCU, is the vice president of loss prevention consulting at Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. He can be reached at 800-558-6411 or dsexton@jminsure.com.
Crime is an ever-present threat to jewelers throughout the country, but California jewelers are having a particularly active year.
In jewelry crime driven by organized crews, it’s not uncommon to see a recurrence of similar losses in a single geographic area or even to see specific types of crime scenarios move from one geographic area of to another as the perpetrators attempt to outpace law enforcement authorities. Jewelers especially in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco have witnessed an increase in criminal activity this year.
Despite these periodic localized spikes in criminal activity, it’s important for jewelers nationwide to always consider the types of crimes being committed and how vulnerable their own operations might be to a similar criminal attack. By being proactive, you will be better prepared to avoid being targeted and keep your business more safe and secure.
A disturbing trend
Jewelers Mutual continues to work closely with the Jewelers’ Security Alliance to track reported crimes and educate the industry on how jewelers effectively can engage in their own protection. Some recent criminal activity against jewelers reported in California include:
--A team of armed robbers forced the associates of a southern California mall jewelry store to open showcases and hand over approximately 40 Rolex watches. Another store location of the same jeweler in the same area had been robbed in a similar manner less than a year ago.
--Just weeks ago, two jewelry salespeople traveling together were driving in the Los Angeles area when robbers using two cars boxed them in on a highway exit ramp. The robbers smashed the windows of the victim’s vehicle, reached in, released the trunk latch and made off with the salespeople’s merchandise.
--Early in July, four robbers armed with knives violently robbed two diamond salespeople who had conducted business earlier that day in downtown Los Angeles. When the salespeople drove to dinner, they were accosted by criminals who stole the merchandise they were carrying, their passports and cash. The robbers did not get any jewelry merchandise, because the salespeople wisely had left their lines in a safe.
-- In June, criminals broke into a vehicle belonging to a jewelry salesperson who worked in downtown Los Angeles. The break-in occurred in the parking lot of a store at which the salesperson had stopped while on her way to the airport.
-- In May, a rooftop burglary occurred in
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
a southern California jewelry store. Burglars entered through the roof, disabled the surveillance and burglar alarm systems, and successfully penetrated one safe. As they were attacking a second safe, they inadvertently started a fire that damaged the building.
-- Also in May, a thief successfully “switched” a 3-carat diamond with a cubic zirconia at a jewelry store in the Los Angeles area.
-- In April, burglars conducted a rooftop burglary at a jewelry store in the Los Angeles area. The criminals broke into an adjacent un-alarmed store and cut through the common wall shared with the jewelry store and penetrated the back of the jeweler’s safe undetected. They then successfully removed all of the safe’s contents.
-- Another rooftop burglary took place within 30 miles of the aforementioned crime. Thieves broke in through the roof, disabled the burglar alarm system and then successfully penetrated the safe.
-- Also in April, a jewelry salesperson was robbed on Interstate 5 between San Diego and Los Angeles. Robbers used three vehicles to box the salesperson in and proceeded to rob him at gunpoint.
-- In March, a rooftop burglary occurred in the San Francisco area. The thieves cut through the roof of an adjacent unprotected premises, cut through the common wall shared with the jewelry store, and penetrated the back of the jeweler’s safe, which had been situated against the same adjoining wall.
This rise in rooftop burglaries and crimes against traveling jewelry salespeople has led investigators to suspect the hand of well-organized criminal gangs and/or crews in many of these and other incidents.
While the crimes themselves differ, all of these cases indicate a degree of surveillance was conducted prior to the attacks. The perpetrators collected the requisite intelligence about their targets in advance to help them successfully evaluate their victim’s habits and vulnerabilities.
What can you do?
Always assume that criminals are observing you and your store. Because you are in the jewelry industry, you are indeed a potential target regardless of where your operation may be located.
Encourage your staff to maintain and share a suspicious incident log of all unusual behavior, individuals or vehicles your team observes. If you suspect your store is being cased, contact the local authorities.
For more information to help protect your business, visit Jewelers Mutual’s Safety and Security page at JewelersMutual.com.
-- Also in May, a thief successfully “switched” a 3-carat diamond with a cubic zirconia at a jewelry store in the Los Angeles area.
-- In April, burglars conducted a rooftop burglary at a jewelry store in the Los Angeles area. The criminals broke into an adjacent un-alarmed store and cut through the common wall shared with the jewelry store and penetrated the back of the jeweler’s safe undetected. They then successfully removed all of the safe’s contents.
-- Another rooftop burglary took place within 30 miles of the aforementioned crime. Thieves broke in through the roof, disabled the burglar alarm system and then successfully penetrated the safe.
-- Also in April, a jewelry salesperson was robbed on Interstate 5 between San Diego and Los Angeles. Robbers used three vehicles to box the salesperson in and proceeded to rob him at gunpoint.
-- In March, a rooftop burglary occurred in the San Francisco area. The thieves cut through the roof of an adjacent unprotected premises, cut through the common wall shared with the jewelry store, and penetrated the back of the jeweler’s safe, which had been situated against the same adjoining wall.
This rise in rooftop burglaries and crimes against traveling jewelry salespeople has led investigators to suspect the hand of well-organized criminal gangs and/or crews in many of these and other incidents.
While the crimes themselves differ, all of these cases indicate a degree of surveillance was conducted prior to the attacks. The perpetrators collected the requisite intelligence about their targets in advance to help them successfully evaluate their victim’s habits and vulnerabilities.
What can you do?
Always assume that criminals are observing you and your store. Because you are in the jewelry industry, you are indeed a potential target regardless of where your operation may be located.
Encourage your staff to maintain and share a suspicious incident log of all unusual behavior, individuals or vehicles your team observes. If you suspect your store is being cased, contact the local authorities.
For more information to help protect your business, visit Jewelers Mutual’s Safety and Security page at JewelersMutual.com.
More on Other
The Latest
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
