Have you ever heard of pickpockets working coin shows?

291fifth · September 7, 2008 9:33AM

With all the cash floating around it would seem to be a happy hunting ground for these low-lifes.

I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away.

MisterBungle · September 7, 2008 9:40AM

"I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away."
-----

What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show??

Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same
as your chances of hitting the perp!!

~

MrSpud · September 7, 2008 9:53AM

No pickpockets, but at one small coinshow I was at about a year and a half ago, a gold commem and some old notes were shoplifted. The coinshow was pretty dead and all the dealers were angry and speculating which of the few people who had just been there was the culprit (I had just arrived and also knew all the dealers so they didn't suspect me). One dealer took out his pistol and left it out in plain view for the rest of the show.

At another bigger show, one guy got busted pocketing semi-keys out of a binder full of coins. The dealer spotted him and got security and they detained him.

DoubleEagle59 · September 7, 2008 10:01AM

forget pickpocketers.....

at a recent Canadian coin show a dealer was caught red handed stealing from another dealer!!

He was stopped by security. He denied taking anything. Security searched his briefcase and voila!!...the 'stolen' merchandise just happened to mysteriously jump into his briefcase...go figure!!

absolute factual event!!

I'm not naming the dealer.

SilverEagles92 · September 7, 2008 10:05AM

<< "I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away."
-----

What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show??

Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same
as your chances of hitting the perp!!

~ >>

Are you assuming dealers are in their right mind?

Hyperion · September 7, 2008 10:08AM

<< "I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away."
-----

What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show??

Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same
as your chances of hitting the perp!!

~ >>

I didn't realize getting your pocket picked was reasonable justification for deadly force.

TorinoCobra71 · September 7, 2008 10:37AM

<< 

<< "I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away."
-----

What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show??

Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same
as your chances of hitting the perp!!

~ >>

I didn't realize getting your pocket picked was reasonable justification for deadly force. >>

Its not........

291fifth · September 7, 2008 10:39AM

<< "I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away."
-----

What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show??

Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same
as your chances of hitting the perp!!

~ >>

Many dealers carry guns.

At a Sunday bourse a few years back, two very suspicious characters entered and appeared to be casing the show. These folks didn't fit the coin collector mold at all and stood out like sore thumbs. Several dealers noticed them and made their weapons visible, though none made any menacing moves or said anything. The two suspicious characters spotted the guns, quickly lost interest in the show and exited, never to be seen again.

Hyperion · September 7, 2008 10:44AM

<< 

<< "I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away."
-----

What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show??

Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same
as your chances of hitting the perp!!

~ >>

Many dealers carry guns.

At a Sunday bourse a few years back, two very suspicious characters entered and appeared to be casing the show. These folks didn't fit the coin collector mold at all and stood out like sore thumbs. Several dealers noticed them and made their weapons visible, though none made any menacing moves or said anything. The two suspicious characters spotted the guns, quickly lost interest in the show and exited, never to be seen again. >>

really friendly bourse. I hope I dont look like the wrong sort.

MadMarty · September 7, 2008 11:14AM

We have had a couple dealers lose stock at some of our local shows. The suspected thief, another dealer!!

Broadstruck · September 7, 2008 11:18AM

It's probably magicians...

BBN · September 7, 2008 11:19AM

<< 

really friendly bourse. I hope I dont look like the wrong sort. >>

Yeah, no kidding. I definitely don't fit the mold of a collector. I'm in my 30s, look like I'm in my 20s, goatee, weightlifter that would probably go in khaki shorts and some sports Tshirt. Then, since I've never been to a show, I'd probably stand in a corner taking it all in wondering where to start.

