HOME SECURITY FOR JEWELERS

The Jewelers' Security Alliance recorded over 20 cases in the U.S. during 2002 in which a jeweler's residence was the location of a major loss or injury. About half involved retail jewelers in which the robbers sought to bring the retailer back to his or her store to rob it, or in which the robbers were after jewelry kept at home. The other half were cases involving traveling salespersons being followed home, often being robbed in their driveways. Some recent horrible cases show the danger that jewelers, family members and loved ones face at home.

JEWELER AND FAMILY MURDERED AT HOME
Livonia, MI - December 21, 2002
Two robbers gained entrance to the home of the retail jeweler, pretending to be delivering a holiday package. The jeweler's 12-year-old son was made to call his father and ask him to come home from his store because of a family emergency. When the father returned, he was forced to open a safe containing jewelry goods. The suspects then shot five family members in the back execution style. Two suspects are in custody.

JEWELER STABS ROBBER AT HOME
Raytown, MO - December 28, 2002
When a retail jeweler returned home from his store, he was confronted by two robbers with a gun as he got out of his car. The robbers asked, "Where's the safe," and the victim said he did not have one. While one robber kept a gun on the jeweler's pregnant wife, who was upstairs, the other told the jeweler they were going for a ride. As the jeweler and one robber were going downstairs through the basement to get to the garage, the jeweler grabbed a knife from a toolbox and stabbed one robber. Due to the screams, the second robber who was upstairs fled. The robber who was stabbed subsequently died at a nearby hospital.

RETAIL JEWELER BEATEN AT HOME
Sanford, ME - November 2, 2002
A 76-year-old retail jeweler entering his home was confronted by a male suspect who pointed a gun at him. The suspect beat the jeweler, tied his hands and feet, and took his keys and truck. The suspect later attempted to break into the jeweler's store, but couldn't bypass the alarm system.

HOME INVASION OF RETAIL JEWELER
Tannersville, PA - January 27, 2003
After a retail jeweler returned home from a day at his store, two suspects kicked in the back door of his home, pointed a gun at him, and restrained him with duct tape on his mouth and eyes. They then demanded the combination to the safe at the store, the alarm security code and the key to his store. One suspect stayed in the home with the victim, and the other took the victim's car to the store. Due to a problem with the alarm system, and the helpful actions of a neighboring business and mall security, the robber left the store empty-handed and fled. When the alarm company called the home, the suspect there fled.

These crimes at the homes of jewelers stand as a dreadful reminder that for people in the jewelry industry security is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week job. When a jeweler finishes his or her business day, and locks the store, the need for careful security does not stop.

RECOMMENDATIONS

By studying hundreds of cases over many years, JSA has developed a series of security recommendations for jewelers to follow at home.

1. CASING. All attacks on jewelers' homes are preceded by some form of casing, in which the criminals follow a jeweler, stake out his home or business, and try to find out information about him, his patterns and his family. All jewelers should be careful at all times to see if they are being watched or followed. Are people sitting in a car near your home or business for too long? Is a car following you when you leave the store? Do you have suspicious phone calls or suspicious "customers" visiting your store? The best shot at stopping a
home invasion is to spot suspects during the casing period and to call the police.

2. SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT LOGBOOK. Many jewelers have found it helpful to keep a suspicious incident logbook at their business premises in which all employees can record things that appear to be "not quite right." The log can be used to write down details such as license plate numbers, names used, time, physical description and other information regarding suspicious incidents that may later be helpful to police.

3. TRAINING FAMILY MEMBERS. Even the youngest family member in your household needs some instruction about the dangers of the jewelry business and how they must cooperate. Family members should be trained not to give out information on the phone, not to open the door to unknown people, to be extremely careful regarding delivery personnel, and to watch for suspicious people watching the house. Even temporary visitors, such as an in-law or babysitter, need specific instructions.

4. PHYSICAL SECURITY AT HOME. Security features should be a very important factor in selecting the residence in which you choose to live. Jewelers should evaluate such issues as a dead-end vs. heavily traveled street, the closeness of neighbors, and the garage or parking set-up. Other issues of physical security must also be given careful consideration, such as having proper locks, an alarm system and good lighting. There are jewelers who highly recommend a dog at home for warning and protection.

5. NO LARGE SAFE OR JEWELRY MERCHANDISE AT HOME. Never keep jewelry merchandise or a large safe at home. Personal jewelry may be kept in a small, concealed safe in a floor or wall. Consider keeping valuable personal jewelry in a bank safe deposit box when not being used.

6. TRUSTED NEIGHBORS. Whether near your home or business, trusted neighbors can provide additional eyes for spotting suspicious behavior by those casing you. Discuss with trusted neighbors your special risks as a jeweler and enlist their help.

7. HOUSEHOLD HELP. Every household worker who comes into your home puts you at greater risk. House cleaning personnel, lawn help, babysitters, painting and remodeling people, and a long list of workers with access and knowledge of your household all pose some risk. Even if they are honest themselves, they may have boyfriends, spouses, relatives or friends who are criminals, or they may unintentionally provide information to those who then target you. You must screen, monitor and supervise all household help very carefully. In the case of a nanny or someone with extensive contact or residence in your household, a background investigation of that person is suggested.

8. TELEPHONE. Have an unlisted and unpublished home phone number. Keep a charged cell phone with you at all times, including at your bedside at night.

9. ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT. Before any problem develops, contact your local police department and get to know someone in a supervisory position. Explain to the supervisor or chief the special crime risks of jewelers so that if you do have a problem, you will be calling someone you know.

10. SECURITY CODE PHRASE. Jewelers should consider having a family security code phrase that can be used to alert a family member on the phone to a crime problem. The code phrase must not raise the suspicions of criminals holding the jeweler or family hostage.

Home security concerns are a vital area of responsibility for jewelers. What can possibly take a higher priority for a jeweler than the safety of his or her family and loved ones?