GRAB AND RUN – DOUGLASVILLE, GA

by Daily Blog

On 12/18/23, at approximately 11:35 p.m., a jewelry store was the victim of a grab and run theft. A lone male entered the location and began looking at merchandise. A team member assisted the male, who expressed interest in earrings and a necklace. The male asked to see the items together to see how they looked. The team member displayed the diamond necklace on the showcase and maintained possession of the diamond earrings. The male grabbed both items and ran out of the store. The police were contacted, and a report was filed. The subject is believed to have committed two grab and runs in the Atlanta area.

Subject description: Male, Black, 5�6″, medium build, late 20�s, wearing an orange construction vest, black skull cap, black/dark clothing, and glasses. If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.

GRAB AND RUN – CHARLOTTE, NC

by Daily Blog

On 12/11/23, at 4:20 p.m. a subject went into a jewelry store, then went to the display case containing high-end watches. He asked the team member if the store took debit and credit cards. He said that he was interested in a particular watch, but wanted to know how it looked with the bracelet that he was wearing. He asked if he could try it on to check. Once he had it on his wrist, he fled the location.

Subject Description: Male, Black, 30 years old, tall, and thin. He was last seen wearing a FedEx shirt and hat but wearing ripped jeans. If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

GRAB AND RUN – VALLEY STREAM, NY

by Daily Blog

On 12/11/23, at 1:25 p.m., an unidentified male suspect entered a jewelry store at approximately 1:15 p.m. and browsed the men�s gold jewelry. The team member approached him, and he inquired about a gold chain for his budget of $4000.

The team member proceeded to show him the necklaces on sale. He said he wanted to feel the weight of the necklace and stated he didn�t like the weight and asked to see something with more weight.

He pointed to a specific necklace in the showcase and the team member explained what the price was. She grabbed an iPad on the counter to check him in and give him the price with discount and tax. After explaining the price, he asked to feel the weight once again. When the team member placed the necklace in his hands, he proceeded to run off to the left of the store and immediately ran to the nearest exit.

Subject Description:

Black male, 5�11″ 175lbs , 25-30years old, Black pants/ black bubble jacket with hood White sneakers with red accents, Hat

If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

GRAB AND RUN – DALLAS, TX

by Daily Blog

On 12/2/23, at 3:05 p.m., a male subject entered a jewelry store and left, returning shortly after. Upon return, he approached the sales associate and requested to see bracelets. The team member showed one, and the subject requested to see a second side by side for comparison. The team member placed them on a counter pad, at which time the subject grabbed both, and then fled the location. No injuries were reported.

Subject Description:

Black Male, medium to dark complexion, mid-twenties, small build, facial hair, estimated to be around 5’0″. Attire: Beige stocking style hat, rose colored sunglasses, light or beige colored sweatshirt with pockets, black jeans, and white tennis shoes.

If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Image of David Juarez.

Suspect tells officers, “You’re not supposed to pursue me,” following chase

by Arrests

Lebanon, Indiana – On November 11, 2023, the Boone County 911 Communications Center received a call from a jewelry store, that reported that a male subject had stole jewelry and fled in a vehicle.

A Boone County Deputy was in the area, saw the subject’s vehicle, and attempted to stop it. However, the subject would not stop, and continued to flee northbound on I-65. The subject’s vehicle eventually struck a Thorntown Police Department’s vehicle, but the subject still fled. The Thorntown Police, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Indiana State Police, all engaged in the pursuit.

The police were eventually able to box-in the subject’s vehicle, which resulted in the end of the pursuit. The subject was identified as 34-year-old David Juarez of Chicago.

During the pursuit, Juarez stuck his hand out of the window and motioned to officers. When the officers question him about the reason for the hand motion, Juarez reportedly said, “Because I was trying to tell you, you�re not supposed to pursue me.”

Click here to learn more about the crimes that Juarez was charged with. If you believe you have been the victim of a similar crime, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.

Image of David Juarez.

GRAB AND RUN – NORMAN, OK

by Daily Blog

On 11/11/23, at 1:45 p.m., a grab and run theft occurred at a retail jewelry store. A male subject requested to see men’s watches. As the subject was presented with two watches for comparison, the subject then fled the location with both stolen pieces. There were no reports of injury. A report was filed with the Norman, OK. PD., who will continue the investigation.

Subject Description: White male, 6�, with a slim build. He was last seen wearing blue/black denim, a blue baseball cap, a gray pullover, and white “Nike” tennis shoes. If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

cyber

Safeguarding your business against cybercrime

by Advice

Greensboro, NC – On November 13, 2023, the Southern Jewelry News published an article on titled, “Protecting Your Business: Safeguarding against the growing threat of cybercrime.” The article is posted below:

Protecting Your Business: Safeguarding against the growing threat of cybercrime

November 13, 2023

With cyber losses nearly doubling from 2021 to 2022 and trends continuing upward, it�s important to stay educated on cybersecurity best practices to be able to easily identify threats and help prevent them from occurring in your business.

Image of laptop, phone, and tablet

Understanding Cybercrime

Cybercrime refers to any criminal activity in the digital realm, spanning internet-connected devices, networks, and even bank accounts. These attacks are often motivated by financial gain but can also include influencing elections and espionage.

