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.
CrimeMay 24, 2019
JSA Reports 30-Plus Cases of Burglars Cutting Power Lines
They sever them in order to disable the alarm systems before breaking in, and have victimized jewelers in states from California to Florida.
New York—There’s been a rash of incidents nationwide in which burglars cut jewelry stores’ power lines to disable their alarm systems before breaking in, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said in a special alert issued Thursday.
In April, the JSA reported burglars had severed the power lines to Nuggets and Carats Jewelry Store in Laguna Niguel, California, then came in through the roof and cut into the safe to steal a large amount of merchandise.
Since then, JSA said it has received more than 30 reports of burglars severing jewelry store power lines to disable their alarm systems, hitting retailers in seven states: Florida, Colorado, California, Indiana, Idaho, Illinois and Utah, as well as in Canada.
The JSA said the burglars sever the power lines soon after the stores have closed for the night.
Then, they wait and watch.
After seeing the owner and/or police response—or lack thereof—they will break into the store if they feel like they can get away with it, often by cutting through the roof or sidewall.
In some cases, the burglars attempt to get into the safe, usually by cutting, but sometimes they torch it, JSA said, though it noted the burglars haven’t attempted this at all 30-plus stores.
The JSA made the following recommendations to the trade in its alert.
1. Jewelers must respond to all instances of power interruptions at their stores.
2. They also should ensure the alarm company’s call list includes the owner and enough employees so someone will be available to respond, including on weekend and holiday nights.
3. Jewelers shouldn’t respond to such instances alone; they need police to accompany them.
4. Police should be alerted that there might be burglars near the store watching, gauging their response to the situation.
5. Each store’s alarm protection should cover all possible means of entry, including the roof and sidewalls.
6. Stores must have line security to protect them if the alarm system is disabled.
7. The interior and exterior of the premises must be checked, including the roof and all possible means of entry.
8. Know that TL 15 and TL 30 U.L.-rated safes can easily be broken into using commonly available tools. Those rated TRTL 30x6 will offer better protection.
The JSA also asked jewelry stores that have had their power lines cut notify the alliance, as it is working with law enforcement regarding these burglaries.
More on Crime
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizNov 14, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsNov 06, 2024
David Yurman’s Holiday Campaign Celebrates ‘Moments of Joy’The new campaign stars Sterling K. Brown, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Arizona Muse, and Iris Law.
CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure HuntOne lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.
IndependentsNov 05, 2024
Long's Jewelers Names New Director of BuyingSamantha Larson has joined the Boston-based retailer.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.
