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But the Colombians move all around the country to target gem and jewelry salesmen where they are most vulnerable on the road. According to cops and industry sources, the thieves use sophisticated surveillance techniques and a repertoire of diversionary tactics like the flattire trick. They also use guns, and some say they are becoming more violent. So far this year, according to the Jewelers Security Alliance, a New Yorkbased trade group, the Colombians have pulled off 133 jewelry robberies worth $33 million, including a $4 million heist in Long Beach, Calif. Dollarwise, this is the worst year on record, says the alliances John Kennedy. And weve never seen this level of violence before.Essentially, the gang has zeroed in on a longstanding security lapse within the jewelry industry the tradition of sending out salesmen to show real jewelry, instead of photographs or fakes, to retailers. That means the contents of a single salesmans case can be worth $1 million easy pickings, considering the fact that until recently, few firms provided their reps with escorts. When the thieves spot a traveling salesman, they may follow him for days, using several different cars to disguise the surveillance and, in some cases, electronic tracking devices to maintain the tail. Then they pounce.

 

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