Toronto and surrounding parts of Ontario have experienced a major influx of organized retail crime over the past year. Among the businesses most heavily impacted are jewelry stores, with a reported surge in jewelry thefts from just 10 in 2023 to 41 in 2024. While regional police in the province have been taking steps to arrest and charge organized retail crime members, many jewelry business owners fear for their livelihoods and are seeking solutions. In this blog, we’ll explore how jewelry retailers can help protect themselves from organized theft through professional retail security measures.
Why is Ontario Experiencing So Many Jewelry Store Thefts?
Organized retail crime groups target high-value merchandise, such as designer jackets, perfumes, sunglasses, handbags, consumer electronics, small appliances (such as espresso machines), and jewelry. Thieves look for goods that are easy to transport on foot or with a getaway vehicle, and due to their systematic, precise nature, organized thefts take place in a matter of minutes or even seconds. These factors make jewelry a prime target thanks to its small size, high resell value, and the relative ease and speed at which it can be stolen from cases.
Additionally, unlike larger items such as cars or clothing, jewelry is difficult to trace once it’s been stolen. Consumer electronics make tampering with serial numbers or packaging obvious, and items that have been altered or removed from original packaging garner a lower price than brand-new-in-box goods. This issue is easily resolved for jewelry which can be repackaged or even melted down and resold as raw materials.
How Organized Retail Crime is Affecting Ontario Jewelry Businesses
Amid the rash of jewelry store thefts in Toronto and other parts of Ontario, jewellers are feeling justifiably fearful for the future. Not only does stolen inventory create a costly and stressful situation for business owners to rectify, but property damage is a common result of organized thefts.
Last month, thieves in Mississauga drove a Jeep into a jewelry store’s exterior windows in an attempt to gain entry. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the thieves fled before they could steal any goods.
Similarly, this past weekend, Niagara Regional Police Services officers responded to an attempted robbery of a jewelry store in Grimsby. Thanks to quick theft prevention measures implemented by employees, the suspects fled empty-handed, but not before smashing the store’s windows with sledgehammers.
Unlike shoplifting, which involves individuals discretely stealing small amounts of merchandise for personal use, organized retail crime is often violent. It is unfortunately not uncommon for thieves to injure bystanders while fleeing the store or, worse, using physical and verbal threats against employees and customers. According to the Retail Council of Canada, approximately 45% of 2024 organized retail crime incidents included violence against retail staff and customers. This poses a major risk for retailers, their customers, and their employees.
Retail Security for Jewelry Stores
Unfortunately, the jewelry theft problem shows no signs of stopping in the near future. The good news is that jewellers have options available to safeguard their stores. Professional retail security guard services protect jewellers, help prevent and mitigate organized retail crime, and maintain a welcoming environment for legitimate customers. Here’s an overview of the types of jewelry store security guards:
Uniformed Security Guards
Uniformed security guards provide a visual deterrent against potential criminals. They are typically stationed at the front of stores, greeting legitimate customers and monitoring for suspicious behaviour. Their presence contributes to a feeling of safety while demonstrating to potential thieves that the store is well protected.
Suit and Tie Security Guards
For high-end jewellers, suit and tie security offers discrete protection suitable for an elevated retail environment. These security guards combine customer service with security, maintaining the refined atmosphere expected in luxury retail spaces while ensuring professional protection. Their polished appearance and demeanour enhance the shopping experience while deterring and responding swiftly to criminal activity.
Tactical Security Guards
Tactical security guards provide enhanced protection for jewelry stores experiencing higher security risks or located in areas with elevated crime rates. Their uniforms include tactical vests and gear, which provide a strong element of deterrence to organized retail crime groups. Tactical guards receive specialized training in physical intervention and takedown techniques, making them particularly valuable in preventing smash-and-grab incidents and protecting against aggressive behaviour.
Blackbird Security Protects Charm Diamond Centres
We’re proud to partner with Charm Diamond Centres in Ontario to protect their valuable inventory, staff, and customers against organized retail crime and other security threats. Charm trusts us to provide tactical security coverage at eleven of their locations, seven days a week. Our professional security teams provide a reassuring presence in shopping malls, ensuring peace of mind for guests and staff alike.
Each of our security guards undergoes training through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy, in courses including Customer Service Excellence, Standard First Aid, Fire Safety Training, and more. Our tactical security guards also receive advanced Use of Force training to allow them to safely and swiftly apprehend criminals and minimize inventory theft.
Partner With Canada's Best Retail Security Company
With jewelry theft continuing to rise throughout Ontario, now is a critical time to secure and safeguard your jewelry store. Whether you operate a single storefront or manage multiple locations, professional retail security guard services are essential for protecting your valuable inventory, staff, and customers from bad actors. Our experienced security teams understand the unique challenges facing Ontario jewelry retailers and will develop customized security strategies for your business.
Get in touch with us using the form below to learn how we can enhance security at your Ontario jewelry store.
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