A biweekly roundup of jewelry store crimes
with related tips from JCK.

– An Erie, Pa., man was convicted July 15 of felony charged
of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and robbery, and misdemeanor charges
of possession of an instrument of a crime, and recklessly endangering another
person in connection to an armed robbery that happened on July 7, according to
a local news source.

Terrance Fowler is accused of robbing and shooting jeweler
Aleksander Cheremmyk at Aleks Cher Jewelers on July 7. According to the local
news source, Cheremmyk refused to open the store’s safe when Fowler and another
man reportedly entered the store. Cheremmyk was shot in the chest and survived
his injuries.

The Jewelers’ Security
Alliance Manual suggests jewelers obey the orders of robbers. Do not say or
do anything, or even raise your hands, unless told to do so. “Cooperate fully
and try not to panic,” the Manual.

– A Lake Wales, Fla., jewelry store employee was
pepper-sprayed during an armed robbery July 19, according to a local news
source. A man entered Spectrum Jewelry at 8 p.m., handed the employee a note
saying he was robbing the store, displayed a firearm, and order the employee to
fill a bag with jewelry. He used pepper spray on the employee before leaving
the store. Police did not say if the employee was seriously injured.

The JSA suggests trying to memorize all the locations touched
by the robbers so that jewelers can advise the police about possible
fingerprint evidence when they arrive.

– Police in Los Angeles arrested a 17-year-old boy in
connection to a smash-and-grab theft at Guadalajara Jewelry Plaza on July 12,
according to wire service reports. The reports say the teen allegedly smashed a
jewelry case containing gold chains. He was identified by the store’s security
camera. Police are seeking three accomplices. Police say there have been six
similar thefts since June 21, allegedly committed by an organized theft ring.

The JSA suggests using laminated glass on showcases. “Many
thieves have cut their hands trying to remove goods from a small hole after
numerous blow with a hammer and failed to make a larger opening… Using
laminated glass at least for the showcases containing your high-end goods is
well worth the investment,” says the Manual
of Jewelry Security.

JCK