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Numismatic crime--unsavory characters

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    Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 7,645 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I resist putting large number of items of material on table at show. I don’t allow them reach in my cases either. I will keep tally sheet on multipke items they must pay for material before it handed over. I either take cash payment item by item or stack up items they want in my case until deal settled. Nothing handed over to their control until cash paid.

    Beware of people wanting look at multiple items at once almost always they trying something sneaky rip you.

    I would tell them “you can box it after it’s paid for.”

    So Cali Area - Coins & Currency
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    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 31,565 ✭✭✭✭✭

    One report of a hit yesterday in Olympia, WA and another report of a hit yesterday in Tyler, TX!!! No idea how many of these pirate crews are out there!

    Same M/O. Start by flashing a wad of cash. Some report that a box is involved that the gold it put into from which it mysteriously disappears

    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
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    originalisbestoriginalisbest Posts: 5,915 ✭✭✭✭

    @jdimmick said:
    About a month ago,

    Had similar occurrence here at my shop, middle eastern man and woman came in wanting to look at gold coins, actually didn't have any at the time, so I said, don't have any. The guy possibly thinking I was just blowing him off, pulled out a large amount of cash in a roll, said, were seriously interested in acquiring gold. I repeated don't have any which I didn't . they left, but I noticed that instead of going back down and getting into a car in the parking lot. (I am in a 2 story building). They began walking out towards the road and walked to the end of the property and along came a van stopped in the road, and they jumped in the van and left. I have no doubt that it was going to be one of the same type of deals as above.

    jim

    Scumball sleight-of-hand artists. Hope they meet the business end of a few bats.

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    TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 43,858 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 14, 2018 7:08PM

    @logger7 said:
    Suspects Identified

    The Numismatic Crime Information Center in collaboration with our European counterparts have identified the following suspects involved in coin thefts across the country.

    NCIC has been tracking these subjects along with others for the past 90 days. Offenses have occurred in Iowa, Wyoming, Aiken South Carolina, Montana, and Colorado, and Nebraska



    If you have been a victim or have come into contact with these subjects we can provide information to the investigating law enforcement agency.

    Please contact:

    Doug Davis
    817-723-7231
    Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

    The guy in the hat has a tattoo that looks kinda like this.



    You can see the mark on his left hand between the thumb and forefinger in the top photo. I just happened to remember that little detail. After all, he was in strangling range for a few minutes. Of course I was in stabbing range, too.

    I told a responding officer this.

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    Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 7,645 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 14, 2018 11:06PM

    Horrible shop owners victimized by these thugs.

    These crooks are bold, experienced thieves. They use the ploy they want to examine a large group of material which allows them shoplift with a hurry mode and distraction. Beware of somebody wanting look at your best material in bulk. Most likely they not for real or looking rip u.

    The last time I had somebody at my table buy a large group of $20 gold coins was 1994. A guy was going around the room with a knapsack and lots of cash rolling in money he made selling Houston Rockets T shirts. Never had a big retail sale like that since. Now they are doing good if they come in bourse room with $100 in their pocket.

    When offering coins - don’t allow them reach in your case, keep a tally sheet if more than one item make them pay a couple items at a time to get the money and make sure they for real. Keep control of your inventory. Run em off if they won’t play by your rules. If multiple coins on table upside down to you while showing be cognizant what they are they will try rip u.

    Interesting photo that older guy has a big shoplifting coat.....he came to steal. If that kid w him he doesn’t have money to buy coins - watch out.

    So Cali Area - Coins & Currency
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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @TwoSides2aCoin said:

    @logger7 said:
    Suspects Identified

    The Numismatic Crime Information Center in collaboration with our European counterparts have identified the following suspects involved in coin thefts across the country.

    NCIC has been tracking these subjects along with others for the past 90 days. Offenses have occurred in Iowa, Wyoming, Aiken South Carolina, Montana, and Colorado, and Nebraska



    If you have been a victim or have come into contact with these subjects we can provide information to the investigating law enforcement agency.

    Please contact:

    Doug Davis
    817-723-7231
    Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

    The guy in the hat has a tattoo that looks kinda like this.



