CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
CrimeNov 20, 2017
Wave of Smash-and-Grab Robberies Hit Midwest
Suspects have broken through showcases in jewelry stores in Michigan and Illinois, the JSA said.
New York--There have been a half-dozen smash-and-grab robberies in the Midwest over a period of a little more than a month, the Jewelers Security Alliance said in a crime alert issued Friday.
The first in the current string of incidences happened Oct. 6 at a jewelry store in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
According to the JSA, two male suspects entered the business at about 8:39 p.m. with small hammers and used them to smash the top of a case containing diamonds. They were in and out of the store in one minute, escaping in a white vehicle with the loose diamonds they stole.
On Oct. 13 and again on Nov. 3, a jewelry store on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile was hit by smash-and-grab robbers.
According to the JSA, the early November incident happened around 11:40 a.m., when three men used a mallet to smash showcases and take high-end watches before fleeing down three sets of escalators.
The suspects are reported as being males between 17 and 25 years old, and between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall.
In the Oct. 13 incident at the same store, the suspects reportedly fled in a gold Jeep Cherokee, the JSA said.
Anyone with information about these two incidents is asked to call Chicago Police Department detectives at 312-747-8384.
The three other incidents all happened in cities in Michigan between Oct. 25 and Nov. 13.
In Portage on Oct. 25, four suspects entered a store at 8:23 p.m. One of them held the door while the others headed to the back of the store. Two of them began smashing showcases while the third, possibly a female, put loose diamonds into a bag.
A group of three suspects hit a jewelry store in Novi on Nov. 13, also stealing loose diamonds, while a group of four male suspects did the same at a store in Madison Heights on Nov. 9 and got away with diamond merchandise.
JSA President John J. Kennedy said they are unable to prove at this time that these crimes are being perpetrated by a singular gang, though there are
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
similarities in location--all the crimes are occurring in the Midwest--and method.
Back in 2014, there were two gangs operating who caused what the JSA described as “an explosion” in the number of smash-and-grabs. Many of the individuals involved in those crimes were eventually arrested and the number of smash-and-grabs dropped after that.
The JSA offered a number of tips to help jewelers prevent or mitigate losses from smash-and-grab robberies.
They include having showcases with burglary-resistant, laminated glass and special frames that can withstand multiple blows from a hammer and spreading out the most valuable merchandise, like high-end watches and diamonds, among multiple showcases.
The JSA also recommends having buzzers on doors, positioning security cameras at eye level so they capture the best possible pictures, keeping a log book of suspicious incidences and sharing information among other local jewelers, the JSA and police.
Back in 2014, there were two gangs operating who caused what the JSA described as “an explosion” in the number of smash-and-grabs. Many of the individuals involved in those crimes were eventually arrested and the number of smash-and-grabs dropped after that.
The JSA offered a number of tips to help jewelers prevent or mitigate losses from smash-and-grab robberies.
They include having showcases with burglary-resistant, laminated glass and special frames that can withstand multiple blows from a hammer and spreading out the most valuable merchandise, like high-end watches and diamonds, among multiple showcases.
The JSA also recommends having buzzers on doors, positioning security cameras at eye level so they capture the best possible pictures, keeping a log book of suspicious incidences and sharing information among other local jewelers, the JSA and police.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
