BEWARE WHEN SELLING JEWLERY ON EBAY. The JSA has recently been alerted by the US Secret Service that retail jewelers (as well as some members of the general public) are being ripped off in connection with what initially appears to be legitimate offers to purchase jewelry the jewelers, and the public, have offer for sale on eBay. A thief, representing himself as a potential buyer, accepts the seller’s asking price and pays with what appears to be a legitimate Pay Pal account. The seller then ships the jewelry and learns later that the payment was fraudulent. If you have been a victim of this scheme or if you have recently been contacted by a buyer who you suspect may be attempting to scam you in this manner, please contact Bob Frank at the JSA, #800-537-0067. We will put you in contact with the Secret Service agent investigating this scam.

January 27, 2010 NEW YORK (AP) — A jewelry store worker was shot to death in a brazen midday robbery Wednesday in a shop on posh Madison Avenue, police said. Two people were working at R.S. Durant at about 12:25 p.m. when a man in his 30s wearing a blue overcoat, gray slacks, sunglasses, a black wool hat and a scarf around his face came into the Upper East Side store and said he was robbing the place, police said. The workers refused to fill two canvas bags the gunman brought, police said. The suspect took out the clip from his semiautomatic pistol and showed it to the employees, saying, "You think I'm kidding? This is real" before putting the clip back in and firing once, said NYPD spokesman Paul J. Browne. Henry Menahem, 72, was hit once in the chest. The second worker, a 49-year-old man, asked if he could call 911 to help Menahem, but the gunman refused. The store is only about 12 feet wide and about 20 feet deep and had jewelry cases hanging on the walls. The gunman smashed one of the cases and loaded bags with diamond necklaces and other jewels before fleeing south on Madison Avenue. No customers were in the store, located between 75th and 76th streets, at the time. Police were still looking for the suspect. The victim was taken to Lenox Hill hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A call to the Menahem home in Long Branch, N.J., was answered by a friend who said the family was "in total shock." The neighborhood boasts rows of swanky boutiques and expensive jewelry shops and the incident occurred not far from the Whitney Museum of American Art. The area near the shop was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape, but traffic was moving along Madison Avenue. Carmen Fontanez, a private security guard who patrols the stretch of Madison Avenue, said a man was smoking in front of the store when a tall man wearing a ski mask and sunglasses pushed him inside and shut the door behind him. The shooting happened very quickly, she said. Other shopkeepers said R.S. Durant is a relatively new store and was about a year old. A shell casing from a 9-mm semiautomatic pistol was recovered at the scene. Police have been in contact with the store's owner. It's not clear how much the stolen jewelry was worth.

JEWELER SHOT AND KILLED DURING ROBBERY IN NYC. At about 12:25 pm today, 1/27/10, a robber, armed with a semi automatic pistol shot and killed a jeweler at a retail jewelry store located at 962 Madison Ave., after announcing a robbery. The jeweler was pronounced dead at Lenox Hill hospital. One early report indicated that the shooter fled with most of the stores inventory. Details are still sketchy but the JSA will report the facts as we learn them. A very sad and terrible occurrence.

BOLO FOR TRAVELING GRAB AND RUN THIEF. On 12/28/09, in Naples FL, a white male, around 30 years of age, short dark hair, tattoo inner right forearm, sunglasses, dark shirt, tan pants and a baseball cap, posed as a customer initially and relaxed the associate at a retail jewelry store with light conversation. Soon after being allowed to hold a 5.76 carat diamond ring the thief ran from the store and escaped. * * * * * * * * * * * * On 1/22/10, in a retail jewelry store located in Jackson Mississippi, a suspect, closely resembling the thief from Naples, after being allowed to hold a ring valued at $125,000, ran out the door to a waiting car that was described as a foreign white sedan and escaped. Except for the baseball cap, the clothing worn by the thief in both incidents is identical, dark shirt, tan pants, sunglasses. A comparison of surveillance photographs from both locations; although no of the best quality, show a striking similarity regarding the physical characteristics and the clothing of the two suspects. Anyone with information regarding these incidents can call Detective Dave Harris, Naples PD, #239-213-4826.

TRAVELINGS SALESMAN ROBBED IN BURLINGAME, CA – SIX ARRESTS – JEWLERY RECOVERED. On 1/13/10, at about 11:45 am, a jewelry salesman from New York was robbed at gunpoint as he was loading his line into his trunk in the parking lot of the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Airport Blvd. Later that evening members of the LAPD/FBI Interstate Task Force stopped two suspected vehicles in LA and took six individuals into custody when they discovered the jewelry stolen from the salesman in Burlingame in the vehicles. Of course this was not just a lucky car stop for the coppers who reacted with unbelievable speed to this attack and did a great job of recovering the stolen jewelry and arresting those responsible. Our compliments to all of the investigators who made solving this case look easy. The suspects were identified as Jesus Hernandez Ortiz, M/H/27, Jose Miguel Figueroa, M/H/32, Juan Felix Sanchez, M/GH/23, Juan Martinez, M/H/39, Jonathan Castro, M/H/32, and Nicolas Granados Mojica, M/H/31. Fortunately, the victim was not injured.

ROOFTOP BURGLARS HIT AGAIN IN KENNESAW, GA. ON JANUARY 14, 2010, BURGLARS DISABLED THE ALARM SYSTEM AT A RETAIL JEWLRY STORE LOCATED ON WADE GREEN RD NW, KENNESAW, GA, BEFORE CUTTING A HOLE IN THE ROOF TO GAIN ENTRY. THEY THEN BURNED OPEN TWO SAFES AND ESCAPED WITH OVER A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF JEWELRY. THIS IS THE THIRD, VERY SIMILAR, BURGLARY IN KENNESAW IN THE LAST SEVEN MONTHS. THE POLICE HAVE RECENTLY ARRESTED SEVERAL MEMBERS OF A GANG SUSPECTED OF BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR A NUMBER OF BURGLARIES IN FL, GA AND TN, ALL WITH SIMILARITIES CLOSELY RESEMBLING THIS CASE. THOSE ARRESTED WERE IDENTIFIED AS BEING OF CUBAN ANCESTRY. IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW THE ALARM SYSTEM WAS DISABLED OR WHAT TOOLS WERE EMPLOYED TO BURN OPEN THE SAFES. THE JSA WILL POST THAT INFORMATION WHEN WE ARE MADE AWARE OF THOSE DETAILS. WE ARE ALSO ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE IF THIS VICTIM WAS PROTECTED WITH LINE SECURITY

PRILIMIARY YEAR END CRIME STATISTICS: Every year at this time the JSA staff conducts a preliminary review of our crime files in preparation of providing the industry with the most accurate crime statistics possible. We are taking this opportunity to share with you some important initial findings. Contrary to conventional wisdom, and in spite of our poor economy, it appears that dollar losses in 2009 will be down from each of the previous five years. During 2009 our industry experienced a significant increase, more than 30 percent, in the total number of arrests (507) of jewelry criminals throughout the country. The most dramatic reduction in criminal activity has occurred in the category of off-premises attacks, the majority of which are attacks against traveling jewelry salespeople. The number of attacks against traveling jewelers is down about 30 percent and dollar losses have declined even more.This will be the lowest numbers of attacks on traveling jewelers in more than a decade. Unfortunately, the number of armed robberies against retail jewelers and the dollar losses involve with those cases has increased by approximately 11 percent. Three retail jewelers were killed during 2009 and arrests have been made in regard to two of those murders. The JSA will release the results of the final statistical review for 2009 later this year.

CONROE, TEXAS POLICE ROUNDUP AND CORRAL ROOFTOP BURGLARS. At about 2 a.m. ON 1/11/10, an alarm company notified the Conroe, Texas police that they had received a burglar alarm signal from a jewelry store on W. Davis. When the police responded to the scene they found the driver of the getaway car asleep at the wheel. The police also quickly spotted and apprehended the gang’s lookout man, who they later learned had failed in his very important assignment to disable the alarm system. With these two criminally challenged individuals in cuffs, the police now started to check the building for signs of forced entry when two men came galloping out of the front door, but were very shortly apprehended when they ran out of breath trying to escape from pursuing officers. The police later determined that the suspects had cut a hole in the roof of the jewelry store to gain entry and may have been successful if the alarm system had been compromised as planned. Those arrested have been identified by the police as Alberto Carlos Escobar, M/H/40, William Renee Vasquez, M/H/29, Christian Javier Ramos, M/H/25, and Santos Orlando Machados-Chicas, M/H/34. The JSA will be watching closely to see if the very active pattern of rooftop burglaries in Texas ends with these arrests. The officers who responded to this burglary scene are to be congratulated for a job well done. Hopefully, the prosecutor and the court will continue this work-in-progress by sending these criminals to prison for an extended period of time.

BAR PATRON LEAVES – SMASHES WINDOW AT NEARBY JEWELRY STORE – RETURNS TO BAR TO SELL STOLEN JEWELRY TO OTHER PATRONS. On 1/2/10, at about 1:20 a.m., an apparently intoxicated customer at the Cork Bar, in Ocean City, Maryland, left the bar only to return a short time later offering to sell a large quantity of jewelry, still in a display box, to the other customers. According to the police, the very intoxicated suspect, after leaving Corks Bar, smashed the window at a nearby jewelry store on the Boardwalk and stole the jewelry that he later offered for sale at the bar. The employees at the bar became suspicious and called the police, who arrested the suspect and recovered the jewelry. The 51 year old suspect’s hangover could last as long as 3 to 5 years in State Prison.

