– On Sept. 28, two men accused of cutting through the walls of a jewelry store in Cumming, Ga., and stealing more than $2.8 million worth of jewelry were arrested by local police.

Police said Carl Henry Bowser, 26, of Atlanta and Kenardis Demaine Holloway, 32, of Smyrna, Ga., are charged with burglary and theft by receiving stolen property.

The pair bypassed the security system at Milano’s Fine Jewelry and made a hole in the wall through an empty building next door. They then emptied out the store’s display cases and stole the cash register.

Police are looking to make more arrests and recover more of the lost merchandise. Authorities also believe the robbery is connected to others in the area.

JSA 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 those who case their store with the intention of committing a crime.

– Police in Houston are searching for four family members who are charged with stealing $1.6 million in jewelry and gold bars after distracting employees of a local jewelry store.

Ion Miclescu, Ileana Miclescu, Mirela Miclescu, and Constantin Miclescu entered Bawa Jewelers just after the store opened on Sept. 4 and began asking questions and occupying employees. Ileana then crawled under a counter, opened a safe, reached into it, and loaded jewelry and gold bars into a bag. Constantin reached over a counter to hit a door release button that allowed Ileana to walk out with the bag.

JSA suggests that whenever a large group of people enter your store at the same time, the greatest caution is required. All employees should focus their attention on the movements of the group, and no access can be permitted to back rooms, safes, and open showcases.

– On Sept. 28, an armed thief left a Whittier, Calif., jewelry store empty-handed after attempting—and failing—to smash a display case.

Police say that the men fired one shot into the ceiling of Covenant Diamonds after his botched robbery attempt and fled. No one was injured.

The suspect was described as a black man, 25–30 years old and 5 feet 11 inches tall. He wore a black jacket and black baseball cap.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Whittier police department at 562-567-9200.

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.

Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine