US Jewelry Crimes Reach Record High

Jewelry crimes in the US rose 31% to their highest level on record last year, according to data from the Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA).

The number of incidents increased to 2,211 in 2022, up from 1,687 the previous year, based on crimes that were reported to the JSA, the organization said Monday. Jewelry businesses’ total losses grew 85% to $129.4 million.

“Soaring crime needs to be a concern for the entire diamond, jewelry and watch industry,” said JSA president John Kennedy.

Crimes committed on premises increased 30% by volume and 94% by value, the JSA noted. Some 2,146 offenses occurred in 2022, with total losses of $110.4 million. Half of robberies of those type took place in just four states: California, New York, Florida and Texas.

The number of robberies climbed 38% year on year, JSA noted. Smash-and-grabs nearly doubled, while the use of a gun during these incidents tripled from a year ago. Malls were the primary location for smash-and-grab occurrences, with 93 of the 164 cases reported to JSA taking place there. Strip centers comprised 37, downtown shops and business centers saw 24 crimes of that nature, and standalone jewelry stores recorded 10.

Meanwhile, the number of distraction thefts jumped to 195 from 91 in 2021, and burglaries grew to 484 from 311 the year before.

Image: Police line. (Shutterstock)