CrimeSep 07, 2021
6 Charged in Connection with Green Vault Jewel HeistCrimeJun 30, 2022
Smash-and-Grab Robbers Hit Booth at TEFAF: Watch the Video
The fair was evacuated temporarily Tuesday after four suspects smashed a showcase and stole jewelry from British jeweler Symbolic & Chase.
The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) in Maastricht, Netherlands temporarily evacuated attendees Tuesday following an armed smash-and-grab robbery. Dutch police are still looking for the four suspects. (Image courtesy of TEFAF)
Maastricht, Netherlands—Attendees and exhibitors at the European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) in Maastricht, Netherlands were temporarily evacuated Tuesday following an armed smash-and-grab robbery.
According to Dutch police, around 11:30 a.m. local time, four men, unmasked, approached the showcases of British jeweler Symbolic & Chase, an antiques dealer specializing in 20th century European fine jewelry and objets d‘art.
The robbery was captured on video by onlookers and shared via social media.
One video shows one of the suspects taking a sledgehammer from his bag and smashing the display case open before reaching in to grab jewels and stuff them into a bag.
The other men stood guard, with at least one appearing to brandish a weapon and another appearing to spend the entire robbery trying to load his gun.
An onlooker reaches for a vase of flowers to presumably throw at the robbers but puts it down and backs away when one of the robbers appears to point a gun in his direction.
According to Dutch police, around 11:30 a.m. local time, four men, unmasked, approached the showcases of British jeweler Symbolic & Chase, an antiques dealer specializing in 20th century European fine jewelry and objets d‘art.
The robbery was captured on video by onlookers and shared via social media.
One video shows one of the suspects taking a sledgehammer from his bag and smashing the display case open before reaching in to grab jewels and stuff them into a bag.
The other men stood guard, with at least one appearing to brandish a weapon and another appearing to spend the entire robbery trying to load his gun.
An onlooker reaches for a vase of flowers to presumably throw at the robbers but puts it down and backs away when one of the robbers appears to point a gun in his direction.
BREAKING poging roof #TEFAF #Maastricht VIDEO Rovers proberen vitrines met daarin diamanten kapot te slaan. pic.twitter.com/3Fnqt6Nlds
— Henrik-Willem H⭕️fs (@HWHofs) June 28, 2022
Shortly after the robbery, Dutch police arrested two suspects, a 22-year-old and a 26-year-old man, both from Belgium, whom they believed took part in the robbery, according to a press release from the department.
According to the AP, police released the two men Wednesday after an investigation cleared them. No additional arrests have been made.
“The robbery generated a lot of media attention. In the interest of [the] investigation, no more information can be released at this time,” said Dutch police.
According to the AP, police released the two men Wednesday after an investigation cleared them. No additional arrests have been made.
“The robbery generated a lot of media attention. In the interest of [the] investigation, no more information can be released at this time,” said Dutch police.
So strange… @TEFAF pic.twitter.com/78PeHa7inO
— Carole Blumenfeld (@CarolBlumenfeld) June 28, 2022
TEFAF did not immediately address the robbery on its social media channels but did tweet Tuesday that the show was “temporarily evacuated due to an incident at the fair.”
“The situation is under control and the fair is still open to visitors and exhibitors,” it added.
“The situation is under control and the fair is still open to visitors and exhibitors,” it added.
On Wednesday, TEFAF said via a press release that security procedures were implemented immediately following the smash-and-grab.
“Dutch police were on site within minutes. Nobody was injured during the incident, which took place at a jewelry booth,” said TEFAF.
“Dutch police were on site within minutes. Nobody was injured during the incident, which took place at a jewelry booth,” said TEFAF.
Un casse à la Tefaf Maastricht en pleine journée : des vitrines d'un stand de bijoux fracassé à la masse, deux truands menaçant avec des armes pour protéger leur complice. Ils se sont enfuis par le restaurant... pic.twitter.com/qY4ounavdf
— La Tribune de l'Art (@ltdla) June 28, 2022
The company confirmed that jewelry was stolen but said it would not provide additional details at this time.
In an interview with the New York Times, fair attendee and robbery witness James Butterwick said though he couldn’t see what was stolen, it seemed the robbers were looking for “specific items.”
Symbolic & Chase did not respond to National Jeweler’s request for comment on the incident.
SEE: Some of the Jewels Symbolic & Chase Brought to TEFAF
In an interview with the New York Times, fair attendee and robbery witness James Butterwick said though he couldn’t see what was stolen, it seemed the robbers were looking for “specific items.”
Symbolic & Chase did not respond to National Jeweler’s request for comment on the incident.
SEE: Some of the Jewels Symbolic & Chase Brought to TEFAF
Dutch police are interviewing witnesses and have received CCTV footage, said TEFAF. Forensic investigations have also been carried out at the MECC venue where TEFAF is being held.
The show will remain open through Thursday, June 30.
This year marked TEFAF’s first in-person fair in Maastricht since 2020. Organizers attempted to hold a 2021 edition, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Related stories will be right here …
The show will remain open through Thursday, June 30.
This year marked TEFAF’s first in-person fair in Maastricht since 2020. Organizers attempted to hold a 2021 edition, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
