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66 www.thejewelrybook.com Workplace Security Tips Rise of Smash & Grab Crimes J E W E L E R S U N B L O C K E D I N S U R A N C E By Patricia K. Low, President & CEO Jewelers unBLOCKed TM The best way to be reactive against criminals is for jewelry store owners and their employees to be proactive. The 2014 Annual Crimes Report recently released by the Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) has brought to light some trends that will certainly pique the interest of all those in the jewelry industry. In order to prevent crimes in the jewelry business, it is imperative that all those involved be equipped with as much knowledge of the trends and patterns as possible. According to the report released by the JSA, the total num- ber of crimes committed within the industry in 2014 saw a slight drop from the 2013 report. While this decrease in jew- elry-related crime may seem like a promising pattern, a closer look at certain statistics shows an alarming increase of "smash and grab" robberies in 2014. "Smash and grab" robberies are defi ned by the industry as sudden robberies. Thieves enter a business, smash as many display cases as they can and take whatever they can grab within a fi nite amount of time. These types of robberies usu- ally only last about a minute or so, making it diffi cult for affected businesses to call for police assistance. The amount of "smash and grab" robberies sharply increased from 62 in 2013 to 110 in 2014. That equates to a staggering 77.4% increase over a one year span. This resulted in major losses of high-end watches and diamonds. The rapid nature of these "smash and grab" crimes puts jewelers in a diffi cult position to protect themselves. The best way to attempt to foil these thieves is for store owners and employees to make access more diffi cult. Installing preventa- tive security measures outside of the store is the best start- ing point. Buzz entry at the front door, and security cameras outside the store at face level, provide a stark reminder to all those who enter the store that the business monitors all patrons who enter the premises. Once inside the store, jewelers should attempt to focus on strategic placement of items. Placing higher value goods near the back of the store will make any escape for thieves more complicated and time-consuming. In the spirit of strategic placement, owners and employees should also be mindful of how they set up their merchandise. Creating a "maze-like" set up with display cases and merchandise, will not allow potential criminals to move around the premises freely. Setting up an atmosphere like this will create a less attrac- tive scenario to thieves while providing clients with a piece- of-mind knowing the store owners and employees value security. These tips can help in preventing robberies of high-end merchandise from occurring in the fi rst place; however, appearances are only one facet of preventing jewelry crimes. It is recommended that store owners invest in shatter proof laminated glass for all display cases. These will not fracture even with the use of weapons, such as sledgehammers. The grades can vary greatly depending on how much one wants to spend and the inventory being secured within. Store owners interested in more information should contact the Jewelers Security Alliance for guidance regarding different grades and vendors. Appearances can go a long way towards "smash and grab" deterrents if store owners feature glass vendor advertise- ments in plain view of customers. Overall, these tips and facts, along with cooperation from law enforcement, can yield a drop in the future rate of "smash and grab" robberies at jewelry locations. If the proper steps are taken to educate and prepare jewelers and others in the industry, we could see a decrease in "smash and grab" related crimes in the future. About Jewelers unBLOCKed™ Jewelers unBLOCKed Collector Edition™ offers tailored insur- ance programs created to meet the heightened exposures of the discerning private client. For more information about Jewelers unBLOCKed™, please visit www.jewelers-unblocked.com. Patricia K. Low President and CEO, Jewelers unBLOCKed™ and Jewelers unBLOCKed Collectors Edition™ Patricia K. Low has over 30 years' experience in the insurance industry and holds over 40 insurance licenses. Ms. Low has an extensive background in the luxury goods industries, and has represented leading jewelry fi rms for over 25 years. Jewelers unBLOCKed™ is an outgrowth of her long-term and in-depth involvement in the jewelry industry.

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