CrimeApr 19, 2021
JSA Issues Refresher on What To Do During a RobberyCrimeJun 23, 2021
JSA: As Stores Reopen, Staff Need to Watch for Red Flags
Never getting off the cell phone, heavy jackets in the heat of summer and coming in and out of the store can be signs something is amiss.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance is reminding jewelers and their sales associates to remain vigilant as the country continues to reopen.
JSA President John Kennedy said he expects “things could be heating up” in the coming months.
So far this year, JSA statistics show dollar losses are down dramatically when compared with 2020 and 2019, a year in which dollar losses spiked due to a small number of professional gangs pulling off big burglaries.
The number of incidences, however, remains on par with 2020 and 2019.
“We don’t want to see people become complacent,” Kennedy said Tuesday.
“I can’t say that crime has really taken off, but we are concerned that it could,” he added, noting many people are under financial duress and the world in general remains “topsy-turvy.”
Last week, JSA issued a crime alert on what Kennedy described as a “significant” amount of activity for one week. The organization received reports of four grab-and-run thefts and two smash-and-grabs between June 8 and 15.
According to the alert there were:
— A grab-and-run involving an expensive watch in a jewelry store in Ontario, California on June 8;
— A smash-and-grab in a jewelry store in Montgomery, Alabama on June 9;
— A grab-and-run involving a necklace in a department store in Exton, Pennsylvania on June 9;
— A grab-and-run involving a gold chain from a jewelry store in San Antonio, Texas on June 10;
— A grab-and-run involving a gold chain from a jewelry store in Downey, California on June 12; and
— A smash-and-grab at a jewelry store in Tulalip, Washington on June 15.
Related stories will be right here …
JSA President John Kennedy said he expects “things could be heating up” in the coming months.
So far this year, JSA statistics show dollar losses are down dramatically when compared with 2020 and 2019, a year in which dollar losses spiked due to a small number of professional gangs pulling off big burglaries.
The number of incidences, however, remains on par with 2020 and 2019.
“We don’t want to see people become complacent,” Kennedy said Tuesday.
“I can’t say that crime has really taken off, but we are concerned that it could,” he added, noting many people are under financial duress and the world in general remains “topsy-turvy.”
Last week, JSA issued a crime alert on what Kennedy described as a “significant” amount of activity for one week. The organization received reports of four grab-and-run thefts and two smash-and-grabs between June 8 and 15.
According to the alert there were:
— A grab-and-run involving an expensive watch in a jewelry store in Ontario, California on June 8;
— A smash-and-grab in a jewelry store in Montgomery, Alabama on June 9;
— A grab-and-run involving a necklace in a department store in Exton, Pennsylvania on June 9;
— A grab-and-run involving a gold chain from a jewelry store in San Antonio, Texas on June 10;
— A grab-and-run involving a gold chain from a jewelry store in Downey, California on June 12; and
— A smash-and-grab at a jewelry store in Tulalip, Washington on June 15.
In the Tulalip robbery, JSA said the suspect asked to see watches and then walked around the store inquiring about prices while staying on his cell phone the entire time.
He asked to make an appointment at a later date.
Less than 10 minutes later, JSA said the suspect returned with a female companion who inquired about gold watches. The man, meanwhile, went up to a showcase, took out a small tool and smashed it.
He took rings and pendants and ran from the store, with the woman following him.
JSA said there were several red flags in this case that called for associates to exercise additional caution.
The suspect didn’t stop talking on his cell phone—which usually means the individual is communicating with an accomplice—and he left the store and returned shortly thereafter—which often indicates the suspect is waiting for a safer opportunity to strike.
JSA said the suspect also was wearing a puffy black North Face jacket despite the fact that it was 77 degrees that day.
Clothing inappropriate for the season can indicate someone is attempting to conceal their true size, use the garment to put on a showcase to set up for a distraction theft, or is concealing a weapon, as was the case in the Tulalip robbery.
Kennedy said this incidence highlights the need for stores to have a system in place to address security risks, such as calling over a second sales associate to assist or establishing a code word that alerts staff to a suspicious situation.
“If you spot them and they know you’ve spotted them, they might not do anything,” he said.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
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.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
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.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
