Texas Jewelers Association

Please be mindful of the holiday weekend and respond if you have an alarm notification.

Be sure to inspect your entire premise if you have a notification.

BURGLARS BREAK IN THROUGH SIDE WINDOW

Houston, TX area; May 12, 2024

Two suspects broke in through a side window of a jewelry store at 12:32 a.m., one carrying a pry bar and one carrying a sledgehammer. They broke into showcases, took merchandise and were gone in three minutes.



SUSPECTS BREAK THROUGH STOCKROOM DOOR AND PULL ALARM WIRING FROM WALL

Houston, TX; May 10, 2024

Four suspects broke into a retail jewelry store at 1:46 a.m. through the stockroom door, pulled the alarm wiring from the wall, and accessed eight showcases with pry bars.

THREE SMASH AND GRAB ROBBERIES: IL, CT, MI
If you have any information about these crimes, please contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].
1. Chicago, IL; May 5, 2024 – At 5:30 p.m. suspects dressed in black used a heavy tool to smash the front display windows of a retail jewelry store and take merchandise. They were reported to have left in a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. To see a video taken by a passing motorist, go to: $500,000 jewelry store smash-and-grab is caught on video - CWB Chicago

2. Fairfield County, CT; May 9, 2024 – At 3:00 p.m. two male suspects dressed in hoodies and masks used sledgehammers to smash jewelry cases in a retail jewelry store and stole watches. The suspects were in the jewelry store for 28 seconds.

3. Fenton, MI; May 10, 2024 – Three black male suspects wearing backpacks over their chests entered a retail jewelry store at 12:36 p.m., ordered suspects to the floor, and began smashing six jewelry cases, putting the merchandise in duffel bags.


DISTRACTION THEFT TEAM MEMBER REACHES INTO SHOWCASE AND TAKES THREE ITEMS
Braintree, MA; May 4, 2024

A group of people walking

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The three black females pictured above were in a retail jewelry store. The suspect wearing the black sweatshirt distracted the sales associate, the suspect in the green sweatshirt made a purchase. The suspect in the gray sweatshirt reached into a showcase and took three items which she put in her handbag. The loss was later discovered during a piece count. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].

Recommendation: Keep showcases locked except when removing or returning items.


DISTRACTION THIEF SLIDES NECKLACE UNDER WALLET – WARRANT ISSUED
Gwinnett County, GA; March 4, 2024


A collage of a person with a tattoo on her arm

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The female suspect pictured above, Audrina Victoria Smith, 29, of Maryland, was being shown a necklace in a retail jewelry store. After trying on the necklace and having it removed and placed on the counter, the suspect slid the necklace under her wallet and left without paying. The suspect was reported to have left in a red Mazda with temporary Missouri plates. A Georgia felony theft arrest warrant has been issued. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].
A collage of a person with a tattoo on her arm

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BURGLARY AT MALL KIOSK
Pensacola, FL; April 30, 2024

A person and person walking in a hallway

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Two of the suspects pictured above visited a mall kiosk from 7:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. and asked questions about various merchandise. The mall closed at 8:00 p.m. and all four suspects pictured returned at 8:15 p.m. The suspects broke glass and drawers and took a large quantity of merchandise that the jeweler had made. The jeweler was not insured. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].


THIS WEEKLY CRIME ALERT IS SENT TO YOU AS A MEMBER OF JEWELERS’ SECURITY ALLIANCE. YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN JSA IS PROVIDED BY YOUR INSURER, THE JEWELERS MUTUAL GROUP.

The Jewelers' Security Alliance (JSA) is a non-profit trade association providing crime prevention information and assistance to the jewelry industry. JSA, founded in 1883, has 19,000 member locations and works closely with the FBI and law enforcement agencies. JSA fulfills its mission of informing and alerting jewelers about crime through weekly crime alerts and research reports, a website, seminars and consulting activities.

John J. Kennedy, President, Jewelers’ Security Alliance
Scott F. Guginsky, Vice President (Retired NYPD Det. Sgt.)
Ryan O. Ruddock, Director of Crime Analytics
James K. Liscinsky, Director of Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement Liaison (Retired ATF ASAC)
Jean Bonocore, Manager, Membership Services

[email protected]
https://jewelerssecurity.org
http://stolenjewelry.org

Tracking Stolen Jewelry

Beautiful pieces of jewelry can be viewed at museums.