POSITIONING OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS. Over the years the JSA has received hundreds of crime videos from police investigators and directly from jewelry industry crime victims. Most are interesting, of fair or better quality, and usually present a good visual representation of various criminal events, robberies, thefts, etc. For use in regard to training of sales associates to prevent recurrences, these videos are of value. However, for purposes of identifying the criminals responsible and placing them behind bars, the majority have no value because the cameras were incorrectly positioned and only captured images of the top of the criminal’s head and not the face. The criminals are obviously aware of this flaw in our armor and most often compound the problem by wearing baseball caps to further obscure their faces. Regardless of what may be portrayed on TV and Hollywood, criminals cannot be identified with videos taken by cameras positioned at an angle so high that a picture of a criminals face is not captured. On the behalf of every Detective, Investigator, and Special Agent in the US, who has or will ever be assigned to investigate a jewelry industry crime, please have a surveillance camera installed and positioned TODAY that will capture a full face photograph of every person who walks into your place of business. When criminals case your place of business in preparation of making your business their next victim they will pay close attention to your camera angles and will surely be deterred when they realize that you just took their picture. (Bob Frank, VP, JSA)

BROOKLYN, NY – ROBBER SHOT DURING STRUGGLE WITH JEWELER. On 12/29/09, three black men, one waving a gun, walked into a retail jewelry store on 86th Street and announced a robbery. The owner resisted and fought with the armed individual. During their struggle a shot was fired and one of the other robbers was wounded in the stomach. The three men, including the wounded suspect, fled with about $100k worth of jewelry. However, all three have since been arrested. The police are still attempting to recover the stolen loot. Fortunately, the jeweler was not seriously injured. This incident could have easily resulted in the death of the jeweler, who was protected with insurance for loses incurred during a robbery. Stolen jewelry can be replaced by your insurance company. A life lost protecting jewelry is gone forever. Jewelers should never resist an armed jewelry criminal.

ROBBERS ESCAPE WITH MILLIONS – LEWISVILLE, TEXAS. On Monday morning on 12/28/09, just prior to opening for the day, a “customer” held up a watch to the window at a retail jeweler located on West Main Street, signaling that he wanted to have a battery replaced. (Lewisville is north of Dallas). An employee, alone in the store, opened the door and the “customer” immediately put a gun in his face, while holding the door open for an accomplice. The robbers fled with two duffel bags filed with jewelry and a suitcase containing gold coins. They also took the surveillance video recorder with them. The initial loss amount is reported to be between $1 and $6 million. The individual who came to the door with the watch was described as a M/W, well groomed, clean shaven, with dark brown hair. Jewelers are reminded never to allow anyone in your place of business before opening or after closing. JSA members are referred to the JSA Manual of Jewelry Security, pages 9-12 for more information and suggestions regarding this very important subject.

BALTIMORE, MD -RETAIL JEWELER FOUND SHOT – DIED AT HOSPITAL. According to a story by WBAL TV, a jeweler was discovered by family members suffering from gunshot wound to his chest on 12/26/09 at about 5 p.m. The retail location, identified as”Ruder and Company Jewelry and Antiques”, was not open for business at the time of the shooting. The owner was there taking care of some paperwork. The police reported that there was no sign of forced entry and it was not clear if any jewelry was taken. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Donny Moses, Baltimore City PD, #410-396-2020

JEWELER SHOOT ON WAY TO BANK DROP. On 12/20/09, at about 7:30 p.m., a jeweler who managed a store located in the Cumberland Mall, Atlanta, GA, closed the store for the day and went to his car. His intentions were to drive to his bank and make a night deposit with the proceeds of the day’s business. However, before he could drive away a robber shot him several times and escaped with the deposit bag. Witnesses called the police and the victim was taken to Grady memorial Hospital where he was last reported conscious and alert.

KISSING BANDITS OFF TO JAIL. On 12/7/09 Dean Griswold, M/W28, and Melanie Fisher, F/W24, posed as customers at a very well known, high-end jewelry store at the SouthPark Mall in Charlotte, NC. The police charge that, while no one was looking the couple stole about $130,000 worth of jewelry, including a ring valued at $73,000. The theft was captured on the stores surveillance system and their pictures were immediately displayed on several TV news programs. The TV coverage resulted in a quick response from a viewer who recognized the troubled couple. On 12/10 the police arrested both suspects and recovered all of the stolen property. When the police were putting them in their police car the couple kissed for the news cameras filming their arrest. Griswold’s mother, during an interview with a reporter from a local news channel, said that her son was high on Xanax and alcohol when they went shopping at the jewelry store. Both suspects have arrest records. The 24 year old female suspect has been arrested four times this year. By the time these two are able to share their next kiss; they will most likely be a lot older and hopefully a lot wiser.

HEARING IMPAIRED - TELEPHONE OPERATOR ASSISTED CREDIT CARD SCAM. The JSA, on a number of occasions in recent years, has advised retail jewelers regarding this type of scam. It begins with a phone call from a legitimate telephone company operator who informs the jeweler that a hearing-impaired individual has asked the phone company to assist them, through the use of a key board, with the purchase of jewelry. The jeweler only speaks with the operator who, reading from a typed message transmitted by the buyer, relays the message to the jeweler. In the past the majority of the losses involved the fraudulent purchase of gold chains with values at less than $5,000. The thieves provide credit card information for the purchase that is initially cleared by the credit card company but then later results in a “charge back” when the real card owners received their bill and report that they did not make the purchase. There is always a sense of urgency attached and the buyer requests immediate shipping. The items are never asked to be shipped to the billing address and many times where sent to addresses in Africa, Nigeria, etc. On 12/16/09, in Little Rock, AR, a retailer was victimized by a thief using this scam. In the past these scams have occurred sporadically with hundreds calls to retailers all over the country in a short period of time. Watch for the red flags and don’t become a victim. The Little Rock case may just be the first of many attempts to follow.

A “JSA MOST WANTED” DISTRACTION THIEF SPOTTED IN RHODE ISLAND. On 12/12/09, in the early afternoon, the suspect Tyrone Payne walked into a JSA member retail jewelry store and asked to see a two carat diamond. The retailer, recalling seeing a picture of Payne on the JSA web site, told him that he did not have what he was interested in and the suspect left. The jeweler then called the police, but not in time to apprehend Payne, who is wanted by the police in Auburn, MA pursuant to an arrest warrant in connection with a distraction theft. To see a photo of Tyrone Payne visit the JSA web site, www.jewelerssecurity.org, and click on “JSA’s Most Wanted.” If you have information concerning this suspect please contact Det. Eric Dyson, Auburn PD, #508-832-7738 0r 7777.

TRAVELING SALESMAN ATTACKED IN SUNRISE, FLORIDA. On 12/14/09 a traveling salesman had just made a call at a client located outside the Sawgrass Mall. He placed his line bag in the trunk of his car and was preparing to leave when a car full of bad guys pulled in behind him. The bad guys popped open his trunk, stole his line and fled as quickly as they had appeared. The suspects apparently had been watching the client’s retail store, observed the victim when he arrived, confirmed that he was a salesman by observing his contact with the retailer, and then attacked when the victim returned to his car.

ROOF-TOP BURGLARS TAKE A HIT IN KNOXVILLE, TN. Yesterday, 12/13/09, at about 3:30 AM, five individuals suspected of being responsible for many of the roof-top burglaries reported by the JSA during the last two years, were tracked to Knoxville and observed by the coppers as they broke into a jewelry store. The police observed them break in through the roof and moved in to arrest them before the suspects went to work on attacking the safe. Police first arrested the lookouts outside and found the others trying to hide in a crawl space inside. The five arrested have been identified as members of a Cuban burglary ring out of Miami. This arrest is the end result of some excellent police work by dedicated investigators from several jurisdictions, including the Florida Dept of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Knoxville PD.

FRENCH POLICE RECOVER JEWELRY STOLEN FROM CARTIER. On 11/26/09, thieves used a sledgehammer to smash open a display case, during business hours at a Cartier store in Lyon, and then fled with valuable high-end jewelry and watches. According to an AP report on 12/9/09, the French Police, while searching the residence of a suspect in connection with another jewelry crime, recovered over a million dollars worth of the jewelry stolen from Cartier. The suspect remains on the run and was not named in the report.

CARLISLE, PA – JEWELER ARRESTED FOR BUYING GOLD WITHOUT STATE LICENSE. According to a story in the Central PA News, theft by deception charges have been filed against the owner of Magnolia’s Jewelers for buying gold without a required state license. Undercover county detectives sold the owner gold rings and found that the jeweler was not keeping detailed records of transactions and the scale used to weigh gold was inaccurate. The charges indicate that the jeweler also broke the law by not posting the prices she would pay for gold. The investigation was triggered by a complaint from a customer who said that she was cheated when she sold several gold pieces at Magnolia’s.

JEWELER SHOOTS BACK AFTER BEING WOUNDED AND CAPTURES ROBBER. Last night at about 7:10 PM, a woman and two men walked into a Valley Stream, NY, (Long Island) jewelry store and pulled a gun after initially pretending to be customers. During the following confrontation the owner was shot in the chest but still managed to return fire with his licensed gun. The female and one of the men ran from the store as bullets smashed through the front window. Somehow, the wounded jeweler prevented the remaining robber from leaving and detained him at gunpoint until the police responded. Fast work by the Nassau County PD resulted in the arrest of the two who ran from the store. They were found hiding nearby. The latest report indicates that the jeweler’s injury was not life threatening and he will be OK.

ROBBER SHOOTS JEWELER-JEWELER SHOOTS ROBBER-BOTH WILL LIVE. On 12/3/09, a robber shot a sales associate during an attempted robbery at a retail jewelry store on Danville Blvd, in Alamo, CA. The jeweler managed to return fire with his gun and wounded the robber. When the police responded the wounded suspect was still in the store with his gun pointed to his own head. Seems to me that this was a “no win” situation for the robber. Did he really think that threatening to kill himself would be a good bargaining point with the authorities? Thankfully, the wounded jeweler was reported in fair condition and was expected to recover. If the robber recovers he will be charged with attempted murder, assault, possession of a gun, attempted robbery, etc., which should could land him in jail for the rest of his life and unable to attack any other jewelers.

