Criminals have struck again
Last month California jewelry artists lost their inventories in two separate thefts.. Deborah and Kevin Healy of Healy Designs had their jewelry stolen from their van when they stopped at a restaurant after a show. In a separate incident, Laurie Lehman of Floral Jewels lost her jewelry while she packed her car after a show. These are devastating losses, and it will take many months for the artists to create a new inventory base for their shows.
“We, jewelry artists, need to remember that traveling to shows is inherently dangerous. We must be very mindful as we move our work about.” -- Deborah and Kevin Healy
It can be very difficult to know if you have been targeted by criminals and, even if you suspect your business is being cased, professional thieves will strike when and where your artwork is most vulnerable. Your best response to potential theft is to take precautionary measures and to insure against loss in case your precautions fail.
Here are some quick measures to take to protect your artwork:
When on the road:
Never leave your artwork unattended. If your inventory is too large to keep with you at all times, shift coverage with a partner. If you're at an indoor show, use the convention center vault.
Be especially cautious during transitions -- arriving at or leaving a hotel, setting up or breaking down your booth, for instance. Call the police if you are being followed or have reason to believe your exhibit or hotel is being “cased.”
Keep your vehicle well maintained. Have a full tank of gas on the last day of the show so there will be one less stop as you travel from the show.
At shows:
Design your booth so that you will be able to see all areas of your display at all times. No blind spots.
If possible, at the busier shows have an assistant. This is one of the best theft prevention measures
Thieves often work in pairs. One distracting the artist/seller as the other takes merchandise. Do your best to be attentive to one customer at a time while being aware of others.
In your studio:
Consider having an alarm system installed in your studio if you don’t already have one. If you do have one, test and maintain the system regularly.
If your supplies, materials and artwork are of high value, keep them in a theft-proof safe.
Exterior lights and possibly an interior light on a timer are important crime deterrents
Find more theft protection tips and resources at the CERF+ Studio Protector website, including resources such as:
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company’s safety and security articles
Security and insurance ideas for shows and open studios from Harriete Estel Berman’s Artist Professional Guidelines
This article from CERF's Studio Protector Blog. Learn more about CERF here: http://craftemergency.org
