EditorsNov 15, 2024
Why Fine Jewelry Belongs at New York Comic ConSenior Editor Lenore Fedow makes the case for why more jewelers should be appealing to nerds at the annual event.
CrimeOct 21, 2016
JSA Warns of Surge in Distraction Thefts
The Jewelers Security Alliance said the increase is due to a gang of “Romanian Gypsies” allegedly targeting retail jewelry stores in the United States.
New York--The Jewelers Security Alliance is warning store owners to be on the lookout for distraction thefts allegedly being perpetrated by members of the nomadic ethnic group Roma, also known as Gypsies.
The most recent distraction theft, described in JSA’s most recent weekly bulletin, happened Tuesday at a jewelry store in Gilroy, Calif.
According to the JSA, two women entered the store, one of which was carrying an infant.
They asked to see multiple gold chains and rings, and selected several that they said they wanted to purchase.
The sales associate brought the items to the register and one of the women asked to cut off the tags and wrap up the items in her own gift wrapping paper. As the sale continued, the suspects asked if the store accepted euros and, upon learning that it did not, they left, purportedly to go the bank to convert their money to dollars.
The incident in Gilroy was one of a number of distraction thefts possibly carried out by a large gang of “Romanian Gypsies” that the JSA said is now operating in the United States and targeting jewelry stores.
Other similar distraction thefts happened in North Olmstead, Ohio on Oct. 16; Salem, N.H. on Oct. 12; Madison Heights, Mich. on Sept. 25; and Grand Junction, Colo. on Sept. 14.
Some shared characteristics of these jewelry store distraction thefts believed to have been perpetrated by the Roma include:
1. Entering stores in groups of two, three, four or more, often with babies or multiple children in strollers;
2. Requesting to see large numbers of items, often gold chains, which they have placed or spread out on the showcase;
3. Seeking to distract the sales associate with wrapping requests, requests to have the items placed in a box to hold for them until they return, or covering the items with a large purse while counting out a cash payment;
4. Finding a reason to leave the store abruptly, such as having only foreign money or not having enough cash, just as the items are being rung up; and
5. Conversing in what has been described as an “unknown European language.”
In
the Gilroy distraction theft, the JSA said the suspects spoke Spanish, English and also conversed in the “unknown European language.”
One is described as being 5 foot 10 and 170 pounds with a stocky build and long, dark hair worn in a bun.
The second suspect, the one who was carrying the infant, was about 5 foot 6 and 145 to 150 pounds, also with a stocky build and long black hair.
These two women are believed to have attempted a distraction theft at a jewelry store in Bend, Ore. a month ago but the staff prevented it.
The JSA recommends that stores guard against distraction thefts by showing only one item at a time and keeping showcases locked, except when taking merchandise out or returning it to the showcase.
One is described as being 5 foot 10 and 170 pounds with a stocky build and long, dark hair worn in a bun.
The second suspect, the one who was carrying the infant, was about 5 foot 6 and 145 to 150 pounds, also with a stocky build and long black hair.
These two women are believed to have attempted a distraction theft at a jewelry store in Bend, Ore. a month ago but the staff prevented it.
The JSA recommends that stores guard against distraction thefts by showing only one item at a time and keeping showcases locked, except when taking merchandise out or returning it to the showcase.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsNov 15, 2024
Marie Lichtenberg Battles Counterfeits with New ‘Raiz’in Scapular’ DesignsThe latest “Raiz’in” drop showcases a newly designed “Scapular” necklace and donates a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish France.
WatchesNov 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: Citizen’s Commemorative Pocket WatchNo. 1 out of 100, the timepiece was created to mark Citizen’s 100th anniversary and will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s next month.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Recorded WebinarsNov 15, 2024
Watch: 10 Tips to Keep Your Jewelry Store Secure On the latest episode of “My Next Question,” two experts share best practices for store security during the holidays and year-round.
Weekly QuizNov 14, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 14, 2024
18th-Century Diamond Necklace Sells for Nearly $5M Sotheby’s sold the necklace, which potentially has ties to Marie-Antoinette, for $4.8 million to a woman bidding via phone.
MajorsNov 14, 2024
Saks Fifth Avenue Cancels Holiday Light DisplayInstead of its usual elaborate display, the store will illuminate its façade and frame the windows to highlight its flagship’s architecture.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
WatchesNov 14, 2024
Grand Seiko Partners With Ben Bridge on First Hawaii Store The new Grand Seiko boutique is located in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood.
SourcingNov 13, 2024
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2025 Trip Eleven spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
Aga Khan Emerald Sells for $8.8M, Sets RecordThe emerald brooch-turned-pendant returned to auction after 55 years, setting a world record for most expensive emerald sold at auction.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
‘Exceptional’ Burmese Ruby Ring Tops $5M at Auction Phillips also sold a 1.21-carat fancy red diamond dubbed the “Red Miracle” for more than $1 million at its jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Ariana Grande, Anya Taylor-Joy Star in Holiday Jewelry CampaignsFrom Swarovski to Tiffany & Co., jewelry retailers are enlisting celebrities to highlight their holiday offerings.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Royal Chain’s New Catalog Is Out NowThe 2024-2025 book introduces hundreds of new designs.
FinancialsNov 12, 2024
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels Continue to Shine for Richemont Richemont’s jewelry sales ticked up 2 percent in the first half of the year, while watch sales plummeted 17 percent.
GradingNov 12, 2024
GIA’s Next-Day Services Return for the HolidaysOffered by the lab since 2016, the holiday season special is good from now through mid-December.
CollectionsNov 12, 2024
Mikimoto and Chrome Hearts Blend Aesthetics in New CollaborationThe “Mikimoto Chrome Hearts” jewelry brings pearls from Mikimoto together with distinctive motifs from Chrome Hearts.
CollectionsNov 08, 2024
Piece of the Week: Larkspur & Hawk’s ‘Tapestry Lily’ Earrings These earrings use flat-backed white quartz to create a window onto an antique ribbon embroidered with a floral design.
Events & AwardsNov 08, 2024
AGTA Reveals Spectrum, Cutting Edge Award Winners for 2024This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards included a new category for engagement rings and a new award highlighting female designers.
FinancialsNov 08, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Fall 13%Plus, CEO Beth Gerstein shares her insight on the holiday season and the possibility of new tariffs.
TrendsNov 07, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Golden and Blue November HuesThe month’s birthstones, citrine and blue topaz, reflect the changing colors of the season.
CollectionsNov 07, 2024
Sidney Garber Collaborates With Carey Lowell on Capsule CollectionThe “Carey Lowell x Sidney Garber” collection stems from the friendship between the jewelry designer and ceramicist.
MajorsNov 07, 2024
Ritani Debuts ‘No-Fuss’ Holiday TV CampaignThe two ads highlight diamond engagement rings and diamond studs with a straightforward approach.
Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearIn 2025, the nonprofit plans to continue its support of longstanding partners while also allocating some funds to a new initiative.
AuctionsNov 06, 2024
Two Rolexes With Ties to Titanic Head to AuctionThe Rolex watches are from the collection of “Titanic” co-producer Alfred “Al” Giddings and will go up for sale at Sotheby’s next month.
FinancialsNov 06, 2024
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Q3The Danish jewelry company plans to open up to 150 concept stores this fiscal year.
GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelThe location will close by the end of the year due to it being financially unsustainable, GIA said.
