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JSA Says Grab & Run Robberies Surge Nationwide March 29, 2021 (0 comments)
New York, NY--The Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) has reported a surge of Grab & Run robberies nationwide.
In its latest update, JSA has provided information on the following March 2021 activity: Grab And Run Suspect Returns to See Diamond; Suspect Reported to Have Carried Out Three Grab And Runs; Suspect Runs With Diamond Necklace; Distraction Crew Hits Four Times in Five Days. Here are the details:
Woodbridge, NJ, March 21, 2021--Grab And Run Suspect Returns to See Diamond
At 1:12 p.m. the white male suspect pictured above was in a retail jewelry store for the second time that week. The sales associate took him to the diamond room to see the diamond he had seen the previous visit. After 45 minutes of presentation, the suspect grabbed the diamond that was inside a plunger in the sales associates hand and fled the store.
The suspect is described as of medium build with blue eyes. JSA has received reports indicating the same suspect may have been involved in similar grab and runs in Staten Island NY on 10/17/20 and 12/07/20, and in Holmdel, NJ on 09/07/20. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
Recommendations Regarding Grab and Run Thefts
Grab and run thefts are very difficult to prevent, and it is the crime that JSA is seeing most frequently. Below are JSAs recommendations regarding some ways to reduce losses from grab and runs.
- Do not chase grab and run criminals. They may have a weapon, or an accomplice outside, and may engage in violence.
- Show one item at a time, and do not give customers access to entire trays of merchandise.
- Have visible cameras taking video at eye level, inside and outside the store.
- When possible have buzzers on the doors to admit customers.
- Some stores have signage asking customers to show identification before showing high end merchandise.
- When showing high end merchandise, or in suspicious circumstances, have a second sales associate stand on the customer side of the counter to discourage a grab and run, but not to physically intervene.
- Do not show high end merchandise near the door, but rather in a diamond or watch room or alcove with the customer sitting down.
Gresham, OR, March 19, 2021--Suspect Reported to Have Carried Out Three Grab And Runs
At 5:52 p.m. the black male suspect pictured above entered a busy jewelry store, walked around, and exited and re-entered twice. When he received assistance, he asked to see more than one item at a time for comparison. When he was denied seeing more than one item, the suspect grabbed a ring from the sales associates hand and ran from the store.
The suspect is described as 30s, 5 feet and 8 inches to 5 feet and 10 inches, 180 lbs., and with tattoos on his forehead. The suspect is reported to have committed two similar grab and run thefts on 03/03/21. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
Grab and run red flags:
- Asking to see multiple items at the same time.Leaving the store, and returning shortly thereafter once, twice or more.
- Grab and run criminals wait for the safest time to do the grab and run.
Dallas, TX, March 9, 2021--Suspect Runs With Diamond Necklace
The black male suspect pictured above was in a retail jewelry store with a second male at 4:02 p.m. and asked to see a diamond necklace. The suspect asked to try it on, grabbed the necklace and ran from the store.
The suspect is described as mid 30s, 5 feet and 5 inches and 170 lbs. and bald. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
South Florida, March 11-15, 2021--Distraction Crew Hits Four Times in Five Days
The two Hispanic males and two Hispanic females pictured above are reported to have carried out four distraction thefts. If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org: Male suspect #1, late 30s, 5 feet and 4 inches, 175 lbs.; Male suspect #2, mid 30s, 6 feet and 2 inches, 210 lbs.; Female suspect #1, late 20s, 5 feet and 4 inches, 110 lbs.; Female suspect #2, late 20s, 5 feet and 4 inches, 150 lbs.
03/11/21, Miami, FL--Two male suspects in a retail jewelry store at first acted like they did not know each other, but after 10 minutes said they were looking for engagement rings because they were dating sisters. The male suspect #1 gained access to an unlocked showcase and took a diamond ring accompanied by male suspect #2.
03/14/21, Aventura, FL--The two females and male suspect #1 entered a jewelry store. While one sales associate assisted the females, another sales associate assisted the male. The male suspect put his own hands inside two different showcases to show the sales associate what pieces he wanted to see. The male suspect took two rings.
03/14/21, Miami, FL--The two females and male suspect #1 were assisted by different sales associates, and the male reached into an unlocked showcase and took two rings and a pair of diamond earrings.
03/15/21, Miami, FL--While a sales associate assisted the two female suspects, male suspect #1 gained access to two bridal showcases and took four rings.
Recommendations:
- Keep showcases locked except when actually taking out or returning merchandise.
- Never let a customer put his or her hands inside a showcase to point out a piece.
- Three or more customers entering together is a red flag requiring close attention and observation.