Crime

4 Security Precautions to Take This Holiday Season

CrimeNov 30, 2018

4 Security Precautions to Take This Holiday Season

They include sticking to advertised opening and closing times and being wary when large groups enter the store.

New York—Jewelers Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy doesn’t like to talk about it, but there are certain categories of jewelry crime that drop during the holidays.

Smash-and-grab robberies, for example, aren’t as prevalent.

Store owners, generally, have additional security and more help on the floor. Stores and malls are more crowded, making it harder for smash-and-grab robbers to flee.

But crowded stores, long hours and general confusion open the door for increased incidences of other crimes, including jewelry theft—particularly distraction thefts—and credit card fraud.

Below, Kennedy gave National Jeweler four thoughts on ways jewelers can protect themselves this holiday season.

1. When taking a credit card, ask for extra ID.

When accepting a credit card, particularly from a new customer, Kennedy advises asking for a second piece of identification in addition to the customer’s driver’s license.

Examine it carefully and ensure all the information matches up and makes sense. If the person processing the transaction still isn’t sure, then don’t hesitate to ask for a third piece of ID.

Kennedy said jewelers should be particularly vigilant when accepting credit cards for high-end watches, as these seem to be the product of choice, so to speak, for those looking to commit credit card fraud.

2. Follow opening and closing protocols; take out merchandise and put it away under secure conditions.

Many retailers extend their hours during the holiday season, often staying open longer in the evenings to accommodate as many shoppers as possible.

There’s no problem with stores varying their hours around the holiday season, but jewelers should not open when they’re not ready to open or close before it’s time, Kennedy cautions.

If the store is posted to stay open until 10 p.m., then employees shouldn’t be opening showcases and pulling out merchandise at 9:30 to “get it done” and get home.

“Stuff is out, showcases are open … it’s just more vulnerable,” Kennedy said.

He also advises against letting customers in after hours, unless they are known to the store owner and/or its employees.

“If you close at 9 and somebody knocks on the door at 9:15, don’t let them in. If they’re a regular customer, that’s OK, but we see incidences of people trying to get in after hours or before hours to rob the store,” trying to hit jewelers when they’re not fully staffed and merchandise is out of the cases, Kennedy said.

3. Be wary of big groups.

Kennedy
said members of the nomadic ethnic group Roma, also known as Gypsies, continue to commit distraction thefts at stores nationwide.

One of the most recent incidences of jewelry theft happened at a store in Aurora, Colorado. Nine people entered the store together and eight of them kept one of the owners occupied while the other crouched down, waddled through an open gate to the back of the store and cleaned out the safe, which also was open.

He said jewelers should be on guard if three or more people enter the store together.

In addition, showcases and safes should always be locked, and product should not be left out on the counter.

4. Educate part-time and seasonal help.

Anyone brought on as an extra hand around the holiday season needs the same security rundown that full-time employees receive.

In addition, jewelers need to make sure they have proper insurance coverage for all the merchandise they have in their stores during the holidays.

Meanwhile, in addition to these tips, National Jeweler also asked Kennedy about a press release the National Retail Federation issued in mid-November stating that losses from organized retail theft reached an all-time high last year.

He said that while in the jewelry industry there are gangs who pull off rooftop burglaries, smash-and-grabs and jewelry thefts by groups like the Roma mentioned above, they are not top-down organizations with one leader. They are more often cells of loosely affiliated people.

“In the general retail industry, it (organized retail theft) is massive. In the jewelry industry, it’s more targeted and particular. I just don’t see it as the same thing.”

He also pointed out that crime in the jewelry industry in general has been on the decline in recent years.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

Helen McCluskey
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board Chair

Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy