Tucson News NowGem show theft doesn’t deter vendors

A big theft of rare stones hits some out-of-state gem dealers hard.

The gem show stone heist serves as a reminder that while security is offered, vendors still have to be careful and take their own precautions.

David Freeland wears one of his favorite pieces around his neck.

He lives here, has been at the gem show for decades and considers this place secure.

Freeland says the theft of almost a million dollars worth of Oregon sunstones should not tarnish Tucson's image.

The crime happened away from an actual show.

"Some of the officers that have been here at this location, we've seen them here twelve, fourteen years.  So you get to know them and we feel like we have very good security," Freeland said.

Sergeant Maria Hawke said, "More often than not they hire off-duty police officers to physical staff and be on site to hopefully deter some of these activities that are happening.  But people can actually do things on their own to not become a victim of a crime of theft."

Tucson police officers both in uniform and undercover will keep watch.

Two mobile command units are roaming the area.

Linda Walsh said, "The command units and everything, that really adds to the feeling of security."

Walsh agrees the recent theft, just as others, should not keep people away from Tucson. "It's part personal responsibility, too. But as long as that sort of thing doesn't proliferate, image will be fine."

Freeland said, "Well you can always send things. Brinks or armored car service meet you at your location where you're going to be to do your shows. That's always good or insures it that way."

Freeland says Tucson still has the reputation of being the biggest show in the world and is considered a tradition in the industry. "Well I think you're going to have crime everywhere and I think for as big as this is and how many dealers are in town and how much merchandise is changing hands, I think theft is a minimal."

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