GRAB AND RUN THIEF TURNED IN BY HIS PARENTS WHO SAW HIM STEALING ON TV NEWSCAST. On 12/3/09, a news cast on a local TV station provided details of a “Grab and Run” theft that occurred on 11/10/09 at a jewelry store on Mission Ave, in Oceanside, CA. The newscast included a very good photograph of the suspect involved in the theft of about $7,000 worth of necklaces. Unfortunately, for the suspect, his parents saw the show and after recognizing their son as the thief, they called the police. According to Sgt. Kelan Poorman of the Oceanside PD, the son and accomplice who helped him sell the stolen property are under arrest. I would wager that seeing their son on TV stealing jewelry was most likely the “Last Straw” for his parents. My compliments to the parents for making such a difficult decision.

FLORIDA JEWELER AND ACCOMPLICE CHARGED WITH FAKING A $5.6 MILLION ROBBERY. On 1/11/09, the owner of Lee Havens Fine Jewelry in Palm Beach, FL, reported that he and a female employee had been robbed at gunpoint by a M/W/35, who said he had a gun. The loss was reported to be over $4 million. According to a story in the Palm Beach Daily News, the owner of the store has been charged with faking the robbery and insurance fraud. The “robber” has been identified and also arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. The news story indicated that the insurance company had paid out more that $2 million in claims related to the case before these charges became public. Great work by Detective Larry Mennite of the Palm Beach PD and a female undercover detective who worked this case with imagination and skill usually only seen on TV.

ASIAN THEFT GANG ON THE WEST COAST– ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. The suspect arrested has been identified by the police as Shiji Chen. Information has been received indicating that the suspects involved may have also been active in LA and New York City. Documents found on Chen indicated travel throughout the US. If you think you have been victimized by these suspects, including an Asian female accomplice, or if you have information regarding their activities, you are asked to call Inspector Rich VanKoll, SFPD, at #415-830-1797.

ASIAN THEFT GANG OPERATING ON WEST COAST. On 11/18/09 two male Asian suspects stole a $70,000 watch from a luxury jewelry store located in Costa Mesa, CA. The method used was an old trick sometimes referred to as a “Box Switch.” The thief indicated that he wanted to purchase the watch and would return shortly with the cash. However, he insisted that the associate place it in a box and wrap it before he leaves the store to get the cash. When the associate stepped away for a moment to get some tape, the suspect removed the watch from the box and the loss was not discovered until later. On 11/27/09, the two suspects in the Costa Mesa theft were recognized by the security staff at another luxury jewelry store in San Francisco, CA, after they expressed interest in purchasing a high-end ring. However, they left empty handed after realizing that they were being closely watched by the alert staff. The suspects then entered another nearby jewelry store where one suspect, in possession of fake ID and credit cards, was apprehended by the SFPD, called by the security staff at the first store. One suspect escaped but the other was positively identified in connection with the loss in Costa Mesa. Police reports indicate that these individuals may be part of a ring of professional thieves from Hong Kong and Taiwan in the United States to commit crimes and then flee back to Hong Kong. This arrest may result in a change of venue for the remaining gang members. They could show up almost anywhere, Las Vegas, New York, Miami, etc

ONE ROBBER DIES IN CUSTODY - ACCOMPLICE IDENTIFIED AND RUNNING. Montgomery, AL. 11/20/09, 5:30 p.m. Two black men initially posed as customers at a retail jewelry store located on Eastchase Parkway and then one of them punched the sales associate in the face. The second suspect jumped over a case, stole jewelry from display cases and they both fled on foot. Police caught up to one of the suspects and while in custody he started having difficulty breathing. He was taken to Jackson Hospital and was pronounced dead a short time later. The police are still looking for the dead man’s accomplice who has been identified Bryant Norman, M/B/20, of Memphis, TN. An arrest warrant has been issued.

MEMO FRAUD – AN OLD PROBLEM THAT PERSISTS. Manufacturers and wholesalers must use due diligence before releasing product to a stranger. The JSA recommends that manufacturers must act like a financial institution and obtain basic information such as name, address, telephone number, email. Ask when the company was established and get a brief description of the company. Obtain credit and bank references and check with all of them and make certain that the references are real and all of the information provided is accurate. JBT is a valuable and reliable method of confirming that your “customer” is not a thief pretending to be a jeweler. Doing business on a handshake is no longer prudent. THIS IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE – JUST A GOOD WAY TO CONDUCT BUSINESS.

ROOFTOP BURGLARS MAKE LARGE SCORE IN EAST POINT, GA. WHILE JEWELERS SLEEP. On 11/6/09 burglars cut a whole in the roof of a well known jewelry chain location and immediately upon entering they cut the phone lines and other cables involved with the security system. The store either did not have line-security or it simply didn’t work because no signal was sent. Police reports indicate the burglars may have been practicing their trade at the store for more than five hours before leaving with more than half a million in jewelry. That amounts to about $100,000 an hour for the criminals. They also took the DVR system when the left. They carried in all of the required burglar tools with them, including oxygen and acetylene tanks, which were used to burn, open the safes, and left them behind as souvenirs for the police. This is just one of dozens of similar burglaries that the JSA has reported in the last two years. The JSA has not yet learned the UL classification the safes attacked at this crime scene but I would not hesitate to wager that it was not a TRTL30X6. However, without line security, even a TRTL30X6 could be compromised by burglars sick with the Swine Flu, if allowed to work uninterrupted for five hours.

LATE NIGHT BANK DEPOSITS. With holiday season upon us and optimistic predictions of perhaps the best season in a couple of years, this is a good time for retail jewelers to review security procedures. One security problem that we have seen increase during past holiday seasons has been robberies of store personnel while making late night bank deposits. Criminals have been known to wait at bank deposit drop location and attack individuals making a drop. Not surprisingly, in many instances the attacks involved unaccompanied female employees. However, men were also victimized. The JSA recommends that deposits remain in the store overnight and delivered to the bank during safer business hours. Some retailers also hire private security firms to escort store personnel making banks drops after hours. This is something to give careful consideration, before something happens!

Thanks for your comments and advice regarding the shooting in Mesquite, TX. However, you apparently are not a JSA member and understandably not familiar with our traditional, long time, recommendations against the use of guns by jewelers. You may also not be aware that the JSA strongly advises our membership of approx. 21,000 jewelry businesses, to train their staff not to resist when confronted by a jewelry criminal. The historical record has shown that during the vast majority of deadly confrontations between jewelers and criminals the violence is preceded by some form of resistance on the part of the victim jeweler. Our review of more than a thousand armed confrontations involving our industry has confirmed that violence almost never occurs when there has been no resistance. Your advice regarding the use of deadly force only when there is an imminent threat to life is, in my opinion, sound and followed by me with dedication during my law enforcement career. Be that as it may, it is not the law of the land. I know of one state where deadly physical force is permitted if the value of property taken during the commission of a pure larceny is $250 or greater, apparently, even if the thief is running away, and there are other states that have similar statutes. You also may not be aware that there are a number of events, similar to those that occurred in Mesquite and the case you mentioned in Las Vegas that have occurred this year, and every year, in different parts of the country and more often than not, the jewelers were not prosecuted. It has been my observation, depending on which way the political winds are blowing in a particular jurisdiction at a particular time, and several other critical elements, a jeweler who uses deadly physical force, justifiable or otherwise, may be declared a hero, an indicted felon, or receive the more permanent designation of DOA. Those indicted and those honored as a hero must also be concerned with civil litigation brought by the families of the deceased, wounded or possibly disabled suspect. (Bob Frank, JSA, #2121-687-0328)

Besides the stupid jeweler who fired at the unarmed thief running from his store in Mesquite, TX, on October 30th (now charged with discharging a fire arm - really should be charged with attempted murder), there is also a pawn shop owner awaiting trial for murder in Las Vegas for shooting a thief in the back who was running out of his store with a Cartier watch on January 30, 2009. You should advise your jewelers that deadly force may not be used to protect property absent an imminent threat to life.

MESQUITE, TX – JEWELER SHOOTS AT THIEF IN CROWDED MALL. On 10/30/09, at about 4:40pm, a thief posing as a customer grabbed a diamond ring from the owner of a jewelry store in the Town East Mall, and ran out of the store. The owner grabbed his handgun and fired a shot at the thief. The bullet missed the bad guy but ricocheted off shelving in a nearby JCPenny department store. The thief, described as a black male in his 20’s, got away; however, the jeweler was arrested and charged with deadly conduct for firing his gun in the crowded mall. Thankfully, the jeweler’s bullet didn’t hit an innocent bystander. The value of the ring, a few thousand dollars. The value of a human life, priceless.

UPDATE REGARDING THE THEFT AT AMERICAN BLUE DIAMONDS. On 10/28/09, a message posted on the JSA Crime Message Center, from an unidentified messenger, provided information pertaining to the criminal activities of a 44 year old suspected thief who used the name Timothy Liess, which is his real name. The JSA has learned that Timothy apparently enjoyed being a thief and tried his hand at a number of ways to steal jewelry. The police report that he would often ask to look at jewelry, which he would then grab and run with. On other occasions he would switch loose diamonds with CZ’s when unsuspecting sales associates were looking the wrong way. Liess was also identified in cases where he purchased jewelry and watches with fraudulent checks and in several other incidents he would switch expensive jewelry with fakes using fraudulent tags that he attached to the fakes. However, the criminal career of Mr. Liess came to an end yesterday in Knoxville, TN, when he committed suicide as police where attempting to take him into custody in a hotel parking lot. Liess had four active warrants for his arrest in Texas and is suspected of hitting jewelers in five other southeastern states. Oddly, Liess was a well-known watercolor artist in Austin, TX.

