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RAPAPORT... Jewelers Mutual is advising the U.S. jewelry retail industry to be on high alert following numerous smash-and-grab incidents of Rolex watches since June. Recent thefts have occurred at jewelry stores in Virginia, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi. The company advised jewelers to identify when you are being cased and document suspicious activity; in addition, confirm the store's surveillance system is operating and recording and retain footage for a minimum of four weeks, as recommended by Jewelers’ Security Alliance.
Jewelers Mutual suggested that jewelry stores consider hiring a guard; use burglary resistant glazing material for high-end showcases and keep them locked when not in use; display high-value merchandise away from an exit; serve one customer at a time and design the store so that customers must walk around showcases to reach the door. Further, the group urged jewelers to join local crime prevention networks and share crime alerts with fellow jewelers. Jewelers may also consider making high-value, high target merchandise available for a showing only in a private showing room.
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