New Jersey Jeweler Charged in Expansive Multi-State Rooftop Jewelry Burglary Spree

HACKENSACK, NJ – In a significant development targeting organized crime within the jewelry industry, authorities have announced the arrest of a New Jersey jeweler accused of facilitating the sale of millions of dollars worth of stolen merchandise. This arrest is part of a broader, multi-jurisdictional investigation into a highly organized crew responsible for a series of audacious rooftop burglaries targeting high-end jewelry establishments across the New York metropolitan area.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on April 5 that 56-year-old Frank Lashvili of River Vale, New Jersey, was taken into custody. Lashvili, a jeweler by profession, faces serious charges of fencing stolen property and receiving stolen goods, painting a vivid picture of the intricate networks that underpin such sophisticated criminal enterprises. While the specific location of Lashvili’s employment as a jeweler remains undisclosed, his alleged role as a “fence” – a crucial intermediary in the illicit trade of stolen valuables – underscores the complexity and reach of the criminal operation now under scrutiny.

Unraveling a Sophisticated Burglary Network: The Englewood Heist

The investigation gained significant traction following a brazen burglary that occurred on October 22, 2017, at Le Cristal Jewelry in Englewood, New Jersey. In what has become a hallmark of this particular crew’s methodology, suspects gained entry by cutting a strategic hole in the store’s roof. This meticulous approach allowed them to bypass traditional security measures and make off with approximately $275,000 in high-value jewelry.

A comprehensive and collaborative investigation, spearheaded by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Englewood Police Department, quickly identified a “burglary crew” as responsible. This crew allegedly included 55-year-old Kevin Lyde of Brooklyn, New York, a figure whose name would surface in connection with multiple similar incidents. The ongoing investigation revealed Lyde and his associates were implicated in several other rooftop jewelry store burglaries, extending their criminal reach throughout the expansive New York metropolitan area.

Frank Lashvili’s alleged role in this elaborate scheme was to serve as the critical conduit for liquidating the ill-gotten gains. The press release explicitly states that the burglars funneled the stolen jewelry through Lashvili, who would then allegedly sell these items, thereby converting the physical loot into untraceable cash and perpetuating the cycle of crime. The charges against Lashvili – two counts of fencing and two counts of receiving stolen property – reflect the severity of his alleged involvement in this illicit supply chain.

The Million-Dollar Heist: New Rochelle Coin, Stamp, and Jewelers

The alleged crime spree of Kevin Lyde and his associates took another dramatic turn with the February 2 burglary of New Rochelle Coin, Stamp, and Jewelers, a local retailer in New Rochelle, New York. This incident, which mirrored the modus operandi of previous rooftop intrusions, resulted in a staggering loss of over $1 million in goods, significantly escalating the scope and financial impact of the crew’s criminal activities.

The New Rochelle Police Department, following extensive investigative efforts, announced the arrests of Kevin Lyde and another Brooklyn resident, 55-year-old Kevin Young, in connection with this high-stakes burglary. After executing meticulous search warrants at various locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan, both Lyde and Young were apprehended on April 5, the same day Lashvili was arrested in New Jersey.

Police reports indicate that Lyde, Young, and a third suspect who remains at large, meticulously planned and executed the New Rochelle heist. Their method involved cutting a precise hole in the store’s roof, allowing them to drop into a rear section of the premises undetected. This sophisticated entry point highlights the careful reconnaissance and planning that likely preceded each burglary, demonstrating a professional approach to criminal enterprise.

Both Lyde and Young have been formally charged with first-degree grand larceny and third-degree burglary, reflecting the significant value of the stolen property and the nature of their forced entry. As of the latest reports, both men have been booked and are being held pending their arraignment, while law enforcement agencies continue their diligent search for the third outstanding suspect, underscoring the ongoing nature of this complex investigation.

