The power of SaferGems in action
18 Jun 2021
Here’s a couple of good news stories offering proof, if proof were needed, of the efficacy of the SaferGems initiative – set up by the National Association of Jewellers with jewellery insurance brokers TH March.
On 10th June, Kent Police arrested a man who had appeared in a SaferGems Alert following an offence at Brent Cross. Eagle-eye staff at Chisholm Hunter jewellers, Bluewater, recognised the suspect as he entered their store, having seen his image on a recent SaferGems Alert. The store manager followed him through the centre and into the car park, while continually updating Kent Police officers on his mobile phone.
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When the suspect then walked back into the centre and attempted to enter the Watchfinder store, police officers were ready and arrested him.
“It was a brilliant outcome as a result of vigilant staff,” says Jacqui Brown, investigator at Bluewater Police Station “The suspect was arrested for the outstanding offences and for carrying an offensive weapon and he was transferred to Met Police Custody and is currently on remand awaiting a court date.”
This success is far from an isolated incident – SaferGems demonstrates its worth time and again. On 16th June, staff at Beaverbrook, Norwich recognised a man who had been pictured in a SaferGems Alert earlier that same day. They contacted Norfolk Police arrived to escort him from the store in handcuffs. SaferGems has linked the man to a number of fraudulent IFC applications across the UK.
Lee Henderson of the SaferGems team added,
"without the vigilance, professionalism and efficiency of staff at both stores, these arrests would never have happened. During the incident at Beaverbrooks (Norwich), staff used a code word to warn colleagues and kept the man busy all whilst transmitting information to Norfolk Police. This is a perfect example of how businesses can deal with a security threat and we'd like to applaud all the people who contributed to the success stories".
Neil McFarlane, CEO of TH March, commented,
“Once again more great examples of the terrific work undertaken by SaferGems, in cross industry liaison between themselves, the jewellery trade and Police. Without their diligence and attention to detail, this fantastic result would not be possible, and prolific criminals would still be at large. Well done SaferGems, this is another example of the benefit and value you bring to the trade and reinforcing why TH March Group is happy to continue to support your work.”
Did you know SaferGems is funded by The National Association of Jewellers and TH March so that members can receive alert notifications by email?
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Source: The NAJ