ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
CrimeOct 01, 2019
8 Things to Know About Jewelry Crime in 2018
The JSA’s annual report details the most common crime perpetrated against the industry, the states with the most and least incidences, and more.
New York—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance’s annual crime report is out, and it paints a picture of an industry that is safer than it has been in decades.
Though the number of overall crimes was up slightly, dollar losses dropped dramatically and violence against jewelers hit a low not seen in decades. 
Safer, after all, is a relative term when applied to the jewelry industry; there still were nearly 1,500 burglaries, robberies and thefts last year.
“It’s still a very dangerous business, and it will always be a dangerous business,” he said. “You have to follow all the proper security protocol or else you’re going to be a victim at some point.”
Below are eight takeaways from JSA’s annual crime report for 2018. The report charts statistics on crimes that occurred between Jan. 1, 2018 and Dec. 31, 2018 and were reported to JSA.
1. Dollar losses dropped 26 percent year-over-year.
Dollar losses fell for the third consecutive year in 2018, and dropped significantly compared with the prior year.
In 2016, losses totaled $75.8 million. That number slipped to $73.9 million in 2017 before plummeting to $53.4 million last year.
Kennedy said the reason for the drop in dollar losses is that JSA, through support from the industry, has been able to hire and pay a full-time crime analyst. This, combined with other upgrades, allows the organization to give more information to the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. And that, in turn, helps them zero in on large, organized theft gangs.
“You’re not going to stop someone who’s going to go in and grab a diamond ring, but the big-dollar gangs, if you get them, you stop innumerable future crimes, and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
Information sharing online, whether by the trade press or on social media, also helps, he said.
2. The number of incidences involving violence (a gun, another weapon, etc.) also declined.
In 2016, losses totaled $75.8 million. That number slipped to $73.9 million in 2017 before plummeting to $53.4 million last year.
Kennedy said the reason for the drop in dollar losses is that JSA, through support from the industry, has been able to hire and pay a full-time crime analyst. This, combined with other upgrades, allows the organization to give more information to the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. And that, in turn, helps them zero in on large, organized theft gangs.
“You’re not going to stop someone who’s going to go in and grab a diamond ring, but the big-dollar gangs, if you get them, you stop innumerable future crimes, and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
Information sharing online, whether by the trade press or on social media, also helps, he said.
2. The number of incidences involving violence (a gun, another weapon, etc.) also declined.
The percentage of robberies in which the perpetrators pulled a gun was 36 percent last year, down from 50 percent in 2017 and 62 percent in 2016.
Robberies involving other forms of violence stood at 18 percent, down from 28 percent and 32 percent in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Kennedy called the trend
Robberies involving other forms of violence stood at 18 percent, down from 28 percent and 32 percent in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Kennedy called the trend
“very significant” and said it is due in part to stiffer penalties for crimes involving guns.
It also means fewer jewelers and traveling salespeople getting killed on the job.
Last year, only one member of the jewelry industry lost his life during a robbery, 32-year-old Jason Cullen, who was killed at his family’s Highland, California store in January 2018. The last time there was only a single person killed in the industry was 1980.
The number of jewelers shot but not fatally also fell, from five to three.
Two robbers were killed by jewelers in the commission of a crime in 2018, up from one in 2017.
3. But the total number of crimes rose.
It also means fewer jewelers and traveling salespeople getting killed on the job.
Last year, only one member of the jewelry industry lost his life during a robbery, 32-year-old Jason Cullen, who was killed at his family’s Highland, California store in January 2018. The last time there was only a single person killed in the industry was 1980.
The number of jewelers shot but not fatally also fell, from five to three.
Two robbers were killed by jewelers in the commission of a crime in 2018, up from one in 2017.
3. But the total number of crimes rose.
The total number of crimes was up 3 percent year-over-year, from 1,394 to 1,441.
Theft, defined as the taking of property without force or fear as in a grab-and-run or a diamond switch, accounted for 68 percent of all jewelry crime in 2018.
There were 984 thefts reported to JSA, compared with 214 burglaries, 209 robberies and 34 off-premises crimes. (A burglary is when the perpetrators enter the premises after hours with intent to commit a crime while robberies involve the taking of property by force or fear. Off-premises crimes include attacks on traveling salespeople, designers doing trunk shows and companies exhibiting at jewelry trade shows.)
