Jeweler Parking Lot Robberies

In Santa Monica, California, two jewelers were about to leave a parking lot in their car when they were approached by three male suspects wearing ski masks and dark clothing. One of the suspects smashed the driver’s side window and threatened the jewelers with a knife. The other two suspects snatched a lap top and backpack containing a large quantity of jewelry merchandise. The suspects slashed the car’s tires, took the keys, and fled to a white, 1990 Nissan Maxima that was waiting for them. While, this crime was obviously premeditated, there are still things a jeweler can do to avoid a situation like this.

Parking lots are the most frequent site of crimes against traveling jewelry salespersons. That’s why the Jewelers’ Security Alliance has the following recommendations. To reduce risk: always visually observe your route to your vehicle or the place you will be visiting before going to or from your car; park as close to your destination as possible; enter and exit your vehicle as quickly as possible; do not wait without driving in your stationary vehicle before or after appointments; park facing out to reduce the likelihood of a car pulling up and blocking you in; and lock your line in your trunk rather than place it on the front or rear seat.