Allegations of a Broader Conspiracy and Impending Charges

The arrests of Lashvili, Lyde, and Young represent a major breakthrough, but authorities believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has indicated that additional charges are anticipated to be filed against Lyde, Young, Lashvili, and other suspects who are still at large. These charges are expected to span both New Jersey and New York, reflecting the multi-state dimension of the alleged criminal enterprise and the coordinated efforts of various law enforcement agencies to dismantle it completely.

This ongoing collaborative effort among different police departments and prosecutor’s offices is crucial in tackling organized crime groups that operate across state lines. The interconnectivity of these cases—from the initial burglaries to the eventual fencing of stolen goods—demonstrates the intricate web law enforcement must untangle to bring all responsible parties to justice.

The Growing Threat of Rooftop Burglaries: Insights from the JSA

The incidents involving Kevin Lyde’s alleged crew are not isolated events but rather indicative of a concerning trend within the jewelry industry. According to the Jewelers Security Alliance’s (JSA) 2017 Annual Crime Report, rooftop burglaries posed a significant and escalating threat to jewelers nationwide. The report documented 18 such incidents across nine states in 2017, a notable increase from the 16 rooftop burglaries recorded the previous year. Crucially, the JSA emphasized that most of these burglaries resulted in substantial financial losses for the affected businesses, often totaling hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, as seen in the New Rochelle case.

The JSA’s analysis sheds light on the common challenges faced by jewelers and law enforcement alike when confronting this particular modus operandi. In many instances, sophisticated burglars successfully compromised existing alarm systems, allowing them to operate undetected for critical periods. In other scenarios, even when alarm signals were successfully transmitted to authorities, police patrols arriving on the scene were often unable to spot any obvious signs of a break-in from the ground level. This allowed burglars, potentially still concealed within the store, on the roof, or in nearby getaway vehicles, to escape before being intercepted. The discreet nature of roof entry often leaves no visible sign of forced entry from the exterior, making immediate detection incredibly difficult.

Another critical finding from the JSA report highlighted a common vulnerability exploited by these criminals: in most of the recent incidents, suspects specifically targeted and took merchandise that had been left in showcases overnight. This practice, while convenient for display, presents an irresistible opportunity for burglars, especially when coupled with successful roof entry techniques that bypass more robust front-door security. It underscores the vital importance of securing all valuable inventory, not just during operating hours, but particularly overnight when stores are unattended.

Safeguarding Jewelers: Best Practices and Future Security

The arrests and ongoing investigation serve as a stark reminder for jewelers to continuously reassess and fortify their security measures against evolving threats. Based on the insights gleaned from incidents like those at Le Cristal Jewelry and New Rochelle Coin, Stamp, and Jewelers, and the recommendations from organizations like the JSA, proactive steps are imperative:

• Enhanced Roof Security: Investing in reinforced roofing materials, motion sensors, and even pressure plates on the roof can help detect intruders before they gain internal access.
• Advanced Alarm Systems: Implementing multi-layered alarm systems with redundant communication paths and internal motion detectors can improve detection rates, even if external sensors are compromised.
• Overnight Merchandise Handling: It is strongly recommended that all high-value merchandise be removed from showcases and stored in secure, UL-rated safes overnight. This single practice can significantly reduce potential losses during a burglary.
• Internal Surveillance: High-resolution cameras with robust recording capabilities and off-site storage are crucial for identifying perpetrators and gathering evidence.
• Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Maintaining strong relationships with local police departments and sharing information about suspicious activities can aid in prevention and faster response times.
• Regular Security Audits: Periodic assessments of a store’s security posture by professional security consultants can identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

The arrests of Frank Lashvili, Kevin Lyde, and Kevin Young mark a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing battle against organized jewelry crime. However, the sophisticated nature of these rooftop burglaries and the intricate networks involved in fencing stolen goods emphasize the persistent challenges faced by the industry. As the investigation continues and authorities work to apprehend the remaining suspects, the focus remains on ensuring justice is served and reinforcing security to protect jewelers from such devastating losses in the future.