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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