RESPONSE TO AMERICAN BLUE DIAMONDS MESSAGE. Thanks for contacting the JSA. Please be advised that the JSA is aware o f the suspect and the losses that have occurred. The JSA is in touch with Detective Brooks and we have made our resources available to him. The JSA will shortly be issuing a nationwide Wanted Bulletin for his arrest. (Bob Frank, JSA, #212-687-0328)

MOM AND POP JEWELERS MURDERED IN SOUTH CAROLINA. On 10/23/09, a married couple who had a jewelry business in Taylors, SC, met with an acquaintance, who they thought was going to introduce them to someone with a large amount of jewelry to sell. The suspect, with whom they had a previous business relationship, directed them to drive to a location where the seller was supposed to be. There was no seller and police have charged the suspect, Matthew Brandon Fullbright, 29, with luring the victims to an isolated area to rob them but ended up beating them to death with a blunt instrument. The husband’s body was discovered on 10/25. His wife’s body was found on 10/28, in IVA, SC, about ten miles from where the husband’s remains were found, and their car was found at a third location. The suspect surrendered to the police on 10/28 and led them to the wife’s body. The matter is being investigated by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Dept. The police believe that both killing occurred in IVA, SC. The male victim was 72, and his wife was 69.

CARLSBAD, CA – ROOFTOP ROBBERY. On 10/20/09, at about 9:15 AM, the police responded to a holdup alarm from a retail jeweler located on State St. The police determined that a robber or robbers cut a hole in the roof during the night, climbed inside the store and hid in the restroom until the employees came to work in the morning. After the staff had deactivated the alarm system upon entering the store and opened the safe, the robber confronted the employees with a handgun and ordered them to the floor while he emptied the open safe. The robber then fled from the store the same way he came in, through the roof. The suspect was described as a M/H, 5’10”, wearing a paintball type plastic mask. It is not clear if more than one suspect was involved. Apparently, the roof at this location was not properly protected since no signal was sent when the suspect made a hole large enough for a man to pass through.

RETAIL JEWELER SENTENCED FOR DRUG RELATED MONEY LAUNDERING. According to the US Attorney’s office in Baltimore, MD., the owner of a jewelry store in Pikesville, MD was sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison to be followed by five years probation after pleading guilty in Federal Court to conspiracy to launder drug money. During an IRS investigation the jeweler accepted $12,500 in cash from an undercover IRS agent in exchange for jewelry on one occasion and $23,500 in cash in exchange for jewelry, from the same agent, at another time. In both instances the agent made it clear to the jeweler that he was a drug dealer from Tennessee and the money was proceeds from drug trafficking. The jeweler then failed to file IRS Form 8300 to document the transactions. As part of the jeweler’s plea agreement, he admitted accepting at least $336,000 from drug dealers in exchange for jewelry between 1982 and 2006.

PHONE COMPANY REPAIR CREW DISCOVERS ROOFTOP BURGLARY. On 10/10/09, an AT&T repairman, responding to a report of “line trouble” at a retail jewelry store on West Broad St, in Athens, Georgia, discovered three holes in the roof of the store. Police report that the day before the burglary a suspicious man wearing dark clothing, with a deep scar that ran along his cheek to the corner of his mouth, was asking questions about the store and the value of the diamonds sold there. During the initial police investigation the police were unable to contact the owner to determine how much jewelry was stolen. Jewelers should provide their local police with an emergency phone number for use in situations such as this and other possible emergency conditions.

SPECIAL ALERT FOR RETAIL JEWELERS REGARDING METHODS USED BY BURGLARS IN CONNECTION WITH ACTIVE PATTERN OF ROOFTOP BURGLARIES– ESPECIALLY IN THE SOUTHEASTERN STATES. Targeted jewelry stores are always cased to some degree before an entry is attempted. Jewelers must be on constant alert for suspicious individuals, usually posing as customers, showing more interest in your security measures than in making a purchase. It is common for the burglars to intensionally cause a signal to be sent to your alarm company, usually by cutting a telephone line in a manner not easily detectible by alarm company investigators or responding police personnel. Upon receipt of a signal the police and the owner are notified and under ideal situations they and the alarm company all respond and inspect the premises to find no sign of forced entry. The alarm company diagnoses the problem as “line trouble” and notifies the phone company to check the line and repair the condition. Everyone then leaves and the jeweler goes home relieved that there was not a break-in. The problem now is that the jewelry store is no longer protected and will not be until the phone company makes the repair. Unfortunately, these attacks most often occurred on a weekend night and the phone company is not coming until Monday morning to avoid paying overtime to their repair crew. The burglars know this and can now break into the store and take their time attacking a safe or vault with little fear of detection. Under all such situations, when “Line Trouble” is the determined to be the cause of a signal, the affected location must he guarded and occupied until the trouble is corrected and the alarm system reactivated. Some of the victims in the recent attacks had no line security and no protection for their roofs, ceilings or common (plaster board) walls adjacent to other unprotected businesses. If you do not have some form of line security the burglars only need to cut your phone line and you no longer have an active alarm system. Too many of the victims had safes that were nothing more than fire safes or safes that had UL ratings far below acceptable underwriting standards for the amount of value involved. The JSA recommends the correct rating for a safe used by a retail jeweler should be a TRTL30X6. In at least one case the burglars did not even attempt to attack a TRTL30X6 safe and chose instead to attack a TL30 safe, which they easily entered. In several instances burglars found enough jewelry left out in display cases overnight to make their efforts worth their while, and never attacked the safes. They probably concluded that the safes were empty because all the jewelry was on display. (If you are a jeweler and you are not familiar with UL ratings, and unaware of the difference between a TRTL30X6 and TL30, you should contact a security expert or the JSA. as soon as possible. The burglars know the difference.) For additional information regarding this serious problem please refer to the JSA Manual of Jewelry Security.

ROOFTOP BURGLARIES IN SOUTHEASTERN STATES. For approximately the last year the JSA has been issuing alerts and providing information regarding a very active pattern of rooftop burglaries in Florida and surrounding southern states. The JSA has received reports regarding more than 30 such occurrences. The JSA has also provided recommendations regarding preventive measures available to retail jewelers. Unfortunately, the burglars are very skilled at identifying weaknesses and overcoming the burglary prevention deterrents encountered at their targeted locations. One of the ways they are able to identify and defeat burglary preventive measures at a targeted jewelry store is to visit the store, posing as s customer, and make an on-site appraisal before attempting an entry. The JSA has recently learned that two of the burglars, both Cuban nationals, a day or two before the actual burglary, visit their next target and ask to see princess diamonds. This visit allows them to spend enough time in the store to identify any obstacles they may encounter when they break in. One of the suspects involved in the casing is described as a dark skinned Latin male with a large scar from his eye to his chin. If someone fitting this unique description visits your store contact the police ASAP.

UPDATE REGARDING POST "GOLD CHAINS SWITCHED BY SELLER". One of the suspects left his finger prints and was identified by police as "Alejandro Padilla". He was arrested at his South Gate, California home. He was also booked for parole violations. He used a bogus CA ID with the name "LUIS MEZA". According to information I recieved these criminals are working for the yet not identified man with "braided pig tails".

OFFICER SHOT DURING ROBBERY IN HIGHLAND PARK, MI. On 10/10/09 two police officers from the Highland Park PD responded to a holdup alarm at the Gold Nugget Jewelry Exchange. When the officers entered the store two men came from behind a bullet proof glass partition and started shooting. The officers returned fire, one officer was shot in the arm and two customers were also wounded, one seriously. The robbers attempted to escape in a van parked nearby but were quickly apprehended by other police officers who also recovered a gun from their van. Police are hunting for a possible third suspect involved in this robbery.

ADDENDUM TO SACRAMENTO STABBING. The JSA has just be informed that the police have arrested one of the suspects involved in the attack on the traveling salesman and some of the stolen jewelry has been recovered. We were also happy to learn that the victim was actually injured with a screw driver. He was not stabbed as originally reported and his injuries are not serious.

THIEVES IN JSA HOME PAGE VIDEO STRIKE AGAIN IN JOHNSTOWN, PA. On 8/11/09, two well dressed men distracted a sales associate and stole a 1.44 carat diamond at a retail jewelry store located in Zanesville, OH. A surveillance video of the event is currently available for viewing on the home page of the JSA web site. On 10/3/09, these same suspects were unsuccessful at one retail location in Johnstown, PA, before visiting another nearby store and, while one distracted a sales associate the other reached over a counter and stole jewelry. To see these thieves in action “click” on the video displayed on the JSA home page and view them in action. They are on the move and may visit your store next.

MEMO FRAUD SUSPECT ARRESTED AGAIN. On 10/06/09, members of the NYPD, Organized Theft Squad arrested Ruth Lebovitch, F/W/62, and charged her with obtaining jewelry from a California based manufacturer without paying for or returning the jewelry when requested to do so by the manufacturer. This same suspect was also arrested 3/18/09 for a similar crime committed against another manufacturer. The police are attempting to identify additional victims and request that anyone with information regarding the criminal activities of this suspect to please contact NYPD Detective Padovano at #718-533-2060.

GRAB AND RUN THIEF – TATTOO “DEENA” ON NECK. On 10/3/09, at a retail jewelry store located in Culver City, CA, a thief posing as a customer asked to see the largest solitaire in the store after looking at several other pieces. When the sales associate, who was uncomfortable because of another man hanging around outside, removed a 2 carat solitaire from a case, the suspect grabbed it and ran out of the store. Suspect described as, M/B/25-29 years, 5’9”, thin, scars on knuckles, prominent tattoo “Deena” that goes from his neck to his elbows on both arms, white T-shirt, cell phone, blue hat with an “A” on it. The possible accomplice outside the store was a B/M, 6’, heavy. The JSA has many crime reports in our database which occurred following a request from a thief posing as a customer see “the largest or most expensive diamond in the store.” Any such request must always be considered as a very large RED FLAG.