4. The most common crime was …
Theft, defined as the taking of property without force or fear as in a grab-and-run or a diamond switch, accounted for 68 percent of all jewelry crime in 2018.
There were 984 thefts reported to JSA, compared with 214 burglaries, 209 robberies and 34 off-premises crimes. (A burglary is when the perpetrators enter the premises after hours with intent to commit a crime while robberies involve the taking of property by force or fear. Off-premises crimes include attacks on traveling salespeople, designers doing trunk shows and companies exhibiting at jewelry trade shows.)
4. The most common crime was …
The grab-and-run theft. There were 641 last year—up from 556 in 2017—and they accounted for 65 percent of all thefts and 44 percent of all jewelry crimes.
The average grab-and-run loss was $8,142, and one incident in Texas resulted in a loss of $106,300.
5. The number of smash-and-grab robberies nearly doubled.
The average grab-and-run loss was $8,142, and one incident in Texas resulted in a loss of $106,300.
5. The number of smash-and-grab robberies nearly doubled.
Incidences in which the perpetrators broke through showcases or windows to steal jewelry rose from 71 in 2017 to 129 in 2018, an 82 percent increase. Arrests of smash-and-grab criminals also were up, from 28 to 65.
For all robberies, not just smash-and-grabs, the greatest number occurred between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m.
Kennedy said this is mainly due to perpetrators hitting mall chain stores late in the day, hoping the mall and the store are not crowded, the staff is tired and, in the fall and winter months, it’s dark outside.
He noted that closing time has always been a “very dangerous time” for jewelers.
6. Off-premises crimes continued to decline.
For all robberies, not just smash-and-grabs, the greatest number occurred between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m.
Kennedy said this is mainly due to perpetrators hitting mall chain stores late in the day, hoping the mall and the store are not crowded, the staff is tired and, in the fall and winter months, it’s dark outside.
He noted that closing time has always been a “very dangerous time” for jewelers.
6. Off-premises crimes continued to decline.
In recent years, it’s a trend that holds true every year. Changing distribution channels mean fewer traveling jewelry salespeople on the road and a decline in the number of off-premises crimes.
There were 34 cases reported to JSA in 2018, down from 39 in 2017, with parking lots standing as the most common place of occurrence for off-premises attacks, followed by highways/streets and residences.
Dollar losses dropped by 60 percent to $7.2 million.
The 34 cases consisted of 22 robberies and 12 thefts, including the notable theft of a 20-carat diamond from a Las Vegas jewelry trade show in June 2018, a loss totaling $580,000.
Seven out of the 12 thefts involved merchandise stolen from unattended vehicles, which is not generally covered by insurance, JSA noted.
7. A high percentage of crime is concentrated in a handful of states.
There were 34 cases reported to JSA in 2018, down from 39 in 2017, with parking lots standing as the most common place of occurrence for off-premises attacks, followed by highways/streets and residences.
Dollar losses dropped by 60 percent to $7.2 million.
The 34 cases consisted of 22 robberies and 12 thefts, including the notable theft of a 20-carat diamond from a Las Vegas jewelry trade show in June 2018, a loss totaling $580,000.
Seven out of the 12 thefts involved merchandise stolen from unattended vehicles, which is not generally covered by insurance, JSA noted.
7. A high percentage of crime is concentrated in a handful of states.
Kennedy said while temporary “hot spots” for crime pop up from time to time, most crimes generally happen where the most jewelry stores are, and those are where the people are.
California and Texas, which are the two most populous states in the U.S., topped the lists for most jewelry store robberies and most burglaries.
The most active states for off-premises losses were California (35 percent), Florida (9 percent), Illinois (9 percent) and New York (9 percent). These four states accounted for 62 percent of all off-premises crimes.
8. The JSA received no reports of jewelry crimes from three U.S. states in 2018.
California and Texas, which are the two most populous states in the U.S., topped the lists for most jewelry store robberies and most burglaries.
The most active states for off-premises losses were California (35 percent), Florida (9 percent), Illinois (9 percent) and New York (9 percent). These four states accounted for 62 percent of all off-premises crimes.
8. The JSA received no reports of jewelry crimes from three U.S. states in 2018.
They were: Idaho, Vermont and Wyoming, which are three of the least populated states.
More on Crime
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
