T. H. March and NAG launch major Crime Intelligence Initiative, SaferGems

In a move to provide much needed intelligence and support for the continuous fight against crime to the jewellery and associated trades, antique and fine art industries, customers of T.H. March and members of NAG will have direct access to a new Crime Intelligence Initiative - SaferGems.

SaferGems has been developed by NAG and T.H. March to help address serious crimes to which the jewellery and associated trades, antique and fine art dealers are increasingly being targeted by specialist gangs and ruthless amateurs. Unlike other security initiatives already in place, SaferGems will identify and help to address the issues that contribute to serious crime by compiling a confidential national, geographical database of incidents, crimes and suspects.

A specialist independent team, which includes a serving police officer with direct access to police intelligence (from across the UK) will co-ordinate information supplied by members and local police forces to enable composite data about raids in different police areas which could lead to criminal proceedings, convictions and ultimately a reduction in crime for the whole industry.

Once information is recorded and collated, alerts will be sent to members on a local, regional or national basis. The alerts will contain details of criminal methods of operation and where possible describe criminals and suspects. Retailers will therefore have unique insight and positive intelligence into active criminal threats that could affect them at any time.

Michael Ferraro, Managing Director of T.H. March commented: "As a leading insurance broker renowned for delivering first-class customer service and policies, we are extremely proud to be launching this scheme for our customers and NAG members. Both organisations 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."

Michael Hoare from NAG commented: "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."

The NAG and T.H. March will be writing to each of their members and insured?s shortly with further details

Further information on the scheme is available from: Michael Hoare at the NAG, Tel: 020 7613 4445 or Michael Ferraro at T.H. March, Tel: 020 7405 0009.