The strength of any industry lies in the relationships that drive it forward. We at Jewellers’ Network were honoured to attend the Bryte Risk Reset Discussion in partnership with The Jewellery Council of South Africa, an important event focused on the growing security threats facing South Africa’s jewellery sector.
Industry experts, insurers, security specialists, and business leaders came together to discuss evolving crime trends, risk management strategies, and practical solutions to help protect jewellers, their staff, and their businesses in an increasingly challenging environment.
Together, through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and industry leadership, we can continue building a stronger, safer, and more resilient jewellery community.
About Bryte Insurance
Bryte Insurance has a proud history spanning 176 years, dating back to 1849 when its ancestor company, Star Life, sold its first policy. Through the decades, the brand evolved through Eagle Star Insurance (1917), SA Eagle (1965), the Zurich brand (2007), and finally the Bryte brand as it is known today, established in 2017. Bryte holds a Level 2 B-BBEE rating.
On 1 July 2026, Bryte’s dedicated Jewellery and Precious Assets team celebrates 26 years of service to the industry. The team works alongside trusted advisors and broker partners, recognising that no two jewellers are the same. Their affiliation with the Jewellery Council of South Africa, alongside involvement with the ICB, SAIA, and their own fraud and investigation panel, positions them as a specialist insurer deeply embedded in the industry.
Crime Trends Facing South Africa’s Jewellery Sector
The presentation highlighted the alarming breakdown of crime affecting jewellers:
- 68% of incidents involve armed robbery
- 19% are classified as burglary
- 8% occur off premises
- 7% fall under other categories including motor-related incidents
Syndicates Over the Years
The discussion provided a sobering overview of organised crime syndicates targeting the jewellery industry between 2018 and 2026:
- 2019-2021: Syndicates using masks, hats, and caps to conceal identity during robberies
- 2018-2021: The “Hammer Gang” responsible for significant losses, with claims reaching approximately R3 million
- 2020-2026: Ongoing syndicate activity with hardly any recoveries. Only three notable recoveries have been made, with a total value of less than R3 million
These syndicates have been used in every armed robbery targeting jewellers and have registered the largest number of armed robberies in the sector.
Safeguarding Your Store: The Key Discussion
A central theme of the event was how to eradicate criminal activity through a multi-pronged approach. The discussion covered the critical elements of crime prevention:
- Pursuing cases to arrest
- Arresting suspects
- Opposing bail
- Securing successful prosecution
The experts emphasised that combating crime in the jewellery sector requires addressing two elements: the criminal’s will to commit the crime, and the opportunity that allows it to happen. Reducing opportunity through better security protocols is where jewellers can make the biggest impact.
Success Stories
The session shared encouraging examples of how collaborative efforts have yielded results:
- Robberies: An arrest in Port Elizabeth was linked to incidents in Klerksdorp and Rustenburg, resulting in no robberies in those areas for nearly a year
- Theft: Arrests in Cape Town and Centurion led to no further thefts since the suspects were apprehended
Best Practice Security Protocols
The presentation outlined practical security measures every jewellery store should implement:
Camera Systems
- Install 7.1 megapixel (or higher) camera systems
- Ensure clear, high-quality footage at all times
- A dedicated head-and-shoulders camera positioned at 1.8 metres high for clear identification
Access Control
- Control entrance to the store at all times
- Maintain a visible presence in front of the store
- No caps or glasses policy for entering customers (use discretion)
- Staff in uniform for clear identification
- Watch for suspicious behaviour and groups
- Slow it down: controlling the pace of entry is a key deterrent
Smoke Machines
- An effective deterrent against armed robbery
- Staff should carry the remote activation device at all times
- Service and test the system regularly
- Install glass break sensors as an additional trigger
Security Guards and Information Sharing
- Security guards are a major asset for early detection
- Guards can activate smoke machines as an early response
- SAPS often do not know of all incidents; it is essential that the industry brings this information to them
- Share information across the industry to link suspects and build stronger cases
A Change of Attitude
One of the most important messages from the event was about responsibility. Safeguarding your store is not solely the job of the police, your insurer, or your security company. It requires a change of attitude from every jeweller: implementing proper protocols and procedures, investing in the right equipment, and sharing information across the industry.
The Bryte Risk Reset Discussion demonstrated that when the industry comes together, with insurers, security specialists, law enforcement, and jewellers collaborating, it is possible to make meaningful progress in protecting businesses and reducing crime.
This article is based on the Bryte Risk Reset Discussion held on 4 June 2026, in partnership with The Jewellery Council of South Africa. For more information about Bryte’s Jewellery and Precious Assets insurance, speak to your trusted broker or advisor.