Press Releases

Jewelers Mutual Hires Guard Surveillance for Policyholders in California Counties Affected By the Power Outages

Monitoring to help prevent potentially dangerous situations as wildfire spreads.

Published

4 years ago

October 16, 2019

INSTORE Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) NEENAH, WI — As a result of the planned power outages in various counties of California to prevent wildfires, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group has hired G4S, a reputable security firm, to monitor locations of insured jewelers in the affected counties.

To help protect business and inventory, Jewelers Mutual recommends locking all merchandise in a safe or vault at your described premises. Jewelers’ Security Alliance has also sent a notice that includes recommendations for jewelers affected by the power outage.

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“As a mutual company, our mission has continued for over 100 years to serve our members and the greater jewelry industry. The power situation in California is not only frustrating to our customers, it’s also potentially dangerous given the impact to electronic security for jewelers,” said John Fierst, Jewelers Mutual vice president of commercial lines.

Fierst explained that to ensure the safety of their customers, Jewelers Mutual has deployed security surveillance within the affected areas to monitor locations and avert criminal activity during the shutdown period.

“This devastating situation required immediate action because lives and livelihoods are at stake,” Fierst said. “Jewelers Mutual’s dedication and support to our jewelers and the industry has always extended beyond insurance and we will continue to do so for the next 100 years.”

Policyholders are encouraged to contact their agent with any questions regarding their policy or security.

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”