Common Cyber Attacks

  • Phishing: Phishing emails trick individuals into sharing sensitive information, clicking on a malicious link, or downloading malware.
  • Ransomware: Ransomware attackers hold data hostage and demand payment in exchange for its release, usually perpetrated through malicious links in phishing emails but can also be delivered through unpatched devices.
  • Business Email Compromise (BEC): This occurs when a cybercriminal compromises an organization�s email system or individual account for the purpose of fraud. A common example of this is a compromised vendor email system sending an invoice with incorrect payment instructions.
  • Identity Theft: Identity theft occurs when a valid user�s credentials have been compromised, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as bank accounts and policy information. Cybercriminals often use phishing attacks to obtain user credentials.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: These occur when a trusted third-party vendor software is compromised, injecting malware into the software. Once a business downloads the software, it also becomes compromised.
  • Insider Threat: Internal attacks are perpetrated by employees or former employees who have direct access to company information or knowledge of business processes, usually to sell information for financial gain.
Image of person holding a phone

Take Action to Secure Your Business

  • Cultivate a Security-Aware Culture: Establish a tone at the top to create a security-conscious environment.
  • Assess Trusted Partners� Security Posture: Understand the security posture of your trusted partners. Are they secure?
  • Build Relationships with Trusted Security Partners: Have experts on hand if a security incident does occur.
  • Employee Training: Continuously educate your staff on security awareness and safety best practices.
  • Control Employee Access: Manage information access appropriately.
  • Implement Strong Authentication:
    • Use strong passwords and avoid sharing them.
    • Avoid generic accounts, i.e., accounts used by multiple users and not assigned to a unique individual.
    • Utilize passphrases for extra security, i.e., a short sentence or phrase made up of 15 characters.
    • Implement multi-factor authentication.
    • Employ password management tools, e.g., Keeper and Bitwarden.
  • Strengthen Technical Controls:
    • Install anti-malware solutions.
    • Encrypt your data.
    • Implement a firewall.
    • Apply timely security patches to your systems and software.

Enhance Protection with Cyber Liability Insurance

You can also help protect your business with a cyber liability insurance policy that covers loss of money due to financial fraud and liability claims. Work with a Jewelers Mutual agent to help you find the right insurance coverage to fit your needs at jewelersmutual.com.

Get Free Training for You and Your Staff

Enroll in the online Safety and Security Academy for in-depth courses on how to keep your business safe from cyber threats and more at jewelersmutual.com/academy.

Want to learn more about how you can keep your jewelry store safe 24/7? Read Jewelers Mutual�s comprehensive Jeweler Security Guide at jewelersmutual.com/securityguide.

Source

SMASH AND GRAB – ALGONQUIN, IL

by Daily Blog

On 11/10/23, at approximately 12:55 p.m., a subject committed a smash and grab robbery. After being greeted upon entering the store, the subject walked around briefly before approaching the gold chain showcase. The subject produced a brick from his pocket, and threw it at the front of the showcase, breaking through it on the second attempt. Moments later, the subject quickly turned and ran from the location without removing any merchandise. No losses occurred.

Subject Description: Male, medium complexion, late-20�s to early-30�s, approximately 5�10″ � 6�, large build, black hair, and neatly trimmed beard. He was last seen wearing a black hat with a white/red/black logo, a grey hooded Champion sweatshirt, a red t-shirt, light blue colored torn jeans, and white shoes. If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

SUBJECT WANTED FOR SMASH & GRAB ROBBERY � GARDEN CITY, NY

by Daily BlogUncategorized

On 11/8/23, at approximately 11:37 a.m., a male subject walked into a department store, and went to display cases containing jewelry. The subject then used a pipe to smash the glass countertop. He then removed three diamond necklaces. The Nassau County Police Department is searching for the subject, who was described as a 5�7″ Black male, that is around 25-years-old. He reportedly concealed his identity with a mask and gloves. This is the second smash and grab robbery at this location since August 2023. Click here to read more about that robbery. If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers� Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

PROFESSIONAL BURGLARS CONTINUE TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE COUNTRY – AUBURN, WA

by Daily Blog

On 11/7/23, at 8:45 a.m., a burglary occurred at a kiosk inside of a mall. Three unknown males were observed near the location, with two subjects gaining entry as the other, subject 3, acted as a lookout. Both subjects entered the location and gained access to several showcases using a large screwdriver, removing the contents of the showcases. The subjects loaded the merchandise into bags, while also attempting to remove the safe from the location, which they were unsuccessful in doing. Later, it was also found that an unknown female subject was nearby acting as an additional lookout. All subjects exited the location with the merchandise. Mall security and Auburn Police Department responded to the incident. This same group is involved in multiple burglaries across the United States over the past year plus. If you have any information regarding these subjects, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.

Subject Descriptions:

Subject 1: Hispanic male, approximately 5�8″ � 5�10″, thin build, wearing a black hat, black mask, orange reflective construction vest, black jacket, and black pants

Subject 2: Hispanic male, approximately 5�8″ � 5�10″, medium build, wearing a blue/white hat, blue surgical mask, orange reflective construction vest, black jacket w/ tan undershirt, and black pants.

Subject 3: Hispanic male, approximately 5�10″ � 6�, heavy build, wearing a dark colored hat, blue surgical mask, black jacket, and black pants.