The Jewelers’ Security Alliance is offering tips for staying safe at jewelry trade shows.
The organization wrote: “The jewelry trade show season is beginning with the Centurion Show and the Tucson events, to be followed soon by JIS, Atlanta, JCK and Couture, and both exhibitors and attendees need to follow safe security procedures. Jewelry gangs target shows, and while show security staffs and law enforcement personnel go to great lengths to keep shows safe, they need the cooperation of all show exhibitors and attendees.”
Below are the recommendations:
For Exhibitors
Armored Courier Service: Ship your goods to and from the show by an armored courier service. Verify end-of-show shipping arrangements several days before the show closes. All received shipped boxes should be accounted for, and never left unattended.
Show Vault: Vault your goods at the show site immediately upon arrival, and keep your goods secured, except during exhibit hours. Never leave merchandise or any valuables unattended in the booth before or after show hours. Do not bring your goods to your hotel. You must safeguard your goods with special care during show set up and break down, which are particularly vulnerable times. JSA has seen an increase in reported thefts during these times.
Showcases Locked: Do not leave showcases unlocked except to take out or return merchandise.
Booth Control: Even with intense buyer traffic, and during set up and break down, you must always control the merchandise at your booth. If you do not have enough personnel to control your merchandise at the booth, consider hiring a security officer. JSA has seen a surge in unattended bags being taken from within exhibit booths. Never store unattended bags underneath tables. Promptly return your goods to the show vaults or appropriate safe or guarded locations when the show closes for the evening. Goods not placed in show vaults, booth safes or guarded locations overnight can disappear.
Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance company that you have adequate insurance coverage when shipping, traveling with, or exhibiting jewelry while attending jewelry shows.
Inventory Control: Ensure that you have documented a complete listing of all jewelry that you will be exhibiting during the show. This includes grading information, serial numbers, and photos of unique pieces. In the event of a loss, it will be important to provide this information to law enforcement and your insurance company in a timely manner.
GPS Technology: Consider utilizing GPS trackers or similar devices such as Apple AirTags for personal luggage, bags, and containers stored in exhibit booths. These devices are inexpensive and can be easily purchased. This device enables you to track your personal property by using your phone.
No Hotel Room Shows: Private and unauthorized hotel room shows present a serious security risk to you, your customers, and to other hotel guests. Keep your goods safely in show vaults.
For Both Attendees and Exhibitors
Be Discreet: Don’t identify yourself as a jeweler in public places such as hotel lobbies, restaurants, taxis, and buses. Be careful in discussing jewelry business in public places away from the show. Do not wear your show badge away from show areas, and do not carelessly discard your badge upon departure so that others might find and use it.
Personal Jewelry: All attendees need to be prudent in wearing and carrying high-end jewelry and watches when traveling to and from shows, and in restaurants, and other public places.
Be Careful When Carrying Bags: Be careful when moving bags between the show and your hotel room, including laptops, large purses, and other items. Organized theft groups could mistake your bags for jewelry goods, or target your other valuables, such as laptops. JSA has assisted law enforcement with several cases where bags jewelers were carrying were switched with similar looking bags by these groups.
Hotel Rooms: When staying in hotel rooms, ensure your hotel room door closes properly. Consider leaving a do not disturb sign on the door. Criminals might reconsider burglarizing hotel rooms if they hear your room’s television is on.
See Something, Say Something: While exhibiting at shows, be cognizant that all attendees are required to always display show credentials around their neck. If you become aware of an attendee that doesn’t meet these requirements, bring it to the attention of show personnel. Report any suspicious activities or behaviors observed while at the show.