Crime

Industry saw smash-and-grab ‘explosion’ in 2014

CrimeDec 18, 2018

Industry saw smash-and-grab ‘explosion’ in 2014

While overall jewelry crime continued to trend downward in 2014, there was a spike in the number of smash-and-grab robberies due primarily to two large gangs.

JSA-article-logo.jpg

New York-- While overall jewelry crime continued to trend downward in 2014, there was a spike in the number of smash-and-grab robberies due primarily to two large gangs, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said.

According to the JSA’s annual report, released Thursday, the report shows that the number of smash-and-grab robberies reported to the JSA rose 77 percent in 2014, from 62 to 110.

JSA President John J. Kennedy said he doesn’t believe the industry has ever seen so many smash-and-grabs in a single year. “This is really an explosion,” he said.

Many the work of two large and likely unrelated gangs, one based in Detroit and the other in California, these crimes continued through the first two months of the year but have slowed recently, due in part to the indictment of 17 individuals alleged to be part of the Detroit smash-and-grab ring, Kennedy said.

He said the two gangs perpetrating these crimes are huge--there are believed to be as many as 80 individuals involved in the Detroit area, including the 17 just indicted--and have a couple of experienced ringleaders who use money to lure non-experienced criminals in to do one or two jobs.

The robberies, where the perpetrators take heavy-weight hammers to display cases then grab the merchandise, targeted primarily cases of loose diamonds and high-end watches, pushing the total dollars losses for 2014 to $77.8 million, a 17 percent increase over the prior year.

They also plagued more mall jewelers than any other type of retailers in 2014, the JSA’s report shows. Of the 110 smash-and-grab robberies reported to the JSA in 2014, nearly half, 49, happened in mall jewelry stores.
 
A total of 26 happened in standalone stores, 13 in stores located in strip shopping centers, 12 in downtown stores, 6 in department stores and one in a jewelry store located in a hotel. (The location of three of the 110 was unknown.)

Kennedy said while it might seem counter-intuitive to go to a crowded mall to perpetrate such a visible crime, the robbers case the mall beforehand, perhaps selecting a store that’s close to an exit, and bank on being able to blend into the mall traffic after leaving the jewelry store. In addition, fewer mall stores have buzzers on their doors, making them easier targets.

To guard against smash-and-grabs, Kennedy said jewelers need to have buzzers on the door, which

can be a deterrent, and laminated glass in sturdy display cases. It also helps to have high-quality functioning cameras, to watch for people casing the store and to share information with other jewelers about anyone deemed suspicious.

“We have seen that if they can’t get (to the jewelry by) smashing the showcase, then they leave,” Kennedy said, adding that while these types of showcases might be expensive, they are worth it for stores carrying high-end merchandise.

While smash-and-grab robberies increased in 2014, industry crime was down overall.

The total number of crimes reported to the JSA decreased from 1,414 in 2013 to 1,381 in 2014, a 2 percent decline.

As mentioned, dollar losses increased year-over-year because of the smash-and-grab thefts of diamonds and high-end watches, but have been steadily dropping for years along with overall crime. Dollar losses are down 43 percent over the last 10 years when adjusted for inflation.

Other noteworthy statistics from the report include the following.

--The number of homicides of jewelers fell from five in 2013 to three in 2014.
-- There were two home invasions of retail jewelers, compared with three in 2013. After spiking in recent years, “tiger kidnappings,” incidences where jewelers are cased, then followed and attacked away from their store, have subsided in the past couple years.
--Multi-branch firms, retail chains and department stores experienced the lion’s share of thefts (grab-and-run, distraction thefts, switches, etc.) at 60 percent while independent jewelers had more robberies (64 percent) and burglaries (78 percent).
--Rooftop burglaries were up 6 percent year-over-year, with Florida the most active state for this crime. Three-minute burglaries, which are named for the amount of time they take to commit, were down 33 percent. The JSA noted that both of these types of crime occur when jewelry is left out in showcases overnight.

A PDF of the JSA’s entire 2014 report is available via JewelersSecurity.org.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Chanel Quilted Stars Necklace
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Blue diamond ring
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’s

The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

Rolex store on Rodeo Drive
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo Drive

Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award Recipients

DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Carrie Forman
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of Sales

Carrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

Woman wearing a snake ring and bracelet
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes Elegance

The high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals

A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.

Grader looking into microscope at IGI lab
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next Week

In a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.

×

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