Switch theft
Arguably the most skillful theft for criminals to pull off, this method is still one to keep an eye out for because if it does occur, it can be extremely costly.
What is it?
Sophisticated criminals have been known to switch real items with fakes from time to time. This crime requires a lot of skill and a steady sleight of hand to accomplish, and has been especially effective when loose diamonds are targeted.
Switch artists have been known to visit their target and establish some degree of rapport with an associate, as well as inquire knowledge about merchandise they will switch. This makes it possible for them to return, switch merchandise undetected, and not have it be noticed until after they have left the store.
How do you prevent it?
Other than remaining vigilant, when showing loose diamonds use a locked tweezer, and carefully observe customers in any loose stone showing situation. Remember to always examine loose diamonds using a loupe before and after someone else has handled each stone.
This is the most surefire way to verify a switch has not taken place. Assure your customers this practice is common in the jewellery trade and a procedure your insurer requires you to follow in these situations.
Conducting private showings in a designated room or area in your business can also enhance your protection against a switch artist. These areas should have both covert and overt surveillance cameras to capture every angle possible and to let potential criminals know they’re being monitored.
Your goal as a business should be to minimize the threats of not only these versions of theft, but also high-profile robberies and burglaries.
It takes a good amount of effort to have the correct physical, electronic, and procedural security in place for a well-rounded defense against such a diverse set of crimes, but your diligence is worth it.
David J. Sexton, CPCU, is vice-president of loss prevention consulting at Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., in the United States. A graduate of the University
of Wisconsin, Sexton serves on the Underwriters’ Laboratories’ (UL) Security Systems Council, where he is a corporate member of the insurance category. He also sits on the board of directors for Jewellers Vigilance Canada (JVC), and worked on the Central Station Alarm Association’s (CSAA’s) Insurance Liaison Committee that assisted in the development of the UL burglar alarm modular certificate program and revised UL standard. Comments and questions can be sent to lossprevention@jminsure.com.
For resources regarding safety and security when carrying or working with jewellery, visit JewelersMutual.com. Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., is the only company specializing exclusively in jewellery insurance in the United States and Canada. It is licensed in all 50 states and Canada.
