Seattle Area Jeweler Adds Concealed Weapons Tech after Armed Robbery

Family owners held at gunpoint look to latest in walk through metal detection to stop violence before it starts 

Athena Security has announced that Aboud Jewelry, a multi-generational Ss, has added Athena’s fast, frictionless Entryway Security Solution to detect concealed weapons. Seattle-area small businesThe multi-sensor walk-through metal detector allows the family owners to quickly and accurately screen anyone entering the business before being allowed inside the store. The newly installed Athena Weapon Detection System immediately was deemed effective upon finding and preventing guns from entering the store.

“We understand that as a jewelry store we are a target for burglars, but with Athena Security’s concealed weapons detection system tech in place, our family and valued customers can rest assured that no one with a weapon is going to gain entry to the store,” said Alhareth Aboud, co-owner of Aboud Jewelers whose mother and father were held at gunpoint in the store in May.  “We’ve already had great success with the system alerting us to weapons two times in the first two weeks using the Athena product.”

Athena Security automatically tells the difference between a weapon and a cell phone, keys and watches, eliminating the need to divest items required by legacy metal detectors, a perfect solution for small businesses to deter and detect concealed weapons.

“This is exactly why we went into business, to help prevent gun violence before it happens,” said Michael Green, CEO of Athena Security.  “Our hearts went out when we heard that the Aboud family had a gun pulled on them, but we can do so much more than feel for small businesses, we can stop this from happening again, providing the safety and peace of mind we all deserve living and working in our local communities.”

In May, before the Athena Concealed Weapon Detection System was installed, a man walked into the store with a concealed weapon and after asking about the value of some gold jewelry, he pulled a gun on Alhareth’s mother and father.  Luckily the gunman fled once Alhareth's father started screaming and his mom hid. Now, the Athena Security system, along with a double set of reinforced doors, was installed the week prior to Memorial Day. Pain Field Airport, also located in Everett, WA, has deployed Athena Security åçto allow traffic to flow through security while scanning passengers and staff.

Aboud Jewelry is not shy about innovation, having added a vibration detector after a nighttime cat burglar cut an adjacent building's wall and used tools to snatch jewelry out of showcase boxes without even entering the room. High-value retail remains on high alert to improve security operations, security procedures and adopt cutting edge technology to reduce the risk of the loss of property, and the loss of life.

Featured

  • 2025 Security LeadHER Conference Program Announced

    ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) – the leading membership associations for the security industry – have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. This carefully crafted program represents a comprehensive professional development opportunity for women in security this year. To view the full lineup at this year’s event, please visit securityleadher.org. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Report: 82 Percent of Phishing Emails Used AI

    KnowBe4, the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its Phishing Threat Trend Report, detailing key trends, new data, and threat intelligence insights surrounding phishing threats targeting organizations at the start of 2025. Read Now

  • NRF Supports Federal Bill to Thwart Retail Crime

    The National Retail Federation recently announced its support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. The act was introduced by Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Representative Dave Joyce, R-Ohio. Read Now

  • ISC West 2025 Brings Almost 29,000 Industry Professionals to Las Vegas

    ISC West 2025, organized by RX and in collaboration with the Security Industry Association, concluded at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas last week. The nation’s leading comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals and left a lasting impression on the global security community. Over five action-packed days, ISC West welcomed more than 19,000 attendees and featured 750 exhibiting brands. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance.