Jewelry theft. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Given that we process insurance claims for stolen jewelry on a daily basis, we turned to some of our experts to reveal the top three places jewelry is stolen from. Along with tips to protect yours, of course.
Common places for jewelry theft:
3. The gym
While you're working up a sweat, make sure your jewelry stays where you left it. Gyms are a common place for thieves to steal jewelry.
Prevention tips:
- Buy a container for your key ring for a safe place to tuck your small jewelry rather than leaving it floating in your gym bag.
- Make sure you lock your gym locker if you store any jewelry there.
If possible, keep valuables secured at home when going to the gym. Working out is one of many activities you shouldn't do with your ring on anyway.
2. Your car
Your vehicle is the second most common place where jewelry is stolen.
Thieves often steal first and think about the value later - smashing car windows just to peer inside a bag to see if it contains anything worth swiping.
Prevention tips:
- Do not leave anything of value in plain sight, including jewelry in the cup holder or side door compartments.
- Lock your doors and roll up your windows when you leave your vehicle, even if you think you're in a low-crime area. Many cars get broken into within the first few seconds after the driver steps out of sight.
- If you have a garage, use it. If you park outside, do not leave your garage door opener in the vehicle, providing access to your garage at least, and your home as well for attached units.
It may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised how often these basic tips are overlooked as we rush from place to place on our daily routine.
1. Your jewelry box
While your home is and should be your safe space, it's also the most common place jewelry is stolen from.
Prevention tips:
- Store your jewelry in a secure location other than your dresser drawers or jewelry box, especially when you have guests in your home. One option is an immobile home safe. If the safe weighs less than 500 pounds, be sure to bolt it to the floor. Also, consider storing seldom worn jewelry in a bank safe-deposit box.
- Install quality locks on your doors and windows. For exterior doors, install UL-listed locks with one-inch throw bolts. When practical, keep your doors locked at all times, and always when you leave.
- If you have children who need quick entry, consider having them use a back door or a door that is routinely monitored.
- Make it look like you're home when you're not. Use automatic timers on interior and exterior lights, have your mail picked up daily by someone you trust and keep your yard groomed.
It's a good lesson to keep anything of value locked up and out of sight anytime you have people in your home you don't know all that well - like contractors, painters, maids or even babysitters. You can never be too careful when protecting valuable jewelry in your home.
In the case your jewelry is stolen, make sure you know what steps to take.
Stolen jewelry is covered under a Jewelers Mutual insurance policy. Interested in seeing how much jewelry insurance could cost you per year? It's less than you think. Check your rate using the button below.
