Exhibitor Security
All IWJG shows feature heavy security for our members. Nevertheless, jewelry robberies are always a serious threat: many in our industry have been robbed, especially while traveling. So in the interest of safety, please follow our tips for protecting yourself and your valuables. We will prevail as a group!
Use our Security Services
Contact our office to use any of these inexpensive IWJG services, exclusively for members:
- Armed escort guards. When arriving and (especially) when leaving shows.
- Brinks shipping for your merchandise. When possible, ship rather than carry your merchandise. Smaller dealers use UPS.
- Brinks insurance at shows.
General Tips
- Travel with other dealers. The more the safer. Change your travel plans to work this out.
- Never be alone. Don't let yourself get anyplace that will make it easy for them to use a gun.
- Get insurance! You can afford it. The alternative is financial disaster. (See our insurance tips.)
- Don't put your life's work in one bag. Don't try to carry too much!
- Don't underestimate the crooks.
- They know each of us.
- They are organized with teams in every major city.
- They work every jewelry, coin, and antique show in America. We are just another payday for them.
- Don't believe they get lucky when they steal a bag. It's what they do for a living!
- It can happen to you.
If You Drive
- Do not stop for gas. Tank up before the trip.
- Do not stop for food. Avoid restaurants and drive-ins, even with large groups.
- Do not stop to fix a flat tire. Just drive on the rim.
- Do not stop if your car is hit. The other driver may be a dangerous criminal: this is a common scam that uses two cars.
- Do not stop, period.
- Use valet service, if you must park. Stay out of garages.
If You Fly
- Hire a cop to escort you through airport security. Do not go through security alone. The X-ray machine is a prime spot to lose your bag!
- Keep your bag with you at all times. Don't put it down, even for one second. Keep it on your shoulder, with a hand on it.
In The Hotel
- Do not leave valuables in the hotel room. The thieves have keys too.
- Do not trust your life savings to the hotel lobby with only one person on duty at four o'clock in the morning.
Other Travel Tips
- Do not put down your bag in the restroom. (Better to wear adult diapers than lose your life savings.)
- Avoid alcohol unless your valuables are securely locked up.
- Do not share a taxicab.
- Do not let anyone open a door for you.
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