Violent Gangs Are Targeting Indian Jewelers In California, JSA Says

By Rob Bates | July 25, 2025

Indian jewelers in California are being terrorized by a string of violent smash-and-grabs, and the Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) warns that it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.

The JSA says it’s recorded 19 such incidents in the past few months—12 of which involve a stolen car being rammed into the front of the store during business hours. Other incidents involved large armed groups attacking the business.

“It’s one of the most violent patterns we have ever seen,” says JSA executive vice president Scott Guginsky. “There’s no regard for human life. When a car goes through a store, and employees and customers are inside, it’s the perfect storm for tragedy.”

The gangs are specifically targeting Indian and other South Asian jewelers because they generally carry a lot of gold pieces.

“Why steal diamonds and watches when gold’s at $3,500?” he asks. “They can get 80, 95 cents on the dollar for their gold.”

Anyone in the industry caught melting down items for these gangs could face charges, he says, noting that the recent prosecution of the owner of a New York City Diamond District pawnshop shows law enforcement is increasingly cracking down on fences.

“Someone is out there buying this stuff,” he says. “They’re not selling this stuff to the 7-Eleven. It has to be a jeweler, a pawnshop.”

Guginsky says the robberies are well planned, and it’s possible that some of the gang members are being recruited on social media.

JSA gives jewelers the following advice to keep themselves safe:

– Consider getting heavy-duty front glass that could be a barrier to a vehicle.

– Hire armed guards to protect your store and deter criminals.

– Talk to the local police department, and request extra security for the store.

“Let law enforcement know what’s going on,” Guginsky says. “Don’t just be reactive, be proactive.”

He notes that on Wednesday, police in Sunnyvale, Calif., arrested five suspects who they say were about to rob a local jewelry store.

“That only happened because the police were on heightened alert,” he says.

– Don’t display your entire inventory.

“Millions of dollars’ worth of gold is being left out during the day in some of these stores,” Guginsky says. And criminals might find that all too tempting.

– If you do get hit, don’t resist.

In four of these cases, either the jeweler or an armed guard pulled a gun, and in one recent incident, there was gunfire. While that can scare the criminals away, the jewelers also risk hitting innocent people, which means they might face charges themselves.

He says it’s always better for jewelers to put safety first. They should always have insurance for the items in the store, and remember that human lives are worth more than any piece of jewelry.

In addition, jewelers should have tracking devices, like Apple AirTags, on their goods. That way if goods are stolen, they will be easier to recover.

Photo credit: Getty