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The Clarity Blog

Jewelry Crime Report: High Profile Burglary at Las Vegas Casino

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Map of United States showing where crimes occurred

Crime Reported No Crime Reported

 

For months now, the jewelry industry has witnessed surges in criminal activity that is so incredibly brazen that it garners the attention of the national media.

This jewelry crime report features one incident from March that stands out among all the others — yes, suspects wearing animal masks burglarized a store inside of a Las Vegas casino!

It's important to recognize that criminals continue to use a variety of methods (brazen or not) to steal jewelry and luxury watches across the United States and Canada. In fact, while some of these other crimes go unnoticed, the Jewelers' Security Alliance recently reported that the number of crimes and dollar losses are up year-over-year for the first time since 2012.

As one can see from the recent activity in March, this activity is still trending upward.

Pie chart of jewelry crimes reported by type

Pie chart of crimes reported by type

Data compiled from jewelerssecurity.org 

Here's an in-depth look at five particular crimes, with tips that every jeweler can learn from. Visit JSA's daily blog to get a full recap of all the crimes that have recently occurred. 

When Where What
March 25 Las Vegas, NV Three-Minute Burglary
March 17 Hinsdale, IL Smash-and-Grab Robbery
March 17 Portland, OR Grab-and-Run Theft
March 16 New York, NY Credit Card Fraud
March, 5 Woodbridge, VA Distraction Theft

 

When Where What
March 25 Las Vegas, NV Three-Minute Burglary
Crime Description

At approximately 3:00 a.m., three suspects used sledgehammers to smash display cases containing luxury watches at a store located in a casino. They wore tuxedos and animal masks to conceal their identities.

After stealing merchandise, they tried to escape in a getaway vehicle, but it would not start. One suspect (later identified as 20-year-old Sebastian Gonzalez who was wearing a pig mask) was arrested after the trio fled on foot when their attempt to carjack a second vehicle failed.

If you have any information regarding the identities of these individuals or the crime they committed, please contact JSA at 212-687-0328.

 

Jewelry crime report - March 2017 - pig mask suspect2.jpg

 

Jewelry crime report - March 2017 - pig mask suspect.jpg

Photos courtesy of Jewelers' Security Alliance


Tip!

Put away as much of your inventory as possible in a safe overnight.

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When Where What
March 17 Hinsdale, IL Smash-and-Grab Robbery
Crime Description

At approximately 10:00 a.m., three to four suspects committed an armed robbery targeting luxury watches and loose diamonds. Upon entering the store, the suspects (described as black males) knocked employees to the floor and tackled a security guard. After stealing the merchandise they were after, they fled from the store in a Lexus SUV.

JSA is currently offering up to a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. If you have information and wish to remain anonymous, please call JSA on its Reward Hotline at 800-325-1883.

  


Tip!

Opening and closing hours are the most dangerous times for jewelers — train your staff and have them practice how to stay safe during these times.

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When Where What
March 17 Portland, OR Grab-and-Run Theft
Crime Description

At approximately 8:45 p.m., a suspect asked to see men’s rings at a kiosk inside of a shopping mall. After he tried on a ring he stated he couldn’t take it off and that it was stuck. The sales associate’s used jewelry and hand sanitizer in an attempt to remove it.

After that, the sales associate requested a mall janitor to help her escort the suspect to the restroom to remove the ring, but he ended up fleeing.

He was described as a 50-year-old black male, 6’0” tall, 160 pounds, and has short hair. He was last seen wearing a purple Lakers jacket.

If you have any information regarding the identity of this individual, please contact the Portland Police Department at 503-823-3333. 

 


Tip!

Ask for assistance from mall security during suspicious situations

 

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When Where What
March 16 New York, NY Credit Card Fraud
Crime Description

The suspect shown below used a stolen credit to purchase a luxury watch from a New York City jeweler.

If you can identify her, contact JSA at 212-687-0328.

 female credit card fraud suspect

Photo courtesy of Jewelers' Security Alliance


Tip!

Ask for alternate forms of ID to verify the cardholder's identity.

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When Where What
March 5 Woodbridge, VA Grab-and-Run Theft
Crime Description

At approximately 4:24 p.m., a suspect asked to see luxury watches and fled from the store after he placed one on his wrist.

The suspect is a black male, 6’2” and weighs 210 pounds. He has a full beard and was last seen wearing a hoodie, black jeans, black skull cap,  black watch, and black-and-gray tennis shoes.

If you have any information regarding the identity of this individual, please contact the Prince William County Police at 703-792-8881.

 


Tip!

Use a private showing area for items of high value.

 

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About Jewelers Mutual Group

Jewelers Mutual was founded in 1913 by a group of Wisconsin jewelers to meet their unique insurance needs. Later, consumers began putting their trust in Jewelers Mutual to protect their jewelry and the special memories each piece holds. Today, Jewelers Mutual continues to support and move the industry forward by listening to jewelers and consumers and offering products and services to meet their evolving needs. Beyond insurance, Jewelers Mutual’s powerful suite of innovative solutions and digital technology offerings help jewelers strengthen and grow their businesses, mitigate risk, and bring them closer to their customers. The Group insurers’ strong financial position is reflected in their 38 consecutive “A+ Superior” ratings from AM Best Company, as of November 2024. Policyholders of the Group insurers are members of Jewelers Mutual Holding Company. Jewelers Mutual is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, with other Group offices in Dallas, Texas, Miami, Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina. To learn more, visit JewelersMutual.com.