Knowing Where to Turn When Your Art or Jewelry Gets Stolen

by Carie McMichael | Mar 29, 2022 | Art & Jewelry Theft

Anyone who has ever fallen victim to art or jewelry theft understands the unique brutality of this crime. While such precious treasures may represent a substantial financial investment, they are also often of great sentimental value—inflicting double the wound when they vanish without a trace. 

And how common is jewelry theft, you may wonder? Well, the latest jewelry theft statistics paint a grim picture. According to the FBI, more than $100 million worth of jewelry is stolen each year in the USA. Meanwhile, art theft poses enough of a problem that the FBI has a dedicated Art Crime Team. No doubt, the threat is real to all who act as guardians for prized examples of human creativity—whether what menaces is gallery or jewelry store theft, or the violation of a business premises or private residence.

1. How Often Is Stolen Jewelry Recovered?

In a jewelry theft investigation, the results can be sort of a mixed bag. Because of the one-of-a-kind nature of many stolen jewelry or art items, when the worst occurs, art or jewelry theft insurance offers little peace of mind. Owners want their beloved pieces back, but sadly the odds are rarely in their favor. Art and jewelry theft stats vary, but together paint a clear picture that the vast majority of precious items are never reunited with their owners. 

This is in part because law enforcement agencies operating with overstretched resources often have little choice but to prioritize violent crimes. Investigations of stolen jewelry, art, electronics, and other personal valuables sit on the to-do list, or face delays due to bureaucracy or a shifting chain of command. Of course, reporting art and jewelry theft through traditional channels is essential and may result in the victim’s favor. However many individuals or businesses who have suffered such a loss will be relieved to know that there are other avenues to explore when seeking the return of prized possessions.

2. Turning To a Specialized Art and Jewelry Theft Private Investigator

When police progress seems to have ground to a halt or one feels that precious time is being wasted, there is another form of art or jewelry theft investigation at your disposal. Uniquely, specialized private investigators are able to pour their complete attention into putting the puzzle pieces together until a clear picture emerges. They also operate independently, objectively, and efficiently on behalf of their clients, while drawing upon a wide variety of resources.

Typically, this type of private investigator will have a background either directly in law enforcement, or in working alongside such agencies. As such, they will be able to offer a skill set that includes the capacity to profile subjects, canvass for witnesses, and apply forensic methodology to both the crime scene and chain of events. 

For example, by seeking out CCTV footage not only from the theft site but also the wider surrounding area, they will diligently strive to map the criminal’s movements. Meanwhile a jewelry theft investigator may turn to an online jewelry database in their search of clues and monitor online transactions in order to trace the stolen jewelry in question. In fact, licenced private investigators can access many of the same law enforcement databases that a police investigator would. 

Ultimately, whatever stone must be turned to find answers, a jewelry theft private investigator will do so meticulously—identifying the most efficient next step at each case evolution, and documenting evidence as it arises. Because their loyalty is to you as their client, you can also be assured of oversight and control. 
If you are ready to enlist the assistance of a private investigator after falling prey to the perpetrators of art or jewelry theft, Lauth Investigations International is ever-ready to assist. Our dedicated, seasoned, and highly professional team offer expertize in swiftly locating and returning missing assets. To learn more about our methodology and how to set sleuthing in motion, get in touch today.

Find Stolen Property with a Private Investigator

by Carie McMichael | Sep 22, 2021 | Art & Jewelry Theft

Do you need help with a theft investigation to find stolen property? Closure may be closer than you think.

Property theft can happen anywhere, but when it rises to the level of grand larceny, an investment in its return may be prudent. Of course every jurisdiction has its own unit dedicated to property theft—but not every unit has the resources or the manpower in order to handle the demands property theft poses in a certain jurisdiction. Not to mention that the nature of stolen property cases always presents unique challenges in tracking both the perpetrator and the property itself as it changes hands. As such, many victims of grand larceny and other forms of theft have trouble recovering their property through bureaucratic channels. When these challenges arise, victims may feel the need to get a second opinion.

Hiring a private investigator to find stolen property is a way to bring new professional perspective to your case. Private investigators and law enforcement use many of the same tools in their investigative toolbox. Many private investigators are former law enforcement officers who apply their professional knowledge to the private sector—only private investigators have a slight edge. Law enforcement officers can handle between 30-40 cases at any give time, which makes it difficult to give each case the attention it deserves. However, private investigators typically handle between 4-5 cases at a time, leaving a lot more time for due-diligence and field investigations. There is a great deal of canvassing involved with a theft investigation, including neighboring businesses and private residences, and local pawn shops in order to track the stolen property. Investigators cannot possibly hope to do that for every case when they are handling an excess of 30 cases at once. This means that crucial witnesses and evidence can be lost, leading to significant stagnation in case progression.

Another benefit to hiring a private investigator to find stolen property is their lack of jurisdiction. Because they have no powers of arrest, it can be easier to get relevant subjects and witnesses to be forthcoming in the investigation and result in additional leads. Once the property is located, private investigators can serve as a middle-man. Without powers of arrest, private investigators can facilitate the successful return of the property. Many subjects are willing to return the property in order to avoid the police.

At the conclusion of the case, private investigators provide clients with comprehensive reports and context to ensure the client understands the outcome. Private investigators may also be inclined to offer professional advice so the client can prevent future thefts. This doesn’t just go for personal property, but corporate property as well. Things like fixtures, equipment, and product are all targets of theft, and each one deserves the specialized approach that a private investigator can bring.

If you need a private investigator to find stolen property, call Lauth Investigations International today for a free quote and hear about how we can help. We are staffed by former military and law enforcement personnel, and carry a glowing A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call 317-951-1100 today or visit us online at www.lauthinveststg.wpengine.com.