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 Replies: 10 / Views: 989 |
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Valued Member
United States
70 Posts |
Last night after a St. Louis coin show a dealer was followed to his shop and was robbed. The dealer was stabbed in the neck, he's Ok,and the 4 robbers were caught. The coins were returned. When I go to a show I usually have to drive 50 to 100 miles so on the way home I stop in a few small towns and get a soda or something to try to loose anyone that might be following me. Does anyone else out there worry about driving home after a show and what do you do?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Absolutely. It is very normal lately that there are people out there that well know at coin shows people carry money to the show and on the way home. I have a few suggestions.
At the show:
1. Note anyone just wondering around with more interest in the buyers than the coins
2. If paying with a check or a credit card, note anyone standing over you. Possible camera cell phone. DO NOT USE A CHECK WITH YOUR ADDRESS ON IT IN PLAIN VIEW OF OTHERS.
3. If you go to the washroom and someone goes at the same time, change your mind and wonder away. If another attempt and the same person appears, do the same and if it happens 3 times, look for a security guard or show personal and report this.
4. When leaving if someone appears to be leaving the same time, go back inside and look at a table. Then attempt to leave again and if the same person does the same, continue playing the inside,outside game. They usually realize you know. Again find someone to report that.
5. When leaving, look at other cars in the parking lot for a person just sitting there. If so, go back inside for a while. Then a little later if the same person is still just sitting there, get in your car, pretend to be leaving and if they do also, drive back to a spot, go back inside the show. If they do the same, report that to someone. This is one of the most important items. That is where you may well find a follower.
6. Prior to going to a coin show try to find a local police station. When leaving the show, stop by that police station as if looking for an address. If you suspect being followed, go inside and ask directions to anywhere. Just stopping there usually should get rid of followers.
7. Back to the coin show. Never flash large amounts of cash. If possible keep all cash in a front pocket and in several places so you don't produce a bundle.
8. If possible go with someone and explain all the above so they too can help watch for such individuals.
9. Remember that most cars have state license numbers and in many instances a city sticker on the window. Some people leave info on the seats with personal info on them. Naturally through the internet info is now avaiable as to the owners of those vehicals, their addresses, phone numbers, amount of people in that residence, their ages, etc. It really is horrible at how much you can find out about a person on the internet. This is why item 4. and 5. above are really important.
The main thing about a coin show, gun show, etc is to be aware of those around you. This may sound difficult since you are there to do some shopping or selling, but may well be a life saver. Always watch for someone that just wanders around at a show and pays more attention to the people than the products of the show. You would be surprized at how obvious they are. They well know people are not watching them watching you since you are looking at the items on tables.
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Moderator
 United States
188213 Posts |
One thing I love about the coin shows around here is that they are usually in larger expo centers with multiple (non-coin) events going on at the same time. I have gotten in the habit of cutting through one event to get to the coin show; I will even get one of the free bags (from the other event, usually a home improvement type show) to carry around with me to throw off any stalkers. A lot of people to get lost in, a lot of security, yet I still watch my six.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6326 Posts |
I just use my " Spidey Sense".......  And like I've always said...."It's not paranoia if they're really after ya"...... Edited by eaglefoot
02/16/2009 12:42 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
619 Posts |
For the coin roll hunter, rules for leaving coin shows also apply to the bank.
In a Midwestern suburb, one coin roll hunter left the bank with six boxes of halves. He made a quick stop at the elementary school for whatever business he had to take care of. Before locking the car, he covered the boxes on the floor with a towel. Not gone more than five minutes, he returned to find his rear car window shattered and he's out three grand.
Many CRh's routines are repeated week after week and can be observed by a thief over a period of time. If you attract enough "I'm a collector" attention, a tracker can follow you home where the stash of other goodies are.
Edited by deadmunny
02/16/2009 1:19 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
Get a CWP and carry a gun... then follow just carl's advice.
Avoid trouble, but if trouble just wants to happen.... be ready for it.
-SWUSC
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Moderator
United States
23503 Posts |
Another tip learned at the FUN show last year is check the outside of your cases and boxes as you leave. Look for any new stickers or items attached that were not there when you arrived. Last year there was an incident where the robbers placed a tracking device on on of the dealers cases under a sticker - followed them and the rest is history.  Safety first. Your coins can be replaced - you can't |
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Valued Member
 United States
70 Posts |
Thanks a lot. I like the gun idea.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1151 Posts |
Wear a T-shirt with one of the following sayings on it:
Protected by Smith & Wesson
I will give up my gun when they pry my cold dead hands from it
Gun control means using both hands
I have a .45 and a shovel and know how to use both
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3294 Posts |
You forgot the t-shirt off of Happy Gilmore. I think it went, "guns don't kill people, I kill people".
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
Wear a T-shirt with one of the following sayings on it:
Protected by Smith & Wesson
I will give up my gun when they pry my cold dead hands from it
Gun control means using both hands
I have a .45 and a shovel and know how to use both
Not a real smart move in some areas. For example in the Chicago area if a cop even slightly suspects you have a gun, guess where you will spend a few days? Quote:
Another tip learned at the FUN show last year is check the outside of your cases and boxes as you leave. Look for any new stickers or items attached that were not there when you arrived. Last year there was an incident where the robbers placed a tracking device on on of the dealers cases under a sticker - followed them and the rest is history.
OH, OH. I missed that one. Never thought of that and one more thing to watch for. Darn moderazation equipment. One more reason to watch for anyone going near your car when arriving. Same thing could be put on your car. Not to likely though since a criminal doesn't really know if you are a few dollar person or a really big amount of money person until they watch you at the shows. |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 989 |
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Posted 02/16/2009 11:11 am