Two of your TJA Board members were quoted in Brain Squad article in InStore magazine this month.

Great explanation of the different setting styles of eternity rings.

Are you attending the JCK Vegas show? Come join us for a meet and greet Saturday, June 1 at the podium table booth 53111 from 5-6. Enter to win a free registration to our convention October 26-27.

The newly remodeled rooms at the Crown Plaza is what you can look forward to in October at the Texas Jewelers Association Convention October 26-27.
So a fun and educational event. Pick up a new vendor and last minute goodies for your case just before the holiday season. More information soon!.

Something new happening with AGS conclave. Joining forces worth GIA will make an incredible event that can't be missed. Converge!

AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium attendees, we have an exciting announcement!

In September 2025, these two leading gem and jewelry industry events will unite into one event called Converge. This joint event will be the go-to source for the latest in gemological research and education, offering unparalleled networking opportunities for industry professionals across the globe.

Learn more about this event: https://bit.ly/3whVpCt

The earth creates some beautiful stones. We help others to wear them.

Did you know so many stones come in the color purple?

So many beautiful stones this earth creates.

If your want to advertise with us now is the time. Especially that we lowered the price and increased the mailing! Text us now for more information!

JEWELER ROBBED, KIDNAPPED AND SHOT
Gastonia, NC; January 31, 2024
Four armed men wearing ski masks robbed and shot a jewelry store owner at his store, and then kidnapped him and dropped him at his home where police came at 8:30 p.m. The jeweler was treated at a regional medical center for a gunshot wound to his back. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].


SUSPECT PALMS LAB CREATED DIAMOND RING
Baton Rouge, LA; January 31, 2024
A person with a purse

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The black male and black female suspects pictured above were in a mall retail jewelry store and asked to look at diamond rings. The female asked to see a lab created diamond ring while the male suspect engaged the sales associate in conversation. During the conversation the female suspect palmed the ring. When she was asked for the ring, the female suspect claimed she didn’t have it, and the couple left the store.

The female is described as 5 feet 8 inches and 225 lbs., and the male suspect 6 feet 1 inch and 170 lbs. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected]


THREE MALL KIOSK ROBBERIES IN TRI STATE AREA IN ONE MONTH
Garden City, NY; January 12, 2024: Black male suspect smashed showcases and removed jewelry product from mall kiosk at 8:30 a.m.

Trumbull, CT; January 20, 2024: Masked suspect smashed jewelry case at 12:21 p.m. and took jewelry merchandise.

Cherry Hill, NJ; February 2, 2024: Two black male suspects jumped a counter and held a gun to the heads of two employees, and then had them open the safe. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].


DISTRACTION THEFT COUPLE ASSIST WITH GIFT WRAPPING
Lambertville, NJ; January 24, 2024
A person and person in a coat

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The couple pictured above selected three diamond rings and a gold pin for purchase in a jewelry store. They assisted a sales associate in wrapping the items in a gift bag. They said they would pay a portion of the price in cash and the rest on a credit card, but they had to get the cash from their car.

They left the store leaving the gift bag. When they didn’t return after an hour, store employees opened the gift bag which was empty. This couple have been pictured in numerous JSA Crime Alerts beginning in June 2022, and have committed numerous distraction theft in many states. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].

Recommendations:
1. Distraction criminals like to assist with gift wrapping. Do not let customers do the wrapping, and always check the box or bag to make sure the merchandise is there before you wrap it.
2. When a customer says they are going to the car for a credit card or cash, it is a red flag of what might be a distraction theft in progress.


DISTRACTION TEAM SLIDES OPEN SHOWCASE
Carlsbad, CA; January 17, 2024
A collage of a person walking with a bag

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The male and female couple pictured above were shopping in a jewelry store. When the sales associate opened a showcase to show an item, the female suspect was in front of the sales associate and the male suspect was behind the sales associate. With case unlocked during the presentation, the male suspect slid open the showcase and took four gold chains.