LanLord · September 7, 2008 11:43AM

<< 

<< 

<< "I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away." ----- What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show?? Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same as your chances of hitting the perp!! ~ >>

Many dealers carry guns. At a Sunday bourse a few years back, two very suspicious characters entered and appeared to be casing the show. These folks didn't fit the coin collector mold at all and stood out like sore thumbs. Several dealers noticed them and made their weapons visible, though none made any menacing moves or said anything. The two suspicious characters spotted the guns, quickly lost interest in the show and exited, never to be seen again. >>

really friendly bourse. I hope I dont look like the wrong sort. >>

Hyp, they'd see you walking through the parking lot and start preping the WMDs

TwoSides2aCoin · September 7, 2008 12:25PM

<< We have had a couple dealers lose stock at some of our local shows. The suspected thief, another dealer!!

>>

There is no honor among thieves

That's better than my pickpocket joke, eh ?

Amigo · September 7, 2008 12:56PM

What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show??

Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same

I promise you I wouldn't miss hitting the perp. However, with the handgun I use the bullets would go straight thru him and then into a bystander or two. That would be ugly. In a show it would have to be extordinary circumstances to justify taking a shot, as in life is at stake.

I only do a local show, I wouldn't do it without carrying a weapon. Too many nuts out there coming and going. I way overstock the local show with a lot of high value items that aren't insured that I use to display. I'm not gonna give it up without a hellva fight.

19Lyds · September 7, 2008 1:07PM

"Have you ever heard of pickpockets working coin shows?"

Yes, but I usually hang around on the other side of the tables so I'm safe!

JCMhouston · September 7, 2008 1:27PM

I'm not a dealer, but do carry. My first two loads are frangibles, very little penetration, I'm not likely to miss.

Broadstruck · September 7, 2008 2:33PM

<< My first two loads are frangibles, very little penetration >>

There's pills on the market for your condition

WTCG · September 8, 2008 5:08PM

<< 

<< "I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away."
-----

What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show??

Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same
as your chances of hitting the perp!!

~ >>

Many dealers carry guns.

At a Sunday bourse a few years back, two very suspicious characters entered and appeared to be casing the show. These folks didn't fit the coin collector mold at all and stood out like sore thumbs. Several dealers noticed them and made their weapons visible, though none made any menacing moves or said anything. The two suspicious characters spotted the guns, quickly lost interest in the show and exited, never to be seen again. >>

How did these two people not "fit the coin collector mold? What did they look like? Since becoming involved in this industry I have learned to not judge an attendee by appearances or attire. If security was profiling people based on looks then that is very unfortunate and unfair.

BAJJERFAN · September 8, 2008 9:53PM

<< With all the cash floating around it would seem to be a happy hunting ground for these low-lifes.

I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away. >>

At a local show a couple of years ago, a dealer claimed a coin was missing/stolen and the local police chief was the overnight security.

Hyperion · September 8, 2008 9:59PM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< "I wonder if the expectation of security and dealers carrying guns would keep them away." ----- What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show?? Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same as your chances of hitting the perp!! ~ >>

Many dealers carry guns. At a Sunday bourse a few years back, two very suspicious characters entered and appeared to be casing the show. These folks didn't fit the coin collector mold at all and stood out like sore thumbs. Several dealers noticed them and made their weapons visible, though none made any menacing moves or said anything. The two suspicious characters spotted the guns, quickly lost interest in the show and exited, never to be seen again. >>

really friendly bourse. I hope I dont look like the wrong sort. >>

Hyp, they'd see you walking through the parking lot and start preping the WMDs

>>

BAJJERFAN · September 8, 2008 11:04PM

<< What kind of idiot would fire a gun at a coin show??

Your chances of hitting a bystander is about the same

I promise you I wouldn't miss hitting the perp. However, with the handgun I use the bullets would go straight thru him and then into a bystander or two. That would be ugly. In a show it would have to be extordinary circumstances to justify taking a shot, as in life is at stake.

