Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
CrimeNov 13, 2017
5 Quick Tips for Holiday Season Crime Prevention
‘Tis the season for distraction thefts and mental mistakes by tired employees and owners.
New York--‘Tis the season for distraction thefts and mental mistakes.
For many jewelers, business will pick up throughout the month of December. Their stores will (hopefully) be more crowded, and many will extend hours or, even, open extra days in order to accommodate customers and finish special orders.
A similar theme runs through each tip: Don’t get sloppy with security protocols around the holidays, when hours can run long and sales associates get tired.
1. Watch for Distractions.
What Kennedy is referring to specifically are the gangs of Roma, also known as Gypsies, who have been perpetrating sneak and distraction thefts in jewelry stores across the country.
“They are rampant,” he said, “absolutely rampant.”
Their M.O. is this: They enter the store in groups, often groups of women and sometimes with children. They try to confuse the sales associate by asking to see a lot of different items, with the hopes that they can grab an item that’s left on the counter or reach into an unlocked showcase.
They also have been known to switch product.
The JSA has issued numerous warnings about Roma in recent months, including this bulletin from fall 2016 and this story from June about a group of six individuals wanted for a distraction theft in California.
2. Always Lock Up.
Kennedy’s second tip is a continuation of his first, but it applies whether a sales associate is waiting on a large group with the potential for distraction theft or just one individual.
He said even when stores get busy, employees need to make sure they lock the showcase after they take out an item to make a presentation, and then lock it up after they return the merchandise.
“If you leave open showcases in a busy store, someone is going to reach in there and take goods,” he said.
3. Educate the Team.
Many store owners bring on part-time employees during the holiday season, but not all of them take the time to bring them up to speed on how the store works.
Kennedy said store owners need to spend an hour reviewing security procedures with seasonal employees--including the store’s protocol in taking credit cards--and update them on any industry crime trends, like the distraction theft gangs mentioned above.
Otherwise, they’ll be the weakest link for store security.
4. Take Time to Review.
In addition to educating
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
new employees, Kennedy said the holiday season is an opportune time to call a meeting and sit down with senior staff to go over security protocols, particularly the procedures of opening and closing.
After a long day, some sales associates might start putting items away before all the customers have left the store in an effort to get it done and leave a little bit earlier. But merchandise should not be put away until all customers have left the store and the door is locked.
Kennedy also noted that the holiday season is a good time to check the stores cameras and alarms to make sure they are working properly.
5. Put Everything Away.
Speaking of closing up at night, Kennedy said: Do not leave any merchandise in the showcase overnight, including low-end product, and don’t cover showcases with sheets or blankets.
Put everything away in the vault. If there’s no room in the vault, put the items in a drawer.
“The holidays are dangerous, just like the whole rest of the year is dangerous, but there are some special circumstances because it’s a busy season for everybody,” he said.
After a long day, some sales associates might start putting items away before all the customers have left the store in an effort to get it done and leave a little bit earlier. But merchandise should not be put away until all customers have left the store and the door is locked.
Kennedy also noted that the holiday season is a good time to check the stores cameras and alarms to make sure they are working properly.
5. Put Everything Away.
Speaking of closing up at night, Kennedy said: Do not leave any merchandise in the showcase overnight, including low-end product, and don’t cover showcases with sheets or blankets.
Put everything away in the vault. If there’s no room in the vault, put the items in a drawer.
“The holidays are dangerous, just like the whole rest of the year is dangerous, but there are some special circumstances because it’s a busy season for everybody,” he said.
More on Crime
The Latest
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
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 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
