by jacquie_dealmeida | July 31, 2013 9:00 am
South American gangs are becoming more of a threat in Canada.
That’s the message from Scott F. Guginsky, vice-president of Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA). A former police officer with the New York City Police Department, Guginsky says the groups were once extremely active in that city.
A crack down by police, however, pushed them north of the border where they continue to target jewellers. They’re also becoming more violent, he warns, although distraction techniques like puncturing tires are not a thing of the past. If they get caught, the offence and punishment are not as severe.
“They will also use force, whatever they need to do to steal from you,” said Guginsky from JSA’s booth at JCK Las Vegas in June.
“The one thing we preach is that a jeweller never has a flat tire and a jeweller’s car never overheats. So if you experience a flat tire or your car overheats, bells should go off that you may be the victim of a robbery.”
The glitz and glamour of jewellery at any trade show is in stark contrast to the very real dangers jewellers face, which is why it is so important to remain alert and to take any perceived threat seriously. Guginsky’s advice is to never let your guard down.
“Be aware of your surroundings. Be careful of rolling or carrying a bag into a jewellery store. When you leave, circle the block to see if a car is following you. Overall, don’t take your line home. You’re leaving yourself and your family in harm’s way if you do.”
Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/stay-alert-against-south-american-gangs/
Copyright ©2025 Jewellery Business unless otherwise noted.