A weekly roundup of jewelry store crimes with related tips from JCK:
– On Sept. 16, three masked gunmen drove a car into the shopping area of a San Diego mall after a jewelry store robbery that left shoppers scrambling for cover.
The suspects crashed their white 1991 Honda into mall signs and kiosks, with the driver honking at people in the car’s way. According to one witness, a woman was nearly run over. The thieves stopped the car into front of Ben Bridge Jewelers, stormed inside, smashed display cases, grabbed watches and other merchandise, and fled.
The car was found abandoned in a parking garage across the street. According to area police, officers surrounded the garage and searched it with dogs, but the thieves were gone. The suspects were later seen running through an apartment complex to the west of the garage.
Police said the thieves are white and were wearing black ski masks, black hoodies, and dark gloves. The Honda they were driving was stolen out of Orange County.
No injuries were reported, but one woman was shaken up and taken to the hospital. The amount of merchandise stolen is undetermined.
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. Do not wipe or try to clean the cases or other surfaces, or otherwise disturb the crime scene before police arrive. Also try to keep all witnesses present until the police respond.
– Delaware state police are searching for two thieves suspected in the armed robbery of a jewelry store in Brandywine Hundred, Del., on Sept. 23.
Two men, one of them armed, entered Harris Jewelers in the early morning, and demanded jewelry from the safe. The store’s three employees turned over an undisclosed amount. The suspects then smashed several display counters, grabbed what jewelry they could, and fled.
No one was injured during the robbery. The amount of the cash and jewelry stolen is undetermined, but it is expected to be several thousands dollars worth of merchandise.
The thieves are between 22 and 28 years old. Both wore dark clothing and had cloths covering their faces. The armed man was about 6 feet tall and weighed about 225 pounds. The second man was about 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds. Police are asking anyone with information to call 302-834-2630, ext. 6, 800-TIP-3333, or visit tipsubmit.com.
The Manual of Jewelry Security 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,” according to the Manual.
– A thief robbed a jewelry store in Terrell, N.C., twice in a four-day span.
On Sept. 14, the unidentified suspect broke into Brand Jewelry and made off with steel and silver necklaces, watches, and steel rings worth $5,960. The robber kicked holes through the lower portion of the store’s door’s glass pane, used a pry bar to knock the glass shards out of his way, and then entered the store. He broke into the cabinets and made off with merchandise.
On Sept. 18, the same man returned late at night, and stole 10 watches, 11 gold toe rings, five gold thumb rings, and three gold rings.
Anyone with information should contact 828-464-5241.
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineThe Manual suggests jewelers maintain a visible video camera and recording system in their stores. An obvious camera system acts as a deterrent to crime, and helps identify criminals who commit a crime in their store, or even who case their store with the intention of committing a crime.
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
