Crime Awareness HIGH ALERT: Traveling Burglary Crews
The jewelry industry faces a surge in sophisticated crimes, making immediate action essential to reduce risk.
The Crisis
Jewelry businesses under attack
Criminals are gaining access through rooftops and shared walls of neighboring stores, using torches, angle grinders, pry bars and other tools to break into safes and vaults, resulting in millions of dollars in stolen merchandise and financial devastation for business owners.
They case locations, particularly those adjacent to construction sites and vacant buildings, during business hours and gain entry overnight, often disguised in construction attire, high visibility vests and surgical masks. In some cases, cell phone or WiFi disrupters/jammers are being used, affecting cell phone communication up to 120 feet. Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) warns that high priority alarm response is critical, especially on weekends and holidays.
The Impact
Growing threats from rising crime
This critical situation illustrates how damaging crime continues to escalate, posing immediate threat to businesses everywhere – making it more important than ever to take preventive action.
Calls from the alarm company are your #1 priority
- Ensure the alarm call list is up to date and staff are familiar with procedures, expectations, and escalation protocols.
- Answer all alarm company calls and verify your phone settings allow for alarm-related calls at all times of the day.
Contact local authorities immediately for any alarm signals, including communication failures
- Do not enter the property until law enforcement arrives to conduct a full walkthrough.
- Be aware of potential cell phone or WiFi disrupters/jammers within 120 feet.
Test your alarms, motion detectors, cameras and remote camera access
- Make sure all alarms and security equipment are activated when the business is closed.
Secure all merchandise in safes/vaults when closed for business
- If the safes or vaults are full, store the merchandise in a locked interior room.
Take notice of suspicious behavior and activity in and around your store
- Record the incident time and date, and save any video footage of the activity.
- Notify law enforcement and mall/store security.
Staff training
- Train your staff on procedures, expectations, and escalation protocols.
Strengthen key relationships
- Continue to build strong connections with your alarm company, local security personnel, and law enforcement officials to ensure they understand the situation and can provide support.
Verify alarm system line security
- Ensure your alarm system has operational line security that checks the primary line every 3-6 minutes and the secondary line every 24 hours.
- Display strategy: show one item at a time and keep display cabinets locked.
- Secure merchandise: spread high-value items throughout your showroom to limit losses.
- Durable cases: ensure showcases are constructed with burglary-resistant glass.
- Locked safes: keep safes and vaults locked even during business hours.
- Relocate safes: keep your safe away from common walls and invest in electronic vibration detection
- Shared walls: inspect neighboring stores, especially if vacant, as burglars have been known to access jewelry stores through adjacent premises.
- Conduct walkthroughs: complete a full interior and exterior inspection with law enforcement, checking ceilings, walls, and potential entry points.
