Red marks the danger area, and according to the jewelers who participated in INSTORE’s 2017 Big Survey, the three top “tells” that get alarms bells ringing in their heads and the hairs on the back of their necks on end, are:
- A phone request for an item to be shipped immediately to a distant address
- Customers entering as a group and splitting up
- Shills, like a woman having a wardrobe malfunction or a medical emergency.
A customer wearing sunglasses was the option least likely to get jewelers worried.
In addition to the items listed here, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance advises jewelers to be on the lookout for:
- Hats pulled low.
- The placing of bulky items like coats or bags on the showcase.
- Asking to see your most expensive diamond or watch.
- A “customer” keeping their hands in their pockets and not touching anything.
- A “customer” wearing bulky or unseasonal clothing (to conceal a weapon, hammer, etc.).
You can see all the results of the 2017 Big Survey in the October edition of INSTORE.