FOUR ROOFTOP BURGLARS ARRESTED IN MARTIN CO., FL. On 9/22/09, at about 1:15 am, Deputies from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office responded to an alarm signal from a retail jewelry store located on NW Federal highway in Jensen Beach. The deputies conducted a very thorough inspection of the area and discovered a hole in the roof of a business adjoining the jewelry store and additional holes through the wall leading to the jewelry store. The burglars attempted to escape but when the dust settled the deputies had apprehended and arrested four men who claimed to be Cuban nationals and charged them with burglary, possession of burglar tools and other related charges. The coppers seized two vehicles used by the suspects to drive to Jensen Beach from their main hangouts in Miami. Also discovered at the scene and confiscated were walkie-talkie radios, an electric grinder, a jackhammer, a compressor, flashlights, cutting torches, gas cylinders, gloves and dark clothing. Given the numerous rooftop burglaries that have been occurring in Florida and the surrounding areas for more than a year, these arrests are very important. The Deputies who initially responded to the burglar alarm signal should be commended for an exceptional job.

BURGLARS ARRESTED WHEN JEWELER USES VIDEO FEED AT RESIDENCE. At about 1:15 am, Sunday morning, 9/20/09, a retail jeweler received two alarm signals from his store located on Wall Street, Norwalk, CT., and utilizing a live video security system, which allowed him to see inside of his store from his home in Fairfield, he observed three men in his store. The jeweler immediately called the police, who were nearby and were able to quickly respond and arrest the three male Hispanic burglars as they attempted to escape in a SUV parked near the back door. It was later determined that the suspects were from California. The police are investigating the possibility that these suspects may be responsible for other similar burglaries in the area.

POLICE OFFICER SECURITY ESCORT SHOT IN HOUSTON. On Friday, 9/11/09, at about 4 PM, a watch salesman from New Jersey, left his line in his car with an off-duty police officer employed as his security escort for the day, while the salesman ran up to his hotel room to get something. Soon after the salesman entered the hotel, located across the street from the Galleria, a car full of armed bad guys wearing masks pulled up. They immediately smashed the rear windows to get at the line. What happened next is not exactly clear but when the gun smoke settled the officer was wounded in the leg, one bad guys was dumped by his accomplices at a nearby hospital with two gunshots and the police were searching for second suspect who was also believed shot and possibly DOA. Thankfully, the officer's wound was not serious and he left the hospital soon after being treated. The bad guys, Hispanic male SATG members did not get the line either. Another great job by an outstanding member of professional law enforcement.

SHERIFF’S DEPT. IN LOUISIANA MAKES MAJOR BURGLARY ARREST. On Tuesday, 9/8/09, investigators from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Dept. arrested a suspect identified as Hector Castillo of Houston, TX, in connection with five recent rooftop burglaries at J.C. Penney stores in Indiana, Texas and Louisiana. The suspect has 27 know alias and 16 social security numbers. The police recovered stolen property, mostly jewelry, valued at about $3.5 million and the tools used in these burglaries. St. Tammany detectives worked closely with a number of other police agencies to bring this case to a successful conclusion. Another great job by law enforcement.

GOLD CHAINS SWITCHED BY SELLER. On 9/1/09, two Hispanic men presented 14K gold chains for sale to a retailer located on State Street, Santa Barbara, CA. They tested positive for 14K and after weighing the chains, the retailer offered $4,000 cash. The seller put the chains back into his bag while they discussed the price. The seller then agreed to the price and pulled the chains out of his bag and handed them to the retailer who weighed them again and the weight was the same, however, he did not re-test. The Hispanic men then left after receiving the cash. The following day the retailer re-tested the chains and discovered they had been switched with gold plated chains which were stamped 14K. The suspects are described as: #1-M/H, tall, 170 lbs, mustache, CA Driver’s Lic. with name, Luis Meza. #2-M/H, 5’6”, long braided hair, cell phone, wearing big dial watch. This is an old scam that has been posted on the JSA Crime Message Center in the very recent past.

SNEAK THEFT BY SMOOTH TALKING FELLOW ON A CELL PHONE On 8/20/09, a thief, posing as a customer interested in purchasing some inexpensive jewelry at a retail store in Baltimore, MD, stole two items when the owner was distracted. The suspect is described as a B/M/35-40 yrs, 5’9”, light complexion, two earrings in one ear, wore a matching jump suite, was polite and a smooth talker. A big “Red Flag”, was the fact that the thief spoke on his cell phone the entire time he was in the store. Talking on a cell phone is a common ruse employed by jewelry thieves. A recent crime video shown on the JSA web site provide an excellent demonstration of how a criminal used a cell phone to distract a retail victim.

ANOTHER ROOFTOP BURGLARY. Sometime Saturday night, 8/15/09, burglars came through a hole in the roof of a retail jewelry store located in Philadelphia, PA. They cut the phone wires and set off a motion detector which resulted in a signal and response by the police. Unfortunately, the owner did not respond to allow the police to enter his store and search for any signs of entry and the responding police did not inspect the roof. Had that been done there is a good chance that the burglars would have been caught. The jeweler reports that the loss was nearly half a million dollars worth of jewelry. Stories in the media indicate that a “Blow Torch’ was used to enter the safe. Online news videos indicate that the safe was most likely cut open with a cutting wheel and not a torch.

REATAIL JEWELER SHOT AND KILLEDIN KEARNY, NJ. A short time ago the JSA has been advised that the son of a retail jeweler has been shot and killed this morning, 8/18/09, in Kearny, NJ, apparently during a robbery at the store located on Kearny Ave. The report indicated that neighboring merchants discovered the wounded jeweler’s son. Two men were observed running from the scene. Additional information will be posted as soon as available

SALESMAN ROBBED IN NASHVILLE - JEWELRY RECOVERED BY NYPD. On 8/12/09, a traveling jewelry salesperson from New York, while sitting in his car parked in a hotel parking lot in Nashville, North Carolina, was robbed of his line valued at $250,000. Three masked men smashed his car windows and slashed his tires before escaping. On 8/17/09, members of the NYPD, Organized Theft Squad, observed three individuals, one of whom they had previously arrested in connection with a gem theft, trying to sell a large quantity of jewelry in the diamond district in NYC on 47th Street between 5th and 6th Ave. When approached by the NY coppers the men fled, leaving the jewelry behind. Two of the suspects were apprehended and subsequently charged with criminal possession of stolen property. The recovered jewelry was positively identified as that which was stolen from the salesman in Nashville. A joint investigation is now being conducted by the NYPD, OTS, and the Nash County Sheriff’s office in NC. Another excellent job by law enforcement.

DISPLAY CASE ENTERED BY CUTTING SILICONE SEAL – LIFTING GLASS. On 8/10/09, at a retail jewelry store located in the Great Lakes Mall, Mentor, Ohio, a male and a female suspect kept a sales associate busy by asking to look at jewelry in the rear of the store. While another associate was busy preparing a package for shipment, another male suspect cut the silicone on a display case in the front of the store, lifted the glass counter top and removed approximately $52,000 worth of rings. The glass was replaced, the three suspects left with the rings and the loss was not noticed until an hour later. The suspects were described as: #1- M/B, 6’, sunglasses on head, gold chain w/gold dog tag engraved “guardian angel.” #2- B/M, 5’8”, white hat. #3- B/F, 5’6”, hair slicked back into a bun. All suspects wore white shirts

MESSAGE FOR ANALYST WITH ANAHEIM PD. Please call Bob Frank at the JSA, #800-537-0067.

Hello I am a crime analyst with Anaheim PD. We have had a series of sophisticated rooftop burglaries involving jewelry stores. I was looking to obtain a list of Russian or Romanian owners of jewelry stores in Los Angeles or Orange County, California. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Message for Investigator Crandall at Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Please consider having the JSA post your stolen items on the JSA Stolen Jewelry Web Site, www.stolenjewelry.org. Photographs, if forwarded in separate email, can also be posted with the descriptive information provide. This service is provided to law enforcement free of charge, is easy to do and proven to be an effective investigative tool. For more information call Bob Frank at the JSA, #800-537-0067.

INTERNAL ALERT SYSTEM DETERS CRIMINALS IN LITTLE ROCK, AR. On 8/11/09, two suspected jewelry thieves entered a jewelry store a couple of minutes apart and pretended to shop without acknowledging one another. Alert sales staff members immediately became suspicious an initiated their Internal Alert plan by announcing a unique code phrase. Part of their plan included one employee leaving the store and watching from a safe distance with a cell phone. Soon after initiating the plan, the suspects, obviously aware of the employee outside, departed one at a time, without making a purchase. The second suspect to leave was observed jumping over a wall in the parking lot and then get into a car driven by the other suspect. DESCRIPTION: #1-M/W/23, 5’3”, whiskers, short brn hair, tattoos on back of calves. DESCRIPTION: #2- M/B/23, 5’3”, 100lbs, two gold teeth, puffy left ear. Driving green Chevy. Sedan. Information and suggestions on how to establish an “Internal Alert System” in your store can be found in the JSA Manual of Jewelry Security, page 15.

ARRESTED 13 YEARS AFTER JEWELRY STORE ROBBERY. In June of 1996 a suspect, recently identified as Charles Bezak, robbed a jewelry store located on Easton-Nazareth Highway in Lower Nazareth Township, PA. The store has since gone out of business. During the course of the robbery, while smashing a display case, the suspect cut himself and left a sample of his blood, which was later collected by the police, stored and safeguarded all these years. It took 13 years to accomplish, but recently a DNA match with the blood sample from the crime scene with another obtained from him during a subsequent arrest regarding an unrelated matter, identified Bezak, who was arrested last week in North Carolina and charged with this crime from 1966. Another example of excellent police work.