I only do a local show, I wouldn't do it without carrying a weapon. Too many nuts out there coming and going. I way overstock the local show with a lot of high value items that aren't insured that I use to display. I'm not gonna give it up without a hellva fight. >>

Not to start a pissing contest, but thats a rather bold statement to make. If the pickpocket was a 400 pound tub o lard, I doubt there is any effective bullet from any sensible carry gun that would be capable of guaranteed exit if it hit a lethal area. If you are that concerned about excessive penetration then [assuming you are carrying a semi-auto of some sort] you should have clip of frangibles for indoor use and a clip of something else for use in less congested areas.

ricko · September 9, 2008 12:24AM

It is obvious, from many of the comments here, that most people do not understand when deadly force may be applied and when it cannot. Surreptitious theft is NOT justification for deadly force - ever. For deadly force to be employed, one must believe the perpetrator has the ABILITY to inflict serious or deadly harm, the OPPORTUNITY to do so, and there must be immediate JEOPARDY. If these three conditions are met, deadly force may be employed - otherwise, the individual using the weapon will be going to jail. Cheers, RickO

Trime · September 9, 2008 12:38AM

While I abhor criminal activity and understand the risk of armed robbery outside of shows, the idea of a bunch of cowboys having a shootout in a large crowded bourse is equally frightening to me. The shows do hire security who should be trained to handle matters. I would say check your guns at the door, offer silent alarms if wanted and have extra security at the exits. At exit your gun is yours and your protection is your business.
Sorry if I offend any of you but safety extends beyond the self.

pendragon1998 · September 9, 2008 12:39AM

Clearly Ricko has his head on straight.

One thought: In GA, we've got code prohibiting carry at 'public gatherings' (the definition of which are rather nebulous), but allowing it at businesses. I'm not sure where coin shows would fit in between being a public gathering vs. where coin dealers are doing business. My guess is that a coin show is not a public gathering (in the legal sense), since it is a venue to do business, but YMMV.

Here's the plain language interpretation of Georgia's code regarding when it's legal to use deadly force:

There are 3 code sections that govern when lethal or deadly force may lawfully be used.

Defense from a forcible felony; A person is justified in using force which may harm or kill only if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or a third person or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. You are not justified if you were the aggressor or you are/were/on-the-way-to committing a felony. (The state has pre-empted local cities and counties from further restricting this defense.)(16-3-21)

Defense of habitation; (here habitation means dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business) A person is justified in the use of force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if:

1. A person is breakinghas broken into your home in a violent and tumultuous manner, and you think that the intruder is going to assault you or someone else living there.
2. A person who is not a member of the family or household and who unlawfully and forcibly enters the residence and you know it is an unlawful entry.
3. The person using such force reasonably believes that the entry is made or attempted for the purpose of committing a felony therein and that such force is necessary to prevent the commission of the felony.

(16-3-23)

Defense of property other than habitation; Lethal force cannot be used to protect real property unless the person using such force reasonably believes that it is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.(16-3-24)

(Stand Your Ground/Shoot First/License To Murder - went into effect July 1st, 2006) If you have determined you need to use lethal force (as stated in one of the underlined "Defense" sections immediatly above) you do not have to try to retreat before using that force. If your defense is valid, you are immune from criminal procecution (unless it is illegal to carry that weapon where you used it) and civil liability actions.(16-3-23.1, 16-3-24.2, 51-11-9)

--

There would have to be an extremely bad situation going down for me to even consider pulling a carry weapon in a crowded bourse - and I mean bad (as in a gunman unloading on the crowd). I would say something if I noticed a theft - I'd also likely follow them from a safe distance until the security guy got there - but I don't think any responsible person would pull a gun to stop a pickpocket.

pendragon1998 · September 9, 2008 12:41AM

<< the idea of a bunch of cowboys having a shootout in a large crowded bourse is equally frightening to me. >>

Have you ever heard of that happening before in the many years that people have carried to coin shows (or for that matter, in restaurants, parks, businesses, etc...all of the places that law-abiding, licensed individuals have been quietly carrying for decades)??

53BKid · September 9, 2008 2:06AM

I've always been afraid of that!

Have you ever heard of pickpockets working coin shows?

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