They also hope to improve the links between the trade and police authorities.
The scheme, SaferGems, is primarily targeted at jewellery dealers, but also covers associated trades such as antiques and fine art, which are increasingly being targeted by specialist gangs.
The SaferGems project will see the formation of a new intelligence unit which will compile a national database of incidents, crimes and suspects. The specialist unit will be independent, but will include a serving police officer with direct access to police intelligence from across the UK.
The officer will be able to co-ordinate the information with local police forces to enable data to be assessed about raids across different police areas.
Members of the NAG and clients of the insurers will soon be able to access a new website and use it to relay information relating to crime. Once the information is recorded and collated, alerts will be sent to members on a local, regional or national basis, containing details of the tactics used by criminals, the signs to watch out for, and descriptions of suspects.
Attacks on the jewellery trade have risen over the last five years, in part due to increased activity by organised criminal gangs. This, in turn, has led to higher insurance premiums.
Chief executive of the NAG Michael Hoare said: “This initiative is the first of its kind in the UK and we are both confident that over time it will assist our members and T.H. March customers to recognise and help avoid dangerous situations.
“We are also looking forward to strengthening our relationship with the police authorities, supporting them in their battle to identify and break up criminal gangs at an earlier stage than is currently possible.”
Managing director of T.H. March Michael Ferraro said: “Both ourselves and the NAG are acutely aware that this scheme will not prevent theft altogether, but it will have a significant impact to reduce losses and the threats imposed on their business. In the short term, it is unlikely to reduce premiums, but in conjunction with security improvements it should help limit any escalation of costs which is another positive aspect of the SaferGems initiative.”
