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Smash-and-Grabs Pose Greatest Threat to Retailers, JSA Says
There have been 15 smash-and-grab robberies at jewelry stores since July 1, the Jewelers Security Alliance said.
New York—Smash-and-grab robberies currently pose the greatest threat to U.S. jewelers, the Jewelers Security Alliance said in a recent alert.
According to an email the JSA sent Monday, there have been 15 smash-and grab robberies since July 1. Smash-and-grabs are typically crimes in which several individuals enter a jewelry store, smash through the glass on one or more showcases with sledgehammers, grab product and escape in less than a minute.
The JSA said multiple organized gangs have perpetrated these crimes, which span a number of states. 
The suspect is wanted in Atlanta, and the JSA has asked anyone with information to contact Detective Tim Waldron at 678-382-6911.
The JSA also offered these recommendations to retailers on preventing and coping with smash-and-grab robberies.
1. Don’t resist during a smash-and-grab robbery; the suspects may be armed with guns in addition to sledgehammers and other dangerous tools.
2. Consider investing in showcases with burglary-resistant, laminated glass and special frames since they can withstand many blows from a hammer and can prevent or reduce large losses.
The JSA said it hasn’t seen robbers take “retaliatory action” when showcases have laminated glass and they aren’t able to smash it or can only create a small hole for removing merchandise.
Robbers also frequently cut themselves on the small holes, leaving behind valuable DNA evidence.
3. Have a buzzer on the door to help to keep out potential robbers.
4. Have security cameras at eye level inside and outside the store. Surveillance photos from this level can provide great evidence for police, as opposed to “useless” photos of the top of heads or hats that came come from ceiling cameras, JSA said.
5. To reduce dollar losses, spread out high-end watch and jewelry merchandise among several showcases rather than concentrating them in one or two.
6. Hire armed, off-duty police officers in the store as a deterrent.
7. Keep a log book of suspicious incidents, and save and put aside surveillance videos of suspicious incidents, or save them in the cloud, to help if needed in investigations.
8. Share information and photos with others, such as local jewelers, police and JSA, about casings and suspects to
help prevent crime and assist with investigations.
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