GOLD DUST SCAMS. On 8/4/09, the Elizabeth NJ, PD, arrested a suspect identified as Kwasi Baffour, B/M, DOB 9/1/74, born in Ghana, Africa, but is a US citizen, in connection with a gold dust buying scam. Deals are set up with prospective buyers from out of state to purchase African gold dust at an attractive price. When the buyers arrive in New Jersey to complete the deal, the suspect provides a small sample of dust and requests to see the cash which is normally $50,000. The meetings take place in a hotel and when the cash is produced the suspect grabs the money and runs. The Elizabeth PD is investigating several Gold dust scams and is asking anyone with information regarding similar events to contact Det. Holmes at #908-558-2032.

THIEF POSES AS A “GERMOPHOBIC” AND RUNS OUT WITH JEWELRY. On 7/30/09, at about 10:40 AM, at a retail jewelry store located in Pineville, NC, a thief, posing as a customer, explained to a sale associate that he was wearing a surgical mask and gloves because he was a “germophobic.” After the sales associate apparently accepted his absurd explanation, the thief, also wearing sunglasses, said that he was interested in a gift for his sister and when shown earrings and a bracelet valued at about $15,000, he grabbed them and ran from the store. Fortunately, a customer followed the masked bandit, subsequently notified the police of his location, where he was arrested and the stolen jewelry recovered.

JEWELRY CRIME DOWN IN SAUDI ARABIA – READ WHY!! A court in Abha, Saudi Arabia, has sentenced the leader of a jewelry store robbery gang to have his head cut off and then to a three- day “crucifixion”, a public display of his headless body. Six other gang members will also lose their heads for their part in a series of jewelry store robberies in the towns of Tanouma and Qana, according to a story in the Saudi Gazette by Abdul Rahman Al-Qarni. Two others from the 23 member gang got 15 years in prison, six got ten years and one received seven years. All will also receive from 1,000 to 1,300 lashes with a whip. It was not clear if those scheduled to die would also be whipped before losing their heads. The remainder of the gang received sentences from 15 months to one year. The arrests apparently took place between 2005 and 2007 and I would wager that their appeals, which often take 10 years in the USA, will not delay carrying out the sentences.

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. The JSA has received a report form a retail jeweler in Cottleville, MO, that an individual sold him what appeared to be an expensive gold chain that tested as real gold on the end links and clasp but the rest of the chain turned out to be fake. The jeweler was fooled but managed to stop the check in time when he realized he had been scammed. This is something for all jewelers who make walk-in purchases from people they don’t know, to consider. If there is a thief doing this in Cottleville they may be another preparing to make you his next victim. To be sure, the next victim will be asked to pay in cash. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 6’2”, black hair, no accent and used the name, Hector Rodriguez. He drove a Maroon Grand Prix auto.

SOUTH AMERICAN THEFT GROUP WORKING NYC. Last Friday the JSA described a distraction loss committed by a Hispanic male and female, victimizing a couple of security guards from an armored truck service while they were making a delivery at the Antique Jewelry and Watch show at 19th Street, NYC. A month earlier, 6/24/09, a couple of jewelers, while having dinner at about 6 pm in Grand Central Station, became the latest victims of a distraction crime and the suspects, captured on surveillance video also appear to be Hispanic and could possibly be part of the same group that hit the armored truck guards. In the Grand Central loss the bad guys distracted their targets first by one of them falling down nearby causing a commotion in the heavy rush hour traffic, and then by dropping ten dollars to the floor and telling their target that he just dropped some money. When the jeweler’s attention was on the dropped money, one of the bad guys switched and replaced the jeweler’s line bag with an exact duplicate bag. There appears to have been three male Hispanics who pulled this off, all dressed in light blue shirts and dark blue pants, similar to Metro-North Railroad crews. All jewelers in NYC, especially those in town for the JA Show at the Javits Center this week, are advised to stay alert and not become the next victim. Anyone with information regarding these recent losses should contact Det/Sgt. Scott Guginsky, NYPD Org Theft Squad, #718-533-2060.

NYC - ARMORED TRUCK GUARDS FALL FOR MONEY DROP TRICK. Earlier today, 7/24/09, guards from a well known armored courier service, while delivering jewelry to the Antique Jewelry & Watch Show at 19th street, in NYC, fell for a very old trick. A Hispanic couple, the female appearing to be pregnant, after dropping a couple of dollars on the ground, pointed to the cash and told the guards that the money fell from one of their pockets. While the guards were busy retrieving the money one of the suspects stole a box containing about $200K worth of jewelry from a stack of similar boxes the guards were preparing to deliver to exhibitors at the show. In view of this successful effort by the thieves today it would be a good bet that they will also make an appearance at the JA Show, starting Sunday at the Javits Center, and try for another big score.

ROBBER USED A GUN AND A BABY STROLLER. On Monday, 7/210/09, in Bowie, MD, a man pushing an empty baby stroller followed the female jeweler, who was alone and opening a jewelry store at the start of the business day. Once inside the man displayed a gun, forced the woman to open the safe and then tied her up. The robber then loaded the store’s inventory into the stroller and calmly walked out and made his escape. Information regarding the safe and proper procedures for opening and closing a jewelry business is covered in the JSA Manual of Jewelry Security, pages 19, 20. The basic advice is to never open alone. It is also most likely that the robber spent some time casing this store and probably watched the victim opening alone several times before committing the robbery. It is during the time the criminals are watching and studying their intended victims that they are most vulnerable to be spotted by an alert and vigilant target, who can then take appropriate action.

ROBBERY AT 580 FIFTH AVE., NYC. On SAT, 7/18/09, at about 2:45 PM, the suspect, posed as a customer interested in purchasing a ring valued at $13,000. The suspect then displayed what looked like a shotgun but was later determined to be a BB gun, struggled with the jeweler and fled with the ring. The owner and witnesses followed the robber to a nearby subway station where he was arrested by uniform patrol officers. The ring was recovered as was the BB gun. The suspect is described as a, M/B/44, 5’8”, 280 lbs. and he was out of jail on probation until 2013.

HOLLYWOOD, FL – ROOFTOP BURGLARY – SAFE TORCHED. On Wed. 7/8/09, burglars cut a hole in the roof at the Valdes Jewelry store and then burned an almost perfect square hole in the stores safe. Before entering the store, according to the police, the burglars cut phones lines and disabled a surveillance system. Apparently, this store was not protected with line security which would have sent a signal to the alarm company when the lines were cut. This case is the most recent of a number of similar events in the southeastern region, the majority of which have occurred in Florida. The JSA has compiled a comprehensive list of all similar attacks and has provided the information to law enforcement. JSA resources are available to any law enforcement agency with an interest in this pattern of rooftop burglaries.

TRAVELING JEWELRY SALESMAN SHOOTS TWO ROBBERS. On Wednesday, 7/8/09, in Memphis, TN, a salesman shot and wounded two of four men who attempted to rob him of his line outside of a retail jewelry store. Two bad guys escaped but the wounded suspects were taken to the Regional Medical Center, where their conditions are not known at this time. The police report that the robbers may have been following their intended victim for at least a week.

ROOFTOP BURGLARS STIKE AGAIN AND AGAIN. Since the beginning of the year the JSA has issued several warnings, the last on 6/11, regarding a very active pattern of burglaries occurring all along the east coast. Since 6/11 there have been at least three additional attacks. Five of the burglaries, all with similar characteristics, have been carried out in Florida with others in GA, VA, TN, AL and NC. It appears as though most could have been prevented or deterred with upgraded alarm systems that included “Line Security” and the appropriate UL rated safe. Others may have also been prevented simply by securing jewelry overnight in a safe and not leaving it in a display case. Jewelers must also constantly be alert to the possibility of being “Cased.” Without a doubt! Every location, hit by this well informed and talented group of burglars, was thoroughly cased before they attacked. It is during the casing phase of the burglar’s M.O. that the burglars are most vulnerable to being spotted by a retail jeweler. Retail jewelers, especially in those states mentioned above, should call their alarm company and discuss upgrading their systems and strongly consider adding the ceiling and roof protected ASAP. If you are protecting your inventory in a non-UL rated safe or a safe rated less than TRTL30X6 or if you are leaving your jewelry out at night in a display case you could be sending an invitation to the burglars. Good news! The JSA has learned that the Florida Dept of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will take the lead in these investigations.

INTERPOL DESCRIBES “PINK PANTHERS’ AS TRANSNATIONAL GANG OF 200 MEMBERS. Two months ago detectives and investigators from 16 countries met in Monaco as part of “Project Pink Panther”, which was established in 2007 by Interpol. The gang is suspected of being responsible for more than 90 jewelry crimes in 19 countries since 1999. Recently, two high ranking gang members were arrested in Paris and another was arrested in Montenegro in connection with a nearly $2 million loss to a jeweler in Germany. Three others were also arrested recently in Monaco as they were about to pull an armed robbery. History has demonstrated that it would not be unusual for a group like this to come to the USA to escape the current intense interest by law enforcement in Europe. This information should be of great interest to the many luxury US jewelry firms with stores and interests in Europe.

OLD TRICK KNOWN AS ‘BOX SWITCH’ – TUCSON, AZ. On 6/25/09, at about 3:15 PM, an Asian male suspect posed as a customer interested in purchasing a 2carat ring valued at over $60K. After viewing the ring he said that he would go home to get the money but he wanted it gift wrapped before he left. The associate was suspicious and alerted another associate who waited nearby. The ring was put into a box and shown to the “customer” who snapped the box closed and again asked to have it wrapped. The associate wrapped the box and told the Asian suspect that they would keep it in their safe until his return with the money. The suspect then left, but of course, unknown and unobserved by the associate, when he last had the box in his possession, just before snapping it closed, he removed the ring. The loss was not discovered until later when the box was opened by shocked employees. This is a very old trick, which the JSA has not seen for a while but obviously still works. Suspect description: A/M/30, 5’4”, 130 lbs. bad teeth, black baseball cap with “CSI” in Rhinestones.