    You can see the mark on his left hand between the thumb and forefinger in the top photo. I just happened to remember that little detail. After all, he was in strangling range for a few minutes. Of course I was in stabbing range, too.

    I told a responding officer this.

    Let the criminals get caught; their fate will be worse than Whitey Bulger in the end in the US prison population.

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    segojasegoja Posts: 6,112 ✭✭✭✭

    These guys hit a local shop in Coeur d'Alene Idaho this weekend.

    Same MO with the box and slight of hand

    JMSCoins Website Link


    Ike Specialist

    Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986

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    Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 7,645 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 15, 2018 10:24AM

    I think in this climate minimize gold coins on display with strategy pull more out of safe if for real paying retail buyer / smooth transaction. The more material they have access to greater likelihood of problem especially stranger customer.

    If at my table at show they play by my rules / screwball requests they can get lost.

    Thuggush looking guys wb concerned of them pulling gun on me.

    So Cali Area - Coins & Currency
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    SweetpieSweetpie Posts: 466 ✭✭✭

    The chance to make a huge sale probably hindered their ability to think clearly. I'm also wondering if they only targeted the store with just a single sales rep?

    In my retail business (food service), we always tried to have 2 people presents at the front at all time. I can't imagine a bullion/coin business shop not having this policy.

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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If business is slow or nearly dead on a given day, it would sure be tempting to see someone walk in with so much cash.

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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Gold Coin Theft-Coin Show

    On Saturday November 17,2018 two suspects were able to distract a dealer at the Grapevine, Texas coin show and steal a roll of Krugerrand's. The suspects were described as a male and female with European accents. They showed the dealer a picture of a coin necklace and were looking for gold coins to make a similar piece. The male suspect wanted to look at a gold eagle and as the dealer opened his case the female immediately reached inside. The dealer said "You just cant reach in my case like that", and she removed her hand. The female then pulled out a roll of money and said they did not have enough and needed to find an ATM machine. The subjects left the show and never returned.

    A few minutes after the suspects left, the dealer realized a roll of Krugerrand's was missing. It is apparent the female suspect palmed the roll when she aggressively reached into the show case. The dealer advised their actions were swift and professional.

    Male subject Female subject
    Mid thirties Mid thirties
    5'6-5'8 5'8-5'10
    Dk hair Lt brn hair
    Pencil thin beard Could pass for Caucasian
    Heavy set Med Build
    Thick accent Thick accent

    SHOW DEALERS SHOULD BE ALERT. The MO in this offense has similar characteristics to recent coin shop thefts that have occurred across the country. THIS MAY BE A NEW TREND AT SHOWS.

    Doug Davis
    817-723-7231
    Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

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    HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @logger7 said:
    Gold Coin Theft-Coin Show

    On Saturday November 17,2018 two suspects were able to distract a dealer at the Grapevine, Texas coin show and steal a roll of Krugerrand's. The suspects were described as a male and female with European accents. They showed the dealer a picture of a coin necklace and were looking for gold coins to make a similar piece. The male suspect wanted to look at a gold eagle and as the dealer opened his case the female immediately reached inside. The dealer said "You just cant reach in my case like that", and she removed her hand. The female then pulled out a roll of money and said they did not have enough and needed to find an ATM machine. The subjects left the show and never returned.

    A few minutes after the suspects left, the dealer realized a roll of Krugerrand's was missing. It is apparent the female suspect palmed the roll when she aggressively reached into the show case. The dealer advised their actions were swift and professional.

    Male subject Female subject
    Mid thirties Mid thirties
    5'6-5'8 5'8-5'10
    Dk hair Lt brn hair
    Pencil thin beard Could pass for Caucasian
    Heavy set Med Build
    Thick accent Thick accent

    SHOW DEALERS SHOULD BE ALERT. The MO in this offense has similar characteristics to recent coin shop thefts that have occurred across the country. THIS MAY BE A NEW TREND AT SHOWS.

    Doug Davis
    817-723-7231
    Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

    @SurfinxHI posted something about this in his show report for Grapevine.

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1009171/grapevine-texas-coin-show-report

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    HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Posted this in another thread. Repost to show what the thieves are doing.

    Vid of Coer d’Alene theft.

