Jewelry Crime Report: Robberies Make Headlines in May

Four men dressed as asbestos removers entered a jewelry store at approximately 5:30 p.m. and proceeded to pistol whip the jeweler, leaving him injured. 

Surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows the suspects jumping turnstiles at a subway after fleeing the scene.

This crime is similar to a recent robbery in California where men disguised themselves as construction workers and attempted to smash the store's showcases.

If you can identify any of the suspects seen in the video, contact the Jewelers' Security Alliance at 212-687-0328.

Tip!

Be familiar with uncommon tactics that criminals will sometimes use to commit crimes.

A male and a female suspect entered a store with a small child and asked to see gold chains and bracelets.

After examining and returning several items, the man placed the child on top of the showcase and asked to see another chain, which he attempted to place on the child. That item was returned to the sales associate, but during the presentation, the female suspect concealed a bracelet that was given to her.

After receiving a price for the items they had selected from the presentation, the suspects said they would return with cash, but never did.

The male suspect is described as 5'9", 290 pounds, with a full beard and mustache.

The female suspect is described as 5'6" and 230 pounds.

If you have any information regarding the identities of these suspects, please call the Pleasant Prairie Police Department at 262-694-7105.

Tip!

Distraction thefts are not as common as grab-and-runs, but jewelers still need to be aware of how to prevent multiple types of theft.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., five men wearing Halloween masks and hoodies entered the Roseville Galleria Mall carrying baseball bats and targeted a jewelry store carrying luxury watches.

Witnesses reported the suspects fleeing in a black SUV, which was later spotted via helicopter and tracked back to an apartment.

All five suspects, ranging in age from 23 to 32, were later arrested.

Tip!

Jewelers located in shopping malls should coordinate security efforts with mall security so they can better identify suspicious incidents.

At approximately 4:15 a.m., multiple suspects used an ax to break through the front of a jewelry store.

They were in the store for only a few minutes, but stole a large amount of jewelry before they fled in an unidentified vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Jupiter Police Department at 561-746-6201, or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Tip!

Make sure the alarm system at your business is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.

Three suspects arrived at a jewelry store on motorcycles at approximately 4:15 p.m., held up the store at gunpoint, and fled within 52 seconds. They counted down from sixty in 15-second intervals to ensure they were in and out as swiftly as possible.

No customers were in the store or injured during the robbery, but surveillance shows a customer arriving at the store just moments after the suspects fled.

 Anyone with information regarding the crime is asked to call Crimestoppers at 828-255-5050.

Tip!

Locked door buzzer systems and mantraps can deter crimes, but standard operating procedures for their use are essential.