The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has received reports of three knifepoint robberies of traveling salespersons in Florida in recent weeks.
The crimes:
- Sept. 24, Pompano Beach: After visiting a jewelry exchange, a salesperson was robbed at knifepoint in a parking lot.
- Oct. 14, Boynton Beach: A salesperson was robbed at knifepoint.
- Oct. 26, Fort Pierce: A knifepoint robbery was reported at a hotel.
JSA reported other off-premises robberies of salespersons in Florida earlier this year:
- April 28, Delray Beach
- April 22, Orlando
- July 26, Miami
If you have information, contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
JSA offered the following recommendations:
- Do not resist armed robbers. Criminals will not hesitate to stab you or use other forms of violence.
- During a day of sales calls or following a trade show, and before returning to one’s hotel, home or office, salespersons must always be alert to whether they are being followed. Take a few minutes to engage in evasive driving techniques: circle the block, drive slowly, make a U-turn, and make sure you are not being followed.
- Some jewelers and commercial airlines are successfully using Apple AirTags and comparable devices for Android phones to track lost or stolen bags.