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Fair Lawn, NJ—With trunk show season in full swing, Jewelers unBLOCKed and ISPS, a global jewelry security training and risk prevention firm, remind jewelers that trunk shows are a frequent target for criminals.

“Trunk shows are an excellent way for designers and premier jewelers to showcase their goods to a motivated customer base,” said Jewelers unBLOCKedTM president and CEO Patricia Low. “But advertising and promotion of the show can also alert criminals that a concentration of valuables will be accessible at a specific location and time.”

Here are some key safety and security reminders for retailers:

• Make sure your insurance policy covers these events; discuss your plans with your insurance professional in advance.
• During trunk show events, split your higher value merchandise among a few display cases. 
• Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to serve as a security guard, preferably in uniform. This is especially important if you are showcasing significant pieces.
• Be alert when traveling to and from the trunk show to avoid being held up or cased for a home invasion. Change routes often and vary your travel times and if you suspect you are being followed, call the police.
• Don’t let strangers know you’re in the jewelry business--ever. Remove all evidence of your profession from your briefcase and luggage.
• If the trunk show is in an area that requires the attending sales representatives to rent a car, make sure it is a standard make and color, with an in-state license plate, so they won’t be targeted as a traveler.
• Make sure all store employees are extra vigilant during the event. Go over security procedures with them at the start of every event and encourage them to use a code word or other signal if any activity looks or feels suspicious.

ISPS CEO Itay Hendel adds these reminder tips for traveling salespeople who bring the goods for trunk shows:

• Never carry goods on your person. Ship goods directly to the show location using a qualified armored car service.
• Even if your inventory is largely depleted during the show, ship what remains back to your office. Thieves may target you as you leave the event, assuming that you have valuables on your person.

Finally, jewelers who are storing a traveling rep’s line in their vault overnight as a courtesy generally do not need extra insurance to cover those goods; typically, the salesperson’s insurance should cover their line. But double-check with your insurance company if you have any questions about your liability.

Top image: saintvintage.com