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64 www.thejewelrybook.com 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 The fi ne jewelry industry is inherently a risky business, and it's always been that way. Technology today has increased brand awareness and exposure direct to the consumer, while simultane- ously increasing perilousness. Allowing businesses and jewelers to connect with their customers in a personal way, social media has also caused unsolicited exposures and additional risk factors that have ultimately led to strategically planned, highly aggressive crimes against jewelers. Over the past few years there has not only been an increase in crime, but a surge of violent criminal acts. Recently, a series of robberies has grabbed the attention of the fi ne jewelry industry. What each of these robberies has in com- mon is the target on elite goods. Thieves have shown an affi nity to brands that are synonymous with being at the apex of the luxury products spectrum. The recent string of crimes has impacted industry insiders raising concerns among storeowners and employees, specifi cally as they prepare for travel and the trade show season. Below are general tips and safety precautions to take into consideration when planning your next business trip. Public Exposure: • Do not "check-in" or "geo-tag" places/locations or post about your business or trip plans re: trade shows, trunk shows, jewelry events etc. on any social media platforms you subscribe to. This is just like inviting a criminal to your home or store. • Do not mention information on social media that tells the pub- lic anything about your personal life. • Make sure personal residence information and phone numbers of yourself and your staff are kept confi dential. Never have jewelry related mail or packages sent to your home address. Have mail sent to a store, offi ce or P.O. address. • If you have signifi cant press exposure or visibility in the com- munity, take extra precautions like hiring a personal bodyguard and driver and know that all association and exposure relating to your jewelry business makes you a stronger target for criminals. General Tips: • Try to create rapport with local law enforcement by buying a Keurig, bagels, and treats and inviting them to take coffee breaks in your store. • Change alarm codes often, especially upon staff changes, which includes employee resignations. • Make sure to always have an ambush alarm code in place in the event of a robbery. This will allow you to notify authorities by appearing as though you are dismantling the alarm. • Become less predictable- take different routes to work, rotate cars frequently, and vary your work schedule and change locations of daily tasks like getting coffee or going to the bank. • Always practice vigilance- look around and keep your radar on for unusual and suspicious people. If you suspect you are being followed drive, to a police station immediately. • Take self-defense classes at least once a year and we encourage staff to do the same and/or offer safety workshops from local authorities for your employees', quarterly or bi-annually. As the upcoming Las Vegas trade shows are quickly approach- ing, it is important to be mindful of safety tips and reminders to help keep you and your staff safe. Trade Show Tips: • Don't tell strangers and people you don't know on a personal level that you are a jeweler or in town for jewelry business. Say you're in sales, marketing or anything unrelated to jewelry. • Only wear your badge at the show. Do not walk outside the show fl oor with your badge on. Doing so greatly increases your risk of being targeted by thieves. • Ship goods to the show; do not carry jewelry to a trade show. This is a huge liability and makes you extremely susceptible to robbery. • When booking hotel reservations, ensure that the hotel requires a key card to get between fl oors and also that there is a guard that checks hotel cards in the evening. In addition, make sure the hotel room is not exposed like atrium styled hotels. As a jeweler, risk is inherently a part of the job. It is extremely important to take all the safety precautions to protect yourself, your staff, and your business from senseless crimes. The most important thing is to return to your family safe, every night. About Jewelers unBLOCKed™ Jewelers unBLOCKed™ (JUB), offered by CED 1976 LLC, is the national exclusive Managing General Underwriter for multi- national A++ rated insurance companies in the jewelers block and luxury space. JUB provides proprietary customized insurance cov- erage to meet the challenges of the jewelry industry. Solutions are developed for retailers, designers, wholesalers, manufacturers and refi ners. Our services include the underwriting and issuance of industry leading jewelers block policies. In addition Jewelers unBLOCKed™ also provides bespoke insurance programs for the private client and collector. For more information, please visit www.jewelers-unblocked.com. Personal Safety in the Risky Jewelry Business By Patricia K. Low President/CEO Jewelers unBLOCKed TM

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