After suffering a devastating smash-and-grab robbery on 13 October, Shaun Smith, owner of Smith’s Showcase Jewellers in Portland, Victoria, is calling for tougher penalties for criminals targeting our industry. The brazen theft resulted in the loss of around 80 watches and various jewellery items, leaving Smith, a jeweller of nearly 20 years, frustrated with what he sees as inadequate consequences for offenders who threaten the livelihoods of those in our trade.
Robbery Details and Investigation
The incident occurred in the early hours, with thieves using an axe to smash through the store’s front windows and gain quick entry. The suspects then fled in a stolen vehicle, later abandoned in Heywood, before switching to another stolen car that was found in Terang, approximately 100 kilometres away. Despite encountering police during their escape, the suspects managed to avoid capture, demonstrating a level of planning that highlights the growing challenge of retail crime in our sector.
Smith described the events: “The watches were his main target. They rock up with the lights out; he gets out as the passenger, jumps out, takes the targeted stock, and they drive off – all within a minute.” He voiced concerns that these criminals “have no fear of the police” and show little regard for law enforcement or the hard-working jewellers impacted by their actions.
A Call for Stronger Consequences
As those of us who cover the industry closely know, incidents like this extend beyond immediate financial loss—they disrupt businesses and affect entire communities. Smith is calling for stricter penalties, especially given the rising number of thefts affecting jewellers in regional areas. “At the end of the day, they often catch these people and not much happens. The damage they cause and how much work these people cause is enormous,” he said.
Smith’s comments reflect a sentiment widely shared across the jewellery trade—that current legal measures do not provide a strong enough deterrent. “Criminals are acting without consideration of the public, and they have no fear of the police. They have no respect for anyone trying to make a living. The courts need to get fair dinkum,” he added. This plea for action resonates with many in the industry who have voiced frustrations about the need for better protection and more effective crime deterrence.
Implications for the Jewellery Sector and Retail Security
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing jewellers, especially those in regional locations. While jewellers in larger cities often adopt more robust security practices than their regional conterparts, incidents such as this may prompt jewellers elsewhere to re-evaluate their own measures. Smith expressed his concerns about potential changes, saying, “We don’t want to get to be like Melbourne where everything valuable has to be locked up at night.”
For jewellers, the impact is felt not only in the loss of valuable stock but also in the costly and time-consuming process of repairs and business recovery. These crimes force jewellers to consider additional investments in security infrastructure, revisit insurance coverage, and prepare staff for potential future incidents.
Protecting the Industry: A Collective Effort
Smith’s call for tougher penalties reflects a broader industry-wide concern about rising crime. As journalists covering the jewellery sector, we see these incidents as not only news but as part of the ongoing dialogue about how best to protect jewellers and their businesses. Ensuring that jewellers—especially those in smaller communities—feel supported by law enforcement and the justice system is crucial for the future of the trade.
This case also serves as a reminder for jewellers to continually assess and strengthen their security protocols, whether through investments in reinforced display cases, advanced surveillance technology, or collaboration with local authorities. The more prepared our industry is, the better positioned we are to deter and respond to criminal threats.
Anyone with information about the robbery is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
