TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
CrimeApr 10, 2019
Live from Conclave: Expert Tips and Tricks to Secure Your Jewelry Store
From staff training to camera placement, Jason Johnson of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group outlined how jewelry store owners can better protect their businesses.
Seattle—A robbery is every jeweler’s worst nightmare, having their lives and livelihoods put in jeopardy.
At American Gem Society’s annual Conclave conference, which concludes today in Seattle, Jason Johnson, a loss prevention account manager at Jewelers Mutual Group, informed attendees how they could mitigate that risk.
Held on April 8, Johnson’s panel, “Retail Jewelry Crime in Context” provided jewelers an overview of common retail crimes, and how to assess their own risk management strategies.
Here are the highlights.
Train Your Sales Associates
Over the course of the session, Johnson shared a few videos of jewelry store thefts and highlighted where proper training could have prevented an incident, particularly in cases of sneak thefts and burglary.
“A lot of it comes down to the training of the sales associates,” said Scott Guginsky, vice president of Jewelers' Security Alliance, who was sitting in on the session.
Johnson recommended always having at least two sales associates on the floor at all times, which can be especially handy when thieves are attempting to distract.
Be sure employees remember to lock the showcases and put the keys in a safe at the end of the day. Also, refrain from showing a customer too many pieces at a time.
Be Mindful of Inventory
Johnson advised attendees to not only keep careful count of their inventory but to be strategic about where it’s placed.
Switch up the layout as much as you can so that all of the higher-end merchandise isn’t in a single case.
If possible, set up showcases in a maze-like fashion rather than a straight line to slow down a thief, as the average robber, Johnson estimated, is over in three minutes.
He recommended reinforcing showcases with burglar-resistant glass, which can significantly hinder a thief from getting into a display.
Watch Out For Casing Behavior
Johnson outlined a few things that jewelers will want to keep an eye out for when a customer enters the store.
Out-of-season clothing, like a puffer jacket in the middle of summer, may be a red flag.
If a customer asks a question, but doesn’t seem interested in the answer, it may be a distraction technique.
If a customer seems suspicious, one may be able to throw them off by saying that they look familiar or offering them a glass of water. A thief wouldn’t want to leave fingerprints on the glass and certainly wouldn’t want to be recognized.
Know Your Security Equipment
In the event of a robbery, security cameras won’t be of much use if they haven’t been set up properly.
Johnson recommended using HD-quality cameras set up at eye-level near entrances to capture the most useful footage. It is also crucial to know how to retrieve the footage and share it with law enforcement, so get familiar with the technology.
Connect with Local Police
Johnson noted that, because of the value of their merchandise, jewelers have a unique risk, and advised reaching out to local police for training on what to do should a robbery occur, both during and after the event.
If a jeweler has identified casing behavior, he recommended keeping a log of that information and contacting law enforcement to send a squad car to the store to deter potential robbers.
Break Up Your Routine
We’re all creatures of habit, but it may be in a jeweler’s best interest to switch up their routine.
Johnson suggested taking a different route home now and then, or alternating which days bank drops occur to throw potential followers off the trail and make it harder for them to detect a pattern of behavior.
Share Less
Networking and social media are both key elements for growing a business, but Johnson warned about oversharing.
It can be tempting to post vacation pictures and it can seem harmless to tell a friend about a new shipment, but one could be putting their security at risk.
For more information on store safety, Johnson recommended reaching out to Jewelers’ Security Alliance.
More on Crime
The Latest
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
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.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
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.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 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.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible BuyoutThe retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
WatchesApr 10, 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.
IndependentsApr 10, 2024
Levy's Fine Jewelry Explores Diamond History The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
With Clarity Partners With NFL on Wedding Bands The limited-edition men’s rings can be customized with one of 12 team logos.
SourcingApr 10, 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.
WatchesApr 09, 2024
Chrono24 Debuts Pre-Owned Watch Authentication ProgramThe program, now live in Europe, will roll out to the U.S. this summer.
AuctionsApr 09, 2024
Phillips to Offer 6.21-Carat Vivid Pink DiamondColored gemstones and signed jewels are the focus of its upcoming Geneva sale.
SourcingApr 09, 2024
Former De Beers Exec Appointed to Lucapa Board Stuart Brown, who was De Beers’ CFO and interim CEO, is now Lucapa’s independent non-executive chairman.
MajorsApr 09, 2024
Jewel360 Announces New POS Integration, JFC PartnershipThe point-of-sale software can now prompt customers to round up their credit card purchases as a donation to Jewelers for Children.
SourcingApr 09, 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.
SourcingApr 08, 2024
Charles & Colvard Debuts B2B Portal for MoissaniteSelect independent jewelers and retailers can now purchase moissanite through Charles & Colvard Direct.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2024
AGS Announces First Recipient of ‘Women in Leadership’ ScholarshipAmber Rank of Exclusively Diamonds will receive mentorship, registration to AGS’s 2024 Conclave, and $500.
AuctionsApr 08, 2024
Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sale Is All About … WatchesThe auction will take place Thursday and is underground, literally.
