Headlines

Jewelry Thieves Target Residents of Several Massachusetts Communities

The communities listed in the alert are Lowell, Tyngsborough, Chelmsford, Dracut, Billerica and Tewksbury.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 16, 2023

INSTORE Staff

Authorities in Massachusetts say jewelry thieves are targeting residents in several communities.

A man and woman operating as a team tend to call victims — often the elderly — over to their car and speak to them in a “friendly and engaging manner,” according to an alert from the Lowell Police Department. The alert came via the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

“They are known to offer and place fake jewelry on victims,” according to the alert. “While placing the fake jewelry, they will attempt to steal the jewelry belonging to and worn by the victims, sometimes in a violent nature, and then drive away.”

The communities listed in the alert are Lowell, Tyngsborough, Chelmsford, Dracut, Billerica and Tewksbury.

Authorities warn: “Do not approach them or their vehicle and do not engage in conversation with them, even if they seem friendly. If you are walking alone in these communities, especially if you are elderly, try to keep your jewelry hidden.”

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.”