SaferGems - A Reminder that Vigilance Saves Victims

14 Jan 2026

Over the festive period, an elderly gentleman entered a jewellery store in Horsham attempting to purchase a high-value Rolex watch. During the interaction, staff noticed the customer appeared vulnerable and unsettled.

Thanks to the vigilance of the store’s staff who had been trained to recognise the signs of courier fraud, concerns were quickly identified. Courier fraud involves vulnerable victims being coerced by criminals into purchasing high-value items, often under the false belief that they are assisting police with a “secret investigation”.

Acting promptly and professionally, staff alerted Sussex Police, who attended the store. Officers confirmed that the gentleman had indeed been coerced into making the purchase, and because of the swift action taken, the crime was prevented, and the victim was safeguarded from further harm.

Importantly, this was the second courier fraud attempt this jeweller had prevented, demonstrating how awareness, confidence and consistent application of prevention messaging can repeatedly stop crime and protect the public.

This incident is a powerful example of why awareness, training and confidence to act are so critical within the jewellery industry. The actions of these staff members demonstrate how frontline vigilance can directly protect vulnerable members of the public and disrupt criminal activity.

SaferGems works closely with policing partners to support the jewellery trade with crime prevention advice, intelligence sharing, and targeted training. This outcome reinforces the importance of prevention and protection messaging and the real-world difference it makes.

Well done to the staff involved and to Sussex Police for their swift response.

Together, we can continue to protect our businesses, our customers and communities.

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Source: SaferGems