Jewelers – Robbery

Robbery – Security Checklist

Unfortunately, jewelry stores – like banks, electronics stores, and other businesses with high-value merchandise – are preferred targets for thieves. Berkley Asset Protection encourages you to know what to look for and how to respond if your jewelry business becomes a target. And be assured, if you have any concerns or questions, we are available to help you and your business remain safe.

Casings

Most robberies and other thefts are preceded by a casing … when one or more thieves watch the store from a distance and then walk around inside to understand the layout and security in your store. If you or your employees detect a casing, you may be able to PREVENT the crime entirely by demonstrating a high-level of awareness and security.

Thieves In Disguise

The following are clues that a visitor could be a thief:

  1. Looks more at the store layout, security cameras and setup than at your merchandise.
  2. Avoids eye contact.
  3. Doesn’t talk with sales staff or is vague about what he or she is looking for.
  4. Seems nervous.
  5. Asks unusual questions about staffing, alarm system or safe.
  6. Seems dressed to disguise appearance (hat, sunglasses, baggy clothing).
  7. Doesn’t fit your usual client profile.

Security Steps

  1. Greet the individual as you would any customer. Introduce yourself and ask the visitor’s name.
  2. Attempt to engage him or her in conversation.
  3. If you are suspicious, trust your instincts. Use a code word or phrase to alert other staff members.
  4. Have additional staff members come to the sales floor.
  5. One employee should leave from the front door with a cell phone in hand and observe from a safe distance.
  6. Assure that showcases are locked if not in use. Also, verify that safes and vaults are closed and locked.
  7. Be cautious about showing high-value merchandise. Use a private viewing area. Ask for I.D. Show one item at a time.
  8. After the visitor leaves, contact police or mall security and explain that you believe your store has been cased for a robbery. Ask them to visit your store as a precaution.
  9. Write down all aspects of the visit (date, time, inventory shown, staff members present) and visitor (gender, age, height, weight, hair and skin coloring, markings or piercings). If you saw the visitor’s car, include as many details as
  10. Inform the store owner or manager.

 

Robbery

While some robberies and thefts can be averted, many cannot. Provide training for all staff members about how to safeguard customer and employee personal safety in the event a robbery or violent crime occurs.

Security Steps

  1. When a robbery occurs, don’t resist. Stay calm.
  2. Don’t move unless a robber instructs you to do so. Don’t even reach for a holdup button while robbers are present; you want to avoid a hostage situation.
  3. Follow the robbers’ orders.
  4. If you are able to glance at the robbers, try to remember identifying information such as gender, height, build, approximate age, hair and skin color, tattoos, speech pattern, clothing.
  5. Immediately after the thieves have left, lock all doors to prevent them from returning.
  6. Call police.
  7. Take care of any injured people.
  8. Preserve all evidence. Don’t start cleaning up until police give approval.
  9. Write down all details of the incident: Staff members and customers present; time, date and duration of the incident; what happened; number of robbers, what they looked like and what they took.
  10. Call your insurance agent or broker to report the loss.

Lastly, have proper insurance for your business to assure your long-term success.

Be proactive! Develop a plan and execute!