CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
CrimeJul 02, 2019
Why the JSA Is Issuing a ‘Red Alert’ This Fourth of July
The number of stores having their power lines cut continues to climb, and it usually happens on weekends or holidays.
New York—The number of stores having their power lines cut by potential burglars continues to climb, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance reported last week.
After issuing a “red alert” on power-line cutting Thursday, JSA President John J. Kennedy told National Jeweler Monday that six more stores had their power interrupted over the weekend, all in Florida.
The outages were determined not to be accidental (i.e., due to lightning or a widespread blackout) and five happened in one town, which Kennedy said is not uncommon. Perpetrators often target multiple stores in the same area, then sit and wait to see which store is the most vulnerable.
None of the stores were robbed, he said, because the jewelers were aware that it was an issue—JSA has been sending out alerts about power-line cutting since the spring—and called police.
Prior to the past weekend’s power outages in Florida, JSA reported three other recent, similar incidences of note.
On June 23, suspects cut the power lines to a jewelry store in Yorba Linda, California, that was closed because it was Sunday. The owner’s family came by to check on the store and noticed the cameras and alarm weren’t working so they called the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff’s deputies staked out the store and caught two of the four suspects when they broke in and started smashing cases with a crowbar. The other two fled in a vehicle, police said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department identified the suspects as 22-year-old Almendra Yeliann Marchant Torres and Andres Ismitt Hidalgo Duarte, 29. As of Monday, both remained in custody and were ineligible for bail.
A similar incident took place around the same time in the Kansas City area.
JSA said on June 22, a Saturday, suspects cut the power to five stores around the same time and targeted one, a store in Leawood, Kansas.
At that store, they pried open the rear door and unsuccessfully tried to break into the safe, which Kennedy said is common in many, though not all, of these incidences. The perpetrators come through the doors, roof or walls and try to get into the store’s safe, even if they have to spend a few hours inside to do so.
In the Leawood store, JSA said the suspects stole a “large quantity” of jewelry from the showcases as well as a back-up drive for the computer before fleeing. No arrests have been made.
And,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
about a month ago, three suspects who allegedly cut the power to two different jewelry stores and robbed one in Scottsdale, Arizona, were arrested in their motel room with stolen jewelry.
The Scottsdale Police Department identified the individuals as 28-year-old Abraham Pablo Herrera Montecino, 24-year-old Juan Francisco Antonio Ramirez Cruz and Christian Alejandro Pierola Sepulveda, 36. Information on their custody status was not immediately available.
59 and Counting
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance first issued an alert about the epidemic of power-line cutting in May. At that time, the organization said it was aware of more than 30 cases in seven states and Canada.
Since then, that number has risen to 59, and those are just the cases JSA was able to confirm, Kennedy said. He added that there is no number from last year to compare to it because it wasn’t a crime the JSA was even tracking.
Kennedy said while power-line cutting has always existed as an m.o. in burglaries, it was seldom used but has been “rampant” this year. He said in all his time with JSA, he’s never seen so many cases in one year.
The suspects are believed to be Chilean and are operating in multiple cells nationwide. It is unknown at this time if the cells are affiliated, even if just loosely so.
The Jewelers Security Alliance has a list of recommendations for jewelers on how they can prevent a burglary if the power to their stores is cut.
No. 1 among them, according to Kennedy: At this point, a retailer should assume if there is a power interruption, then a burglary is in progress and she or he should go to the store with the police in tow.
“Don’t let the alarm company or the cops tell you it’s weather or it’s [something else],” he said.
Other tips include making sure the call list with the alarm company includes the owner and enough employees so that someone will be available to respond even on weekends and holiday nights, and alerting the police to the situation, including the fact that there might be burglars near the store who are watching their response.
“We’re predicting more cuts over the Fourth [of July weekend],” Kennedy advised, “so be careful.”
A full list of recommendations on preventing a burglary in the event of a power interruption can be found in this story.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected post-publication to clarify what was taken from the Leawood, Kansas jewelry store. It was the back-up drive for the computer, not the hard drive as originally reported.
The Scottsdale Police Department identified the individuals as 28-year-old Abraham Pablo Herrera Montecino, 24-year-old Juan Francisco Antonio Ramirez Cruz and Christian Alejandro Pierola Sepulveda, 36. Information on their custody status was not immediately available.
59 and Counting
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance first issued an alert about the epidemic of power-line cutting in May. At that time, the organization said it was aware of more than 30 cases in seven states and Canada.
Since then, that number has risen to 59, and those are just the cases JSA was able to confirm, Kennedy said. He added that there is no number from last year to compare to it because it wasn’t a crime the JSA was even tracking.
Kennedy said while power-line cutting has always existed as an m.o. in burglaries, it was seldom used but has been “rampant” this year. He said in all his time with JSA, he’s never seen so many cases in one year.
The suspects are believed to be Chilean and are operating in multiple cells nationwide. It is unknown at this time if the cells are affiliated, even if just loosely so.
The Jewelers Security Alliance has a list of recommendations for jewelers on how they can prevent a burglary if the power to their stores is cut.
No. 1 among them, according to Kennedy: At this point, a retailer should assume if there is a power interruption, then a burglary is in progress and she or he should go to the store with the police in tow.
“Don’t let the alarm company or the cops tell you it’s weather or it’s [something else],” he said.
Other tips include making sure the call list with the alarm company includes the owner and enough employees so that someone will be available to respond even on weekends and holiday nights, and alerting the police to the situation, including the fact that there might be burglars near the store who are watching their response.
“We’re predicting more cuts over the Fourth [of July weekend],” Kennedy advised, “so be careful.”
A full list of recommendations on preventing a burglary in the event of a power interruption can be found in this story.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected post-publication to clarify what was taken from the Leawood, Kansas jewelry store. It was the back-up drive for the computer, not the hard drive as originally reported.
More on Crime
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
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
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.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
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.
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.