    At 1:16 the actual sleight of hand caught on camera.
    http://www.khq.com/story/39475827/brazen-thieves-steal-thousands-in-gold-coins-from-coeur-dalene-shop

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    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 31,565 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Bump

    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
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    MeshMesh Posts: 86 ✭✭✭

    when they say 'How are you my friend' you know they are gypsies

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    Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 7,645 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 21, 2018 2:44PM

    This makes me rethink security. She is picking them apart. They are pro thieves, confuse with diversion, move quickly. They are going after gold coins in roll quantity.

    My cases open from my side of the table. She would have to reach across to open. Better just give them run around get rid of suspicious screwball customers.

    1. Be ready block them access case.
    2. Lock case upon retrieving to show
    3. Be ready call security
    4. Or just don’t deal w suspicious parties period.

    For DE sized gold coins I think I should limit quantity bring to show to around 7. One will be displayed in case others in bank bag to replace any sold. Bulk bullion gold is not my speciality.

    So Cali Area - Coins & Currency
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    HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 30, 2018 3:06PM

    That is good news. Now need to get the others behind bars.

    I hope the bond is going to be high because I suspect no matter what it is he will be bonded out and run. At least the bond money can be forfeited to the court or however NY does it.

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    blitzdudeblitzdude Posts: 5,464 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Noice!

    The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.

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    TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 43,858 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @logger7 said:
    Just one caught in NY, figures with most dealers there dealing with these frauds:

    Suspect Arrested

    The Numismatic Crime Information Center working closely with International Law Enforcement partners in the UK, NYPD Organized Crime Detail and Jewelers Security Alliance have been tracking Roma gang members targeting coin shops across the country. During the past 90 days NCIC has sent out alerts with photos of suspects using coin distractions and quick change thefts when trying to purchase coins.. Yesterday NYPD arrested one of the main suspects in these offenses. Three other subjects were also detained but not arrested.

    The suspects were highly mobile nationwide and several offenses were thwarted by dealers receiving the email crime alerts and sharing this information with employees and other dealers.

    The following suspect is in custody of the New York City Police Department.

    Ioan Bulauca

    NCIC can provide additional information to investigating agencies.

    Yes....that's the one who got me for 13 pieces of gold and 6 Oz of silver.

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    HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @TwoSides2aCoin Will you be able to file for any restitution? Jumping ahead since the perp first has to be convicted.

    Maybe you will be called to testify?

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    TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 43,858 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 30, 2018 7:13PM

    ^.
    We will see what happens. Last time I got a subpoena from NY was for identity theft (1995 ish) . . Thanks to the Secret Service and Interpol, for helping me in that case and catching the perp. I have serious doubts about "restitution" , though.

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    AkbeezAkbeez Posts: 2,689 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Well -- at least you have a smoking gun now. I wish you the best TwoSides -- Sic' em Dano!

    Refs: MCM,Fivecents,Julio,Robman,Endzone,Coiny,Agentjim007,Musky1011,holeinone1972,Tdec1000,Type2,bumanchu, Metalsman,Wondercoin,Pitboss,Tomohawk,carew4me,segoja,thebigeng,jlc_coin,mbogoman,sportsmod,dragon,tychojoe,Schmitz7,claychaser,and many OTHERS
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    AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,544 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Here's a suggestion for you coin shops. Post a sign on the front door that says no hats, hoodies or head coverings. My bank has one posted. Cameras need all the input you can give them.

    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Doug Davis sent out this MO on these characters in line with current reports:

    Suspects Change Theft Pattern/MO

    During the past 45-60 days NCIC has seen a change in the pattern and MO of ROMA gang suspects. It is evident that these individuals are beginning to target smaller shows. Coin show dealers and promoters should be aware and on the alert.

