Securing Luxury Retail: Risk Mitigation Strategies for Jewelers and High-Value Goods

The rise in retail theft that specifically targets luxury jewelers and high-value retailers is a global concern, with organized retail crime increasingly violent and sophisticated. In this context, security is not a sunk cost – it’s a critical business investment. Over 70% of luxury shoppers in the US, China, and Europe still prefer to shop in person, but creating an inviting retail experience must be balanced with protecting people and assets. In this blog, we outline risk mitigation strategies grounded in recent data and proven best practices.

Recent Examples of High-Value Retail Crime in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania-Wide Organized Crime Rings

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Unit, operational since July 2024, has pursued violent, pack-style thefts primarily targeting high-end retailers in both the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions. Examples include the “Fifth Street Crew,” responsible for coordinated blitz-style thefts of luxury goods, and FedEx employees orchestrating a $173,000 cellphone theft scheme.

Philadelphia Jewelry Store Robbery (August 2024): 

On July 31, 2024, a Philadelphia jewelry store in Chinatown was robbed in a violent smash-and-grab incident. A 53-year-old suspect, Chim Phu, entered Cheung’s Jewelry on Arch Street, threatened a store employee at gunpoint, smashed open a display case, and stole four trays of 24-karat gold jewelry worth about $120,000. Surveillance footage helped police identify and arrest the suspect, though the stolen jewelry had not been recovered as of the reports. Weapons and narcotics were found in the suspect’s residence during the search.

Philadelphia Mills Mall Armed Robbery (June 2025): 

At the Zales Outlet in Philadelphia Mills Mall, two armed men used a sledgehammer to break open display cases and stole eight Rolex watches before escaping in a black Hyundai with tinted windows. No injuries were reported, but the high-profile nature and value of the crime highlight ongoing risks to luxury stores in the area.

Professional Burglary in the Greater Pittsburgh Region (December 2024)

A high-profile jewelry store burglary in the Pittsburgh region occurred at Valmax Jewelers in Penn Township, Westmoreland County, just weeks before Christmas 2024. The owner discovered that professional burglars had completely emptied the display cases and managed to shear off the back of the store safe. The thieves gained access by cutting through the wall from an adjacent empty restaurant, quickly disabled the alarm and video systems within 15 seconds, and escaped with the entire contents of the safe. This incident was described by local law enforcement as a “professional job,” not a typical smash-and-grab, and reflects the rise in sophisticated, high-value retail crime in the Pittsburgh area.

Rising Security Risks for Luxury Retail

Organized Retail Crime and Thefts on the Rise

• Retail theft has surged to alarming levels, with stores losing an estimated $45 billion in 2024.
• Retail theft has jumped 93% since pre-COVID, with luxury stores increasingly targeted due to the high resale value of goods.
• Organized retail crime rings are more violent and technologically advanced than ever, often focusing their attacks on jewelry stores and boutique luxury brands.
• Insider threats, such as employee theft and return fraud, compound losses and are especially damaging in high-margin businesses.

Intelligence-Led Security for Luxury Retailers

Security should be informed by real-time intelligence, security best practices, and expertise from seasoned security professionals. Protecting luxury retailers means anticipating risks before they materialize, and coordinating proactive solutions across physical, digital, and human domains.

Risk Mitigation Strategies for High-Value Goods

Physical Security Measures

• Install shatter-resistant display cases and time-delay safes for high-value merchandise.
• Use biometric locks and access controls to restrict sensitive areas to authorized personnel only.

Surveillance and Monitoring

• Deploy AI-powered video analytics and strategically placed cameras to detect suspicious behavior before incidents escalate.
• Integrate glass-break sensors and panic alarms for immediate notification and response.

Staff Training and Emergency Plans

• Train your team to recognize warning signs, suspicious requests, and behavioral cues that indicate potential threats.
• Limit the number of items shown at any one time, and verify identity for all high-value transactions.

Professional Security Agents 

• Employ visible, hospitality-trained security guards who can respond quickly without disrupting the luxury atmosphere.

Balancing Security and Luxury Retail Experience

At Convoy Group, we believe the best security is seamless. Shoppers demand both safety and comfort – a delicate balance that requires discrete, professional security presence and technology that blends into the luxury environment.

Drawing on our global security and intelligence experience, Convoy Group helps luxury retailers address evolving threats. 

Contact us to learn more about how Convoy Group can tailor security strategies for your luxury retail environment, protecting assets, staff, and brand reputation.