Organized crime in the jewelry trade is evolving its methods, compelling jewelers to adjust their defenses rapidly. During the AGS Conclave 2026 in Orlando, Florida, security specialists explained that while certain risks have diminished, others have grown more severe—and the danger now spreads from retail locations into jewelers’ personal lives.
The most significant reduction this year involves safe attacks. Scott Guginsky, executive vice president of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, reported that no U.S. safes have been breached or burned in 2026. He attributed this improvement to closer law enforcement cooperation and jewelers adopting Jewelers Mutual’s guidelines, such as regularly testing alarm systems and updating emergency contact lists.
Howard Stone, vice president of asset protection at Jewelers Mutual, cautioned that fewer incidents do not mean the threat has vanished. “We have to make sure that we are constantly on top of all those things that are in place, not just to prevent it, but also to help law enforcement,” he said.
New theft tactics surge as safe risks decline
While safe breaches have declined, other offenses continue unchecked. Distraction thefts remain widespread across the country, with organized crews—some connected to Romanian networks—still targeting stores. Guginsky observed that social media monitoring reveals these groups repatriating profits to Europe, yet their U.S. operations stay active. Smash-and-grab robberies also persist, particularly in California, where there were 35 incidents and 16 vehicle rams in 2025. A new menace has emerged from Venezuela-based gangs, responsible for at least four or five forced entries this year. Employees have been restrained with zip ties, and stores left in disarray.
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Guginsky highlighted that grab-and-run thefts, where thieves quickly seize merchandise and flee, remain the most common crime. He advised jewelers to minimize visible high-value displays, as excessive exposure raises the risk of opportunistic theft.
Home invasions target jewelers’ personal security gaps
Beyond storefronts, criminals are increasingly targeting jewelers’ homes. Guginsky described how thieves deploy GPS trackers on vehicles, recover hidden cameras near residences, and rent nearby Airbnbs to observe routines. “They have followed people home to track their routine and behaviors,” he said. “They follow them home with GPS trackers on their car, and police have recovered plenty of cameras in front of the jeweler’s house or in a flowerpot, or a phone taped up on a tree.” Some groups arrive a week in advance to scout locations and gather tools like angle grinders.
To counter this, jewelers should retain surveillance footage for extended periods, ideally with cloud backups. If an unfamiliar person enters a store, footage can later identify them, especially if their face was uncovered. Guginsky advised, “If you think something is going on, it’s time for an oil change.” A mechanic can look under the carriage and alert you to a tracking device that shouldn’t be there.
Stone reinforced that jewelers should apply the same security standards to their homes as to their stores. Basic precautions, securing cameras, avoiding predictable schedules, and inspecting for unfamiliar vehicles, can disrupt thieves’ planning. Guginsky noted that jewelers should be wary of certain car issues, like overheating or flat tires. “Nobody’s driving around in a jalopy anymore. You all have nice cars. The 47th Street parking garage is all BMWs and Mercedes,” he joked.
A modern car is unlikely to overheat, he said, unless perhaps someone has punctured the radiator to get the driver to pull over. Similarly, a flat tire may be a tire that’s been tampered with. “If the right rear tire goes flat while you’re driving with something in the car, you need to keep driving on the rim to a well-lit location,” Guginsky said. “They want you to come out and walk all the way around and then they take the bag off the seat.”
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Tech arms race: jammers, trackers, and recovery tools
Technology now plays a dual role in both crime and defense. Cell phone jammers, which block alarm signals, can be detected by specialized equipment. Apple AirTags, priced under $30 each, are recommended for tracking stolen items, whether concealed in watch boxes or safes. Some jewelers use GPS-tracked display trays, though Stone noted these won’t prevent theft but will assist in recovery.
Even fundamental security measures remain effective. A door buzzer allows jewelers to control store access. Guginsky stressed that no one has a right to enter a business uninvited. “We haven’t seen a single lawsuit over denying entry to a criminal,” he said.
Delivery personnel also pose risks. Jewelers should verify unfamiliar drivers against expected schedules and check for delivery trucks outside. “If someone arrives in a fake uniform, they can walk right in,” Guginsky warned. Armed security or police presence deters thieves, though not all stores can afford these measures.
Alarm systems are advancing, too. Cities like Seattle now use an Alarm Validation Scoring Standard (AVS-01) to prioritize police responses based on verified threats. Remote monitoring services can check cameras overnight, reducing false alarms that delay police arrival.
