High-end Retail Robbery - Don’t Use CCTV Cameras to Secure Your Jewellery Store

Recent incidents, such as the break-in at a BC Surrey mall reported by CTV News, highlight the evolving tactics of jewellery thieves. Rather than attempting complex safecracking operations, criminals now target jewellery left out on display overnight, even lower-end products.

In this case, the brazen criminals were caught on CCTV video smashing glass and making away with tens of thousands of dollars in stolen jewellery. But, the video wasn’t monitored and verified, so police were not notified immediately.

“A jewelry store owner in South Surrey is devastated after his business was broken into and robbed for the third time. Andy Nguyen, the owner of White Rock Jewellers, believes he’s lost more than $100,000 from the brazen robbery, which happened just before 4:20 a.m. Monday.” source

Unlike conventional alarms, Sonitrol's unique verified audio and video security solutions enable our operators to hear and see what is happening in your business before the criminals gain entry - we verify the actual source of the alarm, and we get the police to attend the scene immediately and relay real-time information to the responding officers. CCTV cameras that are not monitored are little more than recording devices and will not help protect your business or employees. Detecting the crime in real-time is the only way to get law enforcement to the scene as soon as possible.

To safeguard valuable luxury retail assets such as jewellery, here are some additional tips and best practices:

✔️ Secure Storage: Lock up as much jewellery as possible, considering investing in a secondary safe for lower-end merchandise if necessary.

✔️ Display Presentation: Avoid covering cases with cloths, as this signals the presence of jewellery even if displays are empty.

✔️ Physical Barriers: Install metal gates that can be rolled out at night to fortify windows and doors, and utilize break-resistant glass for added protection.

✔️ Deterrent Signage: Display signs indicating the use of break-resistant glass to dissuade potential criminals.

✔️ Mall Security Collaboration: If situated in a mall, coordinate with security to prioritize patrols near your unit and deter mall thieves.

✔️ Street Front Protection: Install balusters along the street-facing facade to prevent vehicle-based break-ins.

✔️ Implement a Sonavision verified surveillance system fully monitored by our security specialists around the clock.

Sonitrol's verified security solutions minimize false alarms and expedite police response by providing real-time monitoring and detailed incident reporting. This proactive approach not only increases apprehension rates but also acts as a deterrent, as professional criminals recognize the credibility of the Sonitrol name.

By partnering with Sonitrol Western Canada, jewellery retailers can tailor a comprehensive security plan to their specific needs and protect their stores against theft effectively. Contact us today to learn more and secure your jewellery store with confidence.