The Jewelers’ Security Alliance reports that the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, composed of FBI and local police personnel, has issued an “Alert” for the Denver, Colo., area for traveling jewelry salespersons.

The alert states that there have been six robberies of traveling jewelry salespersons in the Denver area since March 2006 by members of South American Theft Groups. The most recent robbery was in a hotel parking lot on Nov. 14 and that the total value of the six robberies is estimated at $5.1 million.

The alert lists the following common elements of the six robberies:

* Victims had visited either the Merchandise Mart, the Jewelry Exchange Building or Cherry Creek jewelry stores prior to the robberies.

* The suspects were seen on surveillance cameras following the victims for up to three days prior to the robberies.

* The suspects drove multiple rental-style vehicles – most commonly Dodge Grand Caravans, Chevrolet Impalas or Chevrolet Trailblazers while following the victims.
* The suspects numbered from 3 to 8, comprised of light or dark-skinned males with ages ranging from 20 to 40. Suspects used knives or guns to commit the robberies.

* The suspects were able to determine prior to the robbery that the victim was carrying a line and where the line was in the vehicle. In the past these groups have used females to scout the victims while they are in jewelry stores showing their lines.
 

If you are a traveling jewelry salesperson and think you are being followed, call 303-629-7171, the main number of the Denver FBI, and ask for Agent Grusing or Det. Woodward. If you know you are being followed and the criteria matches this alert, dial 911.

JCK