25 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN PARIS FOR ROBBERY AT HARRY WINSTON. Yesterday, according to an Associated Press article, French police arrested 25 individuals in connection with the $118 million robbery on 12/5/08 at the luxury jewelry store, Harry Winston, located near the Champs-Elysees. If you recall, when the robbery took place some of the men dressed as women. Those charged range in age from 22 to 67 years, male and female. Jewelry, cash and guns were recovered. Apparently, the police have ruled out participation by members of the gang known as the “Pink Panthers”, who were originally suspected in this in this case. Congratulations to the French investigators who put this case together – Well Done!

The JSA does not have photographs of the suspect arrested in Wiscasset, ME on 5/12/09. Please let us know if you have pictures of the suspect in NY?

Are there any photos of the person arrested on May 12, 2009 in Wiscasset, Maine?? There was someone with a similar description trying to sell heavy plated earrings and wedding bands here in New York.

“TWEEZER BANDIT” HITS THREE TIMES IN TEXAS. A thief, given the nickname, Tweezer Bandit” because he uses a long tweezer to reach through the base of fine jewelry counter top spinners to remove jewelry, has hit at least three times in Denton TX, Lewisville, TX, and Flower Mound, TX. He usually works with a female accomplice who distracts the sales associate while he steals jewelry. The suspect is described as M/W/25, 5’ 10”, heavy build - 190 lbs, brown short hair, long sideburns, and a large tattoo on right side of neck. Be advised that there may be insufficient evidence to arrest this suspect in connection with the above mentioned losses. If you believe that you have been victimized by the Tweezer Bandit, please have your assigned police investigator contact the JSA at #800-537-0067, and we will make additional case information available to them.

NEW YORK SALESMAN HIT IN HOUSTON, TX. In the late afternoon of 6/10/09, after making calls in San Antonio, the victim drove to his hotel in Houston and stopped in the parking lot. Before he could exit his car he was attacked by three Hispanic men wearing masks and gloves, who fled with his pearl line valued at about $300K. There is little doubt that the salesman was followed by his attackers from San Antonio, a drive of about 200 miles, and unfortunately, the victim never saw his pursuers until it was too late. (Source: Texas Jlrs. Sec. Hotline) Traveling jewelry salespersons must constantly be alert to the possibility of being followed. The bad guys are cleaver but not invisible and you can spot them. In many instances they will use several different following vehicles and just keep switching position behind their intended victim. The JSA has reports indicating the bad guys (SATG) often drive directly behind their victim’s car for miles, especially on roads with toll booths, without any attempt to conceal their presence. They may also have one of their cars drive in front of the target and watch for turn signals on the victim’s vehicle, indicating an exit from the highway. An effective method to check for a tail is to drive in the right hand lane of a major road at a slow speed (safely) and note any vehicles that are reluctant to pass you. If you keep seeing the same car or cars in your review mirror consider driving to the nearest police station or use your hands-free cell phone to call the police. If it turns out that you were mistaken, say you are sorry and go back to work. Better safe than sorry. The “JSA Manual of Jewelry Security” is a good source of additional information regarding defensive driving recommendations.

TRAVELING SALESMAN ROBBED IN GEORGIA. On 6/9/09, while filling up his tank at a gas station near Lawrenceville, a traveling salesman was robbed at knife point by three men suspected to be SATG members. This victim was most likely followed from the previous call at retail jewelry store just prior to getting gas. The fact that the robbers used knives and not guns is consistent with similar occurrences observed by the JSA during the last 12 months. The switch of the SATG weapon of choice is thought to be the result of the Federal Courts, in which the SATG are often prosecuted, adding on an extra five years on to their sentences if a gun was used during the crime. However, as we all are aware, a knife is also a deadly and dangerous weapon in the hand of a criminal.

ROOFTOP BURGLARIES CONTINUE. For the past several months the JSA has distributed warnings in regard to a wide spread pattern of rooftop burglaries. So far in 2009 the JSA has received reports of 11 rooftop burglaries of retail jewelry stores in, FL, TX, AL, TN, GA, NY, VA, and CA. The two latest cases occurred on 6/3 in Woodbridge, VA, and another on 6/8, in Davie, FL. In Woodbridge the burglars, after gaining entry through the roof, smashed cases and stole jewelry left out overnight. In Davies, after cutting through an unprotected roof, the burglars burned open a safe and fled with about $400K worth of jewelry. Contact your alarm company and make certain your alarm system is tested, operating properly, and also make certain that you have adequate protection to include “Line Security.” In several of these attacks burglars have burned open TL-30X6 UL rated safes with professional ease. Contact your safe vendor and consider upgrading to a UL rated TRTL-30X6 safe. Sophisticated burglary gangs have been known to bypass TRTL-30x6 safes because of the time and skill required to compromise them. However, there is no safe in the world that cannot be compromised if given enough time to attack it. That is why your alarm system is so vital in safe guarding your business. There is no better investment you can make than obtaining the very best security equipment available.

TRAVELING SALESMAN ROBBED/STABBED – DISCOVERS STOLEN JEWELRY ON eBay. Earlier this year, a jewelry salesman was working and making calls in a major south Texas city, when he was attacked by eight (8) suspected SATG members. The victim resisted and was stabbed five times and dragged for a short distance while holding on to the getaway vehicle. The criminals got away with his jewelry and the victim is still recovering from his physical and psychological wounds. Recently, and this is the point of this message, the victim found some of his stolen jewelry being offered for sale on eBay. Thankfully, law enforcement is all over this matter and hopefully those involved will be brought to justice. If you have suffered a loss, it may be worth your time searching for it on the internet. The majority of law enforcement agencies, local and federal, in the U.S. have established specialized internet crime units and they are very interested in any type of criminal activity involving the internet. If you are a victim and you discover your stolen property on the internet, report it to your investigating officer immediately. Resist the temptation to do any detective work on your own until you have conferred with law enforcement.

HIGH-TECH ROOF TOP BURGLARS HIT IN KENNESAW, GA, AGAIN. Yesterday, 6/3/09, in the middle of the night, burglars entered through the roof and defeated a non UL certified alarm system. It is estimated that they then spent about four hours burning a big hole in a TL30X6 safe before escaping with the entire store inventory. This could be the same gang that was foiled during recent attempt at another Kennesaw retailer when they unintentionally activated a UL certified alarm system. If you are visiting the JSA Crime Message Center on a regular basis you already know that the industry is experiencing a rash of roof top burglaries. Some appear to be the work of amateurs and others, such as this case, are being accomplished by experienced professionals. All jewelers should inspect and test their alarm systems to insure their proper operation and talk to your alarm company about “line security.” Remember, without line security, when your phone line is cut you have no protection. It may be time to upgrade your burglar alarm system?

SIX JEWELRY STORE OWNERS CHARGED WITH TAX EVASION IN BROOKLYN, NY. On 6/2/09, the Kings County (AKA Brooklyn) District Attorney, Charley Hynes, announced the arrests of jewelers who offered discounts on jewelry to undercover coppers if they paid with cash. I am certain that everyone understands how that works. According to a 1010 WINS report by Mona Rivera, Hynes said, “For over three years the stores had underreported their gross sales by more than $12 million, effectively cheating the state of about $1.2 million in sales taxes.” Three of the charged jewelers have pleaded guilty and paid their taxes. Three others are fighting the charges. Retail jewelers everywhere should expect to see this type of law enforcement interest to take place all over the country. Getting caught engaging in this type of practice can be very expensive. The initial rewards are not worth risks, penalties, and lost sleep if discovered.

A CASE OF ACCIDENTAL ROBBERY. It happened yesterday, 6/2/09. Shortly after purchasing over 5,000 grams of gold from a dealer on Hill Street in Los Angeles, a jeweler’s car was struck in the rear by another vehicle. When the jeweler got out of his car to check for damage the other driver put a gun to his head and fled with the gold. Hitting the victim’s vehicle in the rear with another vehicle, causing them to stop, is an old trick successfully used by South American theft gangs against traveling jewelry salespeople for years.

CHOPARD HIT IN PARIS FOR $11.6 MILLION IN JEWELRY. It was early afternoon, on 5/31, when the robber, a man in his fifties, came in looking like a customer. He was dressed in a nice suit with a fedora on his head and a gun in his pocket. He soon displayed his gun and forced sales associates to hand over more than a dozen very expensive pieces before leaving the high-end store on Place Vendome. If you recall, last December Harry Winston was also robbed in Paris by a gang of men who escaped with about $150 million in jewelry. Jewelry criminals are enjoying a great deal of success committing high-end jewelry robberies in Paris. (Source – Reuters)

MORE TRAVELING SALESPEOPLE ATTACKED IN CANADA. According to a report by Jewellers Vigilance Canada, on 5/21/09 a traveling salesperson in British Colombia parked his car in a parking lot near 24 Ave. and King George Highway. Suspects traveling in two vans smashed the salesperson’s car window and fled with his line. On 5/16/09, while another traveling salesperson was paying for fuel at a gas station on Highway 40 near Cambridge, Ontario, he heard the sound of breaking glass and ran back to his car in time to see a suspect stealing his line bag. The victim backed off when the suspect pointed what appeared to be a gun in his pocket, at him. These two attacks are strong evidence of increased and continuing criminal activity against traveling jewelry salespeople working in Canada. Jewelers from the USA must give this pattern of criminal activity serious consideration if planning a sales trip north of the border. (REF: Crime Message Center - May 11, 2009 – South American Theft Gangs (SATG) Active in Canada)

THIEVES BRING CHILDREN TO DISARM SALES ASSOCIATES. PLACE OF OCCURRENCE: Wichita, KS, Towne West Mall. DATE/TIME: 5/14/09, 7:42PM CRIME: Grab and Run SUSPECTS: (M/B/28-30, 140, 5’7”, Tattoo right forearm) (F/W/28-30, 145, 5’5”, Dirty blond hair, Heart tattoo on chest) accompanied by two small children. METHOD OF OPERATION: The suspects, accompanied by two small children, posed as customers and pretended to be interested in purchasing a watch. Without making a purchase the suspects left. A short time later the male suspect returned and when allowed to compare two watches, he grabbed them and ran to a waiting car. The police have their license plate number and the victim has a video.

