Security for Jewelry Stores

For better or worse, the retail industry has changed rapidly over the past few years. One not-so-great change is the recent surge in crime. With a rise in smash-and-grab thefts, looting, and sophisticated shoplifting techniques, retailers—especially jewelers—are ramping up efforts to defend themselves. Security for jewelry stores can save your bottom line… and maybe even your employees’ lives.

There are some standard security methods out there worth exploring. And we’ll look at those. But there’s also an exciting innovation on the horizon that has the potential to eliminate your store’s crime troubles for good.

The Challenge of Security for Jewelry Stores

Simply stated, jewelry store security is crucial because of valuable inventory. Protecting this merchandise from thieves while crafting a welcoming, even luxurious experience for customers is a difficult balancing act.

The high value and small size of jewelry make it an attractive target for thieves. While shoplifting has always been a concern for store owners, a more dangerous crime has risen in popularity. Smash-and-grab robberies, where criminals swiftly break into stores to steal merchandise, have become a prevalent threat over the past few years.

A report from the Jeweler’s Security Alliance (JSA) revealed that crimes against U.S. jewelers hit an all-time high in 2022. Smash-and-grab robberies doubled from 2021 to 2022. The report also noted that the number of suspects wielding a gun during a smash-and-grab has increased by 200%.

The advent of online platforms that help facilitate the fencing of stolen goods has complicated the problem. These websites and apps make it easier to “offload” stolen goods, further incentivizing criminal activity. In other words, it has become increasingly difficult to trace and recover items once they go missing. Once your jewelry pieces are gone, they’re gone for good.

The JSA report confirms this notion. By their calculations, fewer than 14% of crimes against jewelry stores in 2022 led to an arrest.

Although common jewelry store security measures have prevented crime in the past, some are far less effective against modern crimes.

Tried-and-True Jewelry Store Security Tactics

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. There’s something to that idea. While these methods aren’t necessarily foolproof, they’re a good starting point for a basic security plan, especially if you have a small budget or you’re just getting started.

Security Cameras

One of the most fundamental components of security is jewelry store security cameras. But there’s a twist.

Camera systems have long been common among jewelers. Traditionally, the cameras collect evidence after a crime has already occurred—a reactive security measure. These older systems are moderately helpful for solving a crime, and they might dissuade a camera-shy burglar, but that’s about it. Bolder thieves don’t care. They might disable the cameras or trust that poor-quality footage will render them unrecognizable.

Modern jewelry store surveillance systems offer proactive deterrence with advanced features, including:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Live-monitored systems like Deep Sentinel’s provide live surveillance of the entire property. Trained security guards respond immediately to suspicious activity, assess the situation, respond, and verify the need for police intervention.
• Reduction in False Alarms: AI and live security monitoring minimize false alarms. The smart algorithm filters out harmless movement, then guards take over to distinguish between genuine threats and accidental triggers.
• Quick Police Response: When a live-monitored system detects a genuine threat, the guards quickly alert the police and provide them with real-time information, ensuring a rapid and accurate response.

In short, a modern jewelry store needs modern jewelry store surveillance cameras with live monitoring capabilities.

Locks, Cages, Bars, and Reinforced Glass

Admittedly, cages, bars, and other barriers don’t lend themselves to a luxurious atmosphere. However, strong access control is important whether the store is an upscale retail establishment or a boutique shop with a few high-value pieces.

Here’s how to use these security measures to protect your high-ticket items.

• Locks: Installing commercial-grade locks on doors, windows, and all other access points is the first defense against unauthorized entry. Regularly inspect and maintain your locks, and promptly replace any that look suspect.
• Cages: Install security cages or grilles around high-value merchandise or areas with increased vulnerability. These physical barriers deter theft by restricting access to the merchandise during non-business hours. Choose cages made from durable materials and securely anchor them.
• Security Bars: Security bars create a formidable physical barrier that obstructs access to windows and doors. Made from sturdy materials such as steel or wrought iron, they are difficult to penetrate or manipulate, making it challenging for thieves to force their way into the premises.
• Reinforced Glass: Laminated or tempered glass with shatter-resistant properties can significantly reduce the risk of smash-and-grab robberies. This type of glass is designed to withstand impact and remain intact even when broken.

The idea is twofold: prevent entry to restricted areas and make a crime take longer. Time is an advantage to the business—not the criminal. When thieves suspect high risk, they turn their attention elsewhere.

Safekeeping Solutions

Jewelry retailers also rely on safes, vaults, and similar solutions to protect their valuable inventory. High-security safes equipped with biometric locks, tamper-proof mechanisms, and fire-resistant materials provide a secure repository for precious items.

Modular safe systems allow for customized configurations to accommodate various storage needs, ensuring optimal utilization of space while maintaining security standards.

Safe types for commercial applications include:

• Depository Safes
• Cash Management Safes
• Data and Media Safes
• Drop Safes

A common best practice is to lock away valuable inventory when you close your doors for the night, leaving glass display cases empty.

Visibility and Deterrence

Visibility has traditionally played a crucial role in deterring criminal activity.

• Strategically placed convex mirrors eliminate blind spots within the store, enhancing visibility for staff and security personnel.
• A well-lit building eliminates the cover of darkness for criminals and enhances safety.
• Prominently displayed signage indicating the presence of security measures sends a clear message that illicit behavior will not be tolerated.

Leveraging these three strategies may not prevent criminal activity by the most brazen of criminals, but it may deter would-be thieves who are just looking for an easy mark.

What Really Stops Crime at Jewelry Stores

As outlined in an earlier blog post… most of these security measures can’t do the job alone.

That’s not to say they no longer work in any retail setting. But, frankly, the nature of retail crime has evolved—meaning security for jewelry stores must evolve, too. With thieves now relying on speed and violence rather than stealth, your store’s defense mechanisms need to be just as fast and unrelenting.

So, what can combat the growing epidemic of crime? Meet Deep Sentinel’s newest offering: FlashBang™. With FlashBang, the Deep Sentinel guards deploy physical deterrents to suppress and subdue thieves at the scene of the crime. These include:

• Smoke bombs
• Pepper spray
• Strobe lights
• Ear-piercing sirens

Be the business that “doesn’t mess around” and watch criminals give your store a wide berth.

Deep Sentinel Offers Superior Security for Jewelry Stores

Deep Sentinel has earned an award-winning reputation for delivering the experience of a personal guard on every property. Now, you can take your security a step further with FlashBang™. Cutting-edge technology, live camera monitoring services, and next-level physical deterrents ensure the highest level of protection for jewelry stores like yours. Call 833.983.6006 to learn more.

Need a Solution that Prevents Crime? Deep Sentinel is the only security technology that delivers the experience of a personal guard on every customer’s home and business. Visit deepsentinel.com/business or call 833.983.6006.