The male suspect is described as 35 to 45 years old, 5 feet 6 inches with a medium build. The female is also described as 35 to 45 years old, 5 feet 4 inches with a small build. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].

Recommendation: Do not leave showcases unlocked during a presentation.


SUSPECT REACHES INTO SHOWCASE AND TAKES GOLD CHAIN
Gilbert, AZ; February 5, 2024
A person with his arms crossed

Description automatically generatedThe male suspect pictured at left was shopping in a mall retail jewelry store and asked about pricing for a gold chain. During the presentation the suspect reached into the showcase and fled with a gold chain. The suspect is described as 5 feet 6 inches. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].







SUSPECT USES TOOL TO PICK SPINNER LOCK
Pompano Beach, FL; January 27, 2024

A person standing on a tile floor

Description automatically generatedThe male suspect pictured at left went to the fine jewelry department in a department store and picked the lock of a spinner with a tool and opened the spinner door. He removed nine gold bracelets and exited the store. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].





PERSONS OF INTEREST IN JEWELRY DISTRACTION
Ardmore, OK
A person wearing goggles and smiling

Description automatically generated A person in a white shirt

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The male and female suspects pictured above are wanted for questioning for the theft of jewelry from a business in Ardmore, OK. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or [email protected].


THIS CRIME ALERT IS SENT TO YOU AS A MEMBER OF JEWELERS’ SECURITY ALLIANCE. YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN JSA IS PROVIDED BY YOUR INSURER, THE JEWELERS MUTUAL GROUP.


The Jewelers' Security Alliance (JSA) is a non-profit trade association providing crime prevention information and assistance to the jewelry industry. JSA, founded in 1883, has 19,000 member locations and works closely with the FBI and law enforcement agencies. JSA fulfills its mission of informing and alerting jewelers about crime through weekly crime alerts and research reports, a website, seminars and consulting activities.

John J. Kennedy, President, Jewelers’ Security Alliance
Scott F. Guginsky, Vice President (Retired NYPD Det. Sgt.)
Ryan O. Ruddock, Director of Crime Analytics
James K. Liscinsky, Director of Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement Liaison (Retired ATF ASAC)
Jean Bonocore, Manager, Membership Services

[email protected]
https://jewelerssecurity.org
http://stolenjewelry.org

Tracking Stolen Jewelry

https://youtu.be/Qs0vShERPyM

We need to ban together to ensure the proper importation of natural diamonds and to stop additional potential regulation once they are in this country that can have a huge impact on availability and cost of natural diamonds to whiskers and retailers. Listen and act to show your support.

Sanctions Video Latest

Director Patrick Dobbs, President Amber Gustafson and Vice President Britt Caffarena meet up at the GJX tent in Tucson. Great networking, shopping and planning going on.

Past President Susan with President Amber and Vice President Britt at the Tucson Gem Show. They are always working to find the best vendors and meet other Texas jewelers.

Always help your customers keep their jewelery secure with JM

This was shared with us by another dealer. Wanted to share.

This is a picture of a con man who hit several dealers at the Miami Beach, Las Vegas and LA shows. He will spend two days haggling with you and keep coming back then he will write you a check, which is no good, and only wants gold items no diamonds. He is responsible for at least a quarter of a million dollars in losses. Be careful!!! Pass this on to people you know so he can be stopped.

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Don't Miss the Valentine❤️ Package Deal at the Mercury Ring Booth # 610/612 in CBG

Limited time offering | Only till stocks last

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Not sure what jewelry to give this Valentine’s Day? When in doubt, diamonds go with everything and look good on everyone. With specialized coverage from Jewelers Mutual, your precious gifts are protected from loss, damage, and theft.

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Every ring holds a unique story. Trust Jewelers Mutual to protect all the chapters of its journey.

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🚨 News Update 🚨 G7 takes action on Russian-origin diamonds! 🇷🇺💎 Dive into the details of the new statement and stay tuned for updates on regulations impacting U.S. businesses. 💼✨JVC Members, check your inbox for more information!

This Week's Security Tip from Jewelers Mutual Group
When shipping or receiving merchandise, remind your staff to ask salespeople, delivery people, etc., for proper identification before giving exchanging any materials.