May 2nd, 2009 Kennesaw, GA Burglars cut hole in roof of Prospector's Pouch and took approx. $100,000 in merchandise, mostly gold and diamonds. Power and phone lines were cut during the burglary. Store video system was also taken. Contact Det. Keith Todman 770-422-2505

FUNNY MONEY PASSED IN NYC. On 4/28/09 an unidentified customer used two counterfeit $100 bills to pay for jewelry. The loss was discovered when the victim, a jewelry importing firm located on 46th Street in midtown Manhattan, was notified by their bank that the last deposit included the funny money. Fortunately, counterfeit money has never been a major problem for the jewelry industry. However, since it is most likely that the individuals responsible for passing the two bills on 46th street have more of the bad bills and this could be a prelude to many future losses for industry members. There are a number of testing methods that can be used to determine if a bill is counterfeit and information regarding detection is available from your local Secret Service office. In the past Secret Service Agents have also been available to conduct training sessions at your place of business. The phone number of your local Secret Service office can be found in the phone book and on the internet. You can also visit the website of the U.S. Buearu of Engraving and Printing, www.moneyfactory.com, for detailed information.

SNEAK THIEVES USING A CHILD TO DISTRACT SALES STAFF. On 4/22/09 at about 8:40 PM two men and a female with a young child, all described as African American or Hispanic, posed as customers and allowed the child to run around a high-end jewelry store located in the Willow Grove Park Mall, Willow Grove, PA.. At one point one of the suspects, wearing a baseball cap obscuring his face, bumped into a sales associate while near a display case from which two stands of pearls valued at $20,000 were later discovered missing. One male suspect was described as being slim, 6’1”, 165lbs. The other male and the female were both described as being “chunky.” Using small children to distract a retailer is not new. The presence of a customer who allows a small child to roam around a jewelry store should be viewed with suspicion and not permitted. Asking a customer to coral an unruly child might result in the loss of a sale or it may result in preventing a much larger loss. Your call.

PLASTER BOARD WALLS WILL NOT STOP A BURGLAR. The JSA has received numerous reports of burglars entering a building, adjacent to a jewelry business, through an unprotected roof and then cutting a hole in an unprotected wall which leads to a jewelry business. The burglars do their homework and the fact that the hole in the wall leads directly to the back of a jeweler’s safe is not an accident. They can now burn or cut open the back of the safe without ever entering the jewelry location. Jewelers must be aware of the security in place all around the six sides, walls, ceiling and floor, of their business. If an area is not protected contact your alarm company and increase you protection. Also, no mater how nice it looks or how convenient it may be - NEVER POSITION A SAFE AGAINST AN OUTSIDE WALL!

FBI – LAW ENFORCEMENT ON LINE (LEO). LEO is a secure, internet-based communications portal, administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for professional law enforcement, first responders, criminal justice professionals, and anti-terrorism and intelligence agencies around the world. The Jewelers’ Security Alliance is very proud to have recently been invited by the FBI to become a part of the LEO system. Our participation in LEO will allow our staff to share our expertise and knowledge regarding jewelry crime at a greater level than ever before. We invite all LEO participants to visit the JSA LEO Web Site (or email: rfrank3@leo.gov) and let us know how we can assist with any jewelry crime investigations. The JSA considers our admittance, as one a very few non-law enforcement members, to LEO as a valued vote of confidence of our staff and our war on jewelry crime in the U.S.A. LEO will provide the JSA with a powerful weapon against jewelry criminals and also provide law enforcement with easy access to an effective investigative tool.

ANOTHER ROOF TOP BURGLARY. Burglars caused $50K worth of damage breaking into a jewelry store on Pelham, AL, on 3/21. They cut a hole in the roof to gain entry and tore out the alarm system and telephone wires. Torches and jack hammers were then lowered into the store but before they could be used to attack the safe the burglars were observed by a maintenance worker and they fled, leaving their equipment behind. The police have a video of the whole event; however, the burglars were wearing masks. This is another of a number of similar burglaries (reported by the JSA in previous messages) which have occurred in the southern region of the country going back to 1/08. In those areas where available, jewelers should obtain line-security which will automatically send a signal if an alarm system is tampered with. Jewelers must also be alert to signs of being cased. Without a doubt, all of these burglaries were preceded by extensive casing by the criminals, and unfortunately went unnoticed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED WESTERVILLE, OH ROBBERY. The JSA has learned that five of the suspects were arrested when a police SWAT Team broke down the door to their motel room in Wayne, NJ, after they refused a police demand to come out with their hands on their heads. Quick thinking SWAT officers prevented one of the suspects from swallowing something, which upon recovery turned out to be an admission ticket to the jewelry show. This is strong evidence that the thieves where able to enter the show and most likely targeted their victim and waited outside for him to leave. The sixth suspect tried to make a run for freedom through a nearby wooded area, but thanks to a sharp eyed FBI agent who spotted him going over a fence, the suspect was soon taken into custody. The agent, aided by a detective from NYPD, following a foot chase through the woods, dragged the suspect out of a large drainage conduit where is attempted to hide. At this point the agent, the detective and the handcuffed suspect were covered with mud. One of the coppers was quoted as saying to the suspect,”You can run, but you can’t hide.”

JEWELRY SALESMAN ROBBED AFTER LEAVING SHOW IN WESTERVILLE, OH ON 4/3/09 – ROBBERS ARRESTED ON 4/6/09 IN WAYNE, NJ. The victim left a jewelry show at the Ohio Exhibition Center in Westerville, OH and a short time later pulled his car into a parking lot to adjust his GPS for use in locating his next stop. He was unaware that he was being followed by a group of South American jewel thieves. A car pulled into the lot and blocked the jeweler’s vehicle. At least three men got out of the car and smashed the salesman’s windows and grabbed two line bags while the victim was held down by one of the criminals. As the robbers fled the salesman fired his licensed handgun, striking the getaway car several times. The empty vehicle was later recovered and found to have been rented in Chicago. From this point law enforcement, including the FBI, NYPD, Westerville PD, Passaic Co. Sheriff’s Dept, Wayne Township PD and the Passaic Co Prosecutors office, got to work and did what law enforcement does best, they arrested six bad guys, who originated from Los Angeles, and recovered the stolen jewelry. (None of those arrested were suffering from any bullet wounds.)

MEMO FRAUD. On 3/31/09, the NYPD, Organized Theft Squad, arrested a jeweler doing business on West 48th Street, NYC and charged him with six counts of entering into consignment agreements with diamonds dealers and then failing to return or pay for the diamonds he received. Unfortunately, memo fraud is occurring with increased frequency. Manufactures and wholesalers must use due diligence and act like a financial institution before turning over valuable product to strangers. Obtain basic information such as name, address, telephone number, email. The year the company was established and a brief description of the company. Credit references and bank references. All references must be called and checked to make certain that they are real. JBT is also a valuable and reliable method of confirming that your “customer” is not a thief pretending to be a jeweler. Just asking these questions is a deterrent. Doing business on a handshake alone is no longer prudent.

MORRIS COUNTY DETECTIVE. The JSA will be glad to assist. Please call Bob Frank, #800-537-0067.

I am a detective in Morris County NJ and was wondering how I can obtain a list of all the jewelry stores in my county. My purpose in requesting the list is to advise the jewelers of crimes occuring at other jewelry stores. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

COIN SELLERS PULL GUN. Two men arranged to meet the owner of a retail jewelry store in Red bank, NJ, to sell some gold coins. The jeweler agreed to purchase some coins but told the sellers that he would have to test them first. The men objected to having the coins tested and one of them pulled a gun and demanded the amount of money agreed to for the purchase. After the jeweler handed over the money the men fled. The robbers were described as black males, 40 to 50 years of age, thin, one had a goatee. Contact Lt. Eliot Ramos or Sgt. Michael Frazee at #732-530-2719 at the Red Bank PD

Request for information regarding recent series of rooftop burglaries of jewelry stores in Charlotte County, Florida. Anyone with information pertaining to these or similar events are asked to contact Donna Fleming, Crime Analyst, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, #941-258-3943 or milbra.fleming@ccso.org

A REMINDER REGARDING – WWW.STOLENJEWELRY.ORG. The JSA Stolen Jewelry Web Site is accessible to any victim of a jewelry crime and any member of law enforcement in the world. Jewelry crime victims in the USA, or the assigned police investigator, who can provide unique descriptive information of the stolen items, can have those items, and photographs if available, posted on the JSA site. As an extra element of due diligence, retailers and pawn shops can search the site for jewelry/watches offered to them from walk in customers. This simple step could prevent the possible purchase of stolen property. The web site is easy to use, it is effective and it is free. Please contact Bob Frank at the JSA, #800-537-0067, with any questions.

LITTLE EVIDENCE OF ECONOMY’S EFFECT ON CRIME. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis recently released results regarding their study of crime and business cycles in 23 cities from Boston to San Diego, which found very little relationship between hard times and high crime. The city sited in law enforcement reports as the most dangerous in the country, St.Louis, was included in the study. The study period for most cities ran from 12/83 to 12/04 and focused on seven crimes – murder, rape, assault, robbery, burglary, and larceny and vehicle theft. This report appears to be in conflict with conventional wisdom but it seems to have been extensive and thorough.

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