Jewelers urged to prioritize security at Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week

Pre-show preparations and vigilance key to safety

As the annual Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week approaches, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) is emphasizing the critical need for heightened security measures for exhibitors and retailers. Scott Guginsky, executive vice president of JSA and a retired NYPD sergeant, highlighted concerns beyond the show floor, stressing that organized transnational theft groups often target the industry during this period. JSA has been collaborating with local law enforcement to ensure a safe and successful event for all attendees.

Preparation before the shows commence is paramount. JSA strongly advises reviewing insurance coverage at least a month in advance to ensure adequate protection for travel, shipping, and on-site exhibiting. Secure transportation of merchandise is also a top priority. Instead of carrying jewelry lines personally, which has led to losses in the past, exhibitors are urged to use armored courier services. For those who must transport items themselves, hiring a guard well in advance is recommended. Upon arrival, any merchandise brought to the show should be immediately secured in on-site vaults, as hotel room safes are considered insufficient for valuable goods.

Staying Safe During the Event

During Jewelry Market Week, maintaining a secure presence on the show floor is essential. Booths should never be left unattended, as this can potentially void insurance coverage. Exhibitors are advised to provide one-on-one attention to each customer, showcasing only one item at a time. Merchandise should be kept in locked cases unless actively being presented. Adequate staffing is crucial, and associates should be trained in proper security procedures. Portable camera devices can provide 24/7 monitoring of booths, offering valuable redundancy in case of loss.

Switch thefts, where thieves swap valuable items with similar-looking bags, are a known risk. Attendees should carefully re-examine each piece of merchandise after it has been handled by another person. Daily inventory checks—morning, afternoon, and at closing—are recommended to ensure all items are accounted for and properly packed for overnight storage. Establishing a daily check-in with a contact person at corporate can also provide an additional layer of security.

Post-show vigilance and discreet practices

Security concerns extend beyond the show floor and event hours. Guginsky expressed particular worry about attendees being followed after leaving the shows. He advised using licensed city of Las Vegas taxis or app-based ride services like Uber and Lyft, and avoiding unmarked car services. Vigilance is also necessary in public spaces such as restaurants and casinos, where unattended bags and purses can be easy targets for thieves, especially during after-hours social events.

Attendees are urged not to make themselves obvious targets. Badges should be removed immediately after leaving the show floor, and personal travel plans should only be shared with trusted contacts. Flashing high-end jewelry or luxury watches, particularly at night, can attract unwanted attention from pickpocket teams who are known to target large-scale events.