Jewelers Mutual, JSA Warn of Jewelry-Store Crime ‘Crisis’

Jewelers Mutual and Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) have issued an urgent warning to the trade about the increasing severity and frequency of jewelry-store robberies by organized crime groups. 

The insurance provider and security organization have linked the rash of burglaries at jewelry stores across the US to “organized, traveling groups” believed to be from South America, it said Tuesday. The criminals are targeting both mall-based and stand-alone jewelry stores, gaining access through rooftops and shared walls of neighboring stores, Jewelers Mutual explained. 

The gangs generally use a variety of tools to break into safes and vaults, giving them access to millions of dollars of merchandise. They work by casing locations during the day and breaking in overnight, and prefer locations adjacent to construction sites or vacant buildings, the industry groups noted. 

“I haven’t seen this level of severity and frequency in these types of attacks in all of my 30 years involved with jewelry crimes,” said JSA vice president Scott Guginsky.  

Jewelers Mutual and JSA are urging jewelers to take action to prevent these burglars from gaining access to their stores, including checking that all security alarms and cameras are working correctly and installed properly, updating call lists, making sure to respond to alarm companies immediately, and connecting with local law enforcement and mall security. 

“The crime landscape is evolving quickly, and criminals are becoming more sophisticated than ever,” said Howard Stone, vice president of global risk services and analytics at Jewelers Mutual. “It’s critical that every jewelry business owner take proactive measures to safeguard themselves and their stores.” 

Main image designed by David Polak.