Speaking at the JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J Kennedy said the organisation had recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.
New York – The number of jewellery crimes rose 27 per cent between 2021 and 2022 to a record high, Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy said Saturday at the organisation’s annual luncheon.
Kennedy said industry members reported 2,141 cases to the JSA in 2022 – the highest number ever recorded by the organisation – and the crimes weren’t isolated to one type.
They were a mix of everything, he said – smash-and-grabs, grab-and-runs, distraction thefts etc – adding that JSA is now also seeing criminals following customers out of jewellery stores to rob them after they’ve made a purchase.
“The situation is not good at all. It is extremely dangerous,” said Kennedy.
In light of the increase in crime, the JSA said it needs to raise more money to hire additional staff. At the luncheon, Kennedy unveiled details of what he described as a “multi-pronged plan” to increase the organisation’s income.
As well as increasing membership fees, the plan includes encouraging sponsors to advertise on its website and in its popular weekly e-newsletter alerts.
The JSA will also introduce a tiered pricing structure, with members paying more for access to additional services such as counselling.
“The JSA must deliver on the promises of 25 April 1883,” said Kennedy, referring to the date the organisation was founded 140 years ago.
