The 2007 Brisbane Jewellery Fair Theft: A Wake-Up Call for Exhibition Security and the Vital Role of Jewellers Block Insurance
In March 2007, a brazen theft at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre during setup for the Australian Jewellery Fair shocked the industry. Three thieves – two men and a woman – walked into the venue around 9:30am, casually lifted two cases of jewellery (mostly rings) from an unattended stall, and escaped with goods worth $165,000.
The incident occurred before the fair officially opened, highlighting a vulnerable moment: the setup phase when exhibits are unpacked but full security protocols may not yet be in place.
Why This Heist Still Matters Today
Nearly two decades later, the 2007 Brisbane theft remains a key lesson for Australian jewellers participating in trade fairs and exhibitions. Similar vulnerabilities persist:
- Setup and pack-down periods are high-risk times when stock is exposed.
- Opportunistic thieves can blend in among vendors, contractors, and staff.
- Exhibition centres, while secure during opening hours, may have reduced monitoring outside public times.
Recent smash-and-grab incidents at retail stores and even international heists (like the 2025 Louvre Crown Jewels theft) echo the same themes: bold, quick strikes exploiting momentary lapses.
Essential Lessons for Exhibitors
- Never leave stock unattended – Even for brief moments during setup.
- Use secure storage – Keep valuables in locked cases or safes when not displayed.
- Layered security – Employ venue guards, personal alarms, and anti-theft tethers for displays.
- Team vigilance – Multiple staff members on-site at all times.
- Comprehensive insurance – Standard venue or travel policies often exclude exhibitions or have low limits.
The Crucial Role of Jewellers Block Insurance
This is where Jewellers Block insurance proves invaluable. A specialist policy like Centrestone’s includes:
- Full all-risks cover for stock at exhibitions and trade fairs (worldwide extensions available).
- Protection during transit, setup, display, and pack-down.
- No restrictive clauses requiring stock removal overnight or from displays.
- Cover for theft, damage, or loss without heavy depreciation.
Without proper Jewellers Block, exhibitors risk devastating uninsured losses – as could have been far worse in the 2007 incident.
The Brisbane fair theft was a reminder that opportunity makes the thief. Today, with rising organised crime targeting high-value events, robust security and specialist insurance are non-negotiable.
Centrestone Jewellers Block – Ensuring your exhibits are protected, from setup to showcase.
Planning to exhibit? Contact us for tailored cover that lets you focus on business, not risks.