    (Suspects have hit shows in Texas, Oklahoma and Indiana)

    MO

    Usually work in pairs (Male-male, Male-female)
    Heavy European accent
    Interested in gold and silver coins
    Pretends to know little about coins
    Wants coins for present etc.,
    Displays large amt of cash( Bait/distraction)
    Both want to look at different coins at same time (distraction)
    One or both asks numerous questions(distraction)
    May attempt to reach in to dealers case
    Very good at palming ( especially female suspect)
    May not have enough cash and wants to leave and come back shortly(however in several cases they have already palmed coins and never return)
    Suspects may leave deposit and not return because during the transaction they have palmed or switched coins that have been packaged.
    Suspects in some cases buy several thousands of dollars in coins and pay in cash. However during the transaction they want to re-count the money over and over. After they leave the dealer is short of cash.
    Be aware of these red flags. Contact security or the show promoter and advise them of any suspicious activity.

    Doug Davis
    Founder/President
    NCIC

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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 45,446 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Show promoters should make copies of this announcement and pass out copies to every dealer that rents a table.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.

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    3stars3stars Posts: 2,282 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @AUandAG said:
    Here's a suggestion for you coin shops. Post a sign on the front door that says no hats, hoodies or head coverings. My bank has one posted. Cameras need all the input you can give them.

    You can also post leave bags and boxes at the front door or not allow them at all

    Previous transactions: Wondercoin, goldman86, dmarks, Type2
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    RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Some thoughts:
    1) add a man trap 2-door entrance that can be instantly locked from several places in the store.
    2) add height and width tapes to side and top of inside door frame.
    3) buy a real, high resolution surveillance system, not the cheap toys shown in most of the posted images (min. 1-frame per second).
    4) install a screech alarm (louder than a nautical klaxon).

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    RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    PS: You can make these characters more savory by adding an automatic shaker of curry powder in the man trap.

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    Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 7,645 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Thanks for sharing.

    Hope they catch them.

    So Cali Area - Coins & Currency
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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Suspects Seen In Provo,UT

    The suspects below were just seen in a shop in Provo,Utah. All Utah dealers and surrounding states should be on the alert. These suspects have been identified in other thefts across the country. NCIC and UK Law enforcement partners have positive ID on these subjects.

    The suspects may have a small child traveling with them. MO is the same- wanting gold coins flashing large roll of cash.

    Anyone with information contact:

    Doug Davis
    817-723-7231
    Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

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    3keepSECRETif2rDEAD3keepSECRETif2rDEAD Posts: 4,285 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 23, 2019 1:12AM

    ...I’m surprised mr. fedora hasn’t sung on the fat one yet...he must be important to the gang.

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    JimWJimW Posts: 543 ✭✭✭✭

    @originalisbest said:

    @jdimmick said:
    About a month ago,

    Had similar occurrence here at my shop, middle eastern man and woman came in wanting to look at gold coins, actually didn't have any at the time, so I said, don't have any. The guy possibly thinking I was just blowing him off, pulled out a large amount of cash in a roll, said, were seriously interested in acquiring gold. I repeated don't have any which I didn't . they left, but I noticed that instead of going back down and getting into a car in the parking lot. (I am in a 2 story building). They began walking out towards the road and walked to the end of the property and along came a van stopped in the road, and they jumped in the van and left. I have no doubt that it was going to be one of the same type of deals as above.

    jim

    Scumball sleight-of-hand artists. Hope they meet the business end of a few bats.

    Could not agree more! If they are caught and punished with jail time, they'll be back on the streets before you know it...

    Successful BST Transactions: erwindoc, VTchaser, moursund, robkool, RelicKING, Herb_T, Meltdown

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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    TRAVELING ROMA SUSPECTS

    Yesterday ROMA gang members were reported in two different coin shows- Utah and Georgia. However, police were unable to detain.

    In several cases suspects have been in shops and left before police arrive. If possible attempt to get photos and description of vehicles without placing yourself or employees in danger.

    If police are called and suspects are still on the premises but no theft has occurred, responding officers may be reluctant to do anything. However, if you show officers the alerts with photos and the suspects have attempted to use the same MO as in other reported thefts it is enough probable cause for officers to ask for identification.

    Intelligence reports that we have received from our United Kingdom Law Enforcement counterparts show these individuals to be in the US illegally. If so they can be held for an ICE detainer.

    We have been close to catching up with this group and they will be caught. What is most IMPORTANT is that the email alerts have prevented several dealers from being victims. If any dealer comes into contact with any person or persons using the recent MO please let NCIC know ,we have been able to get most of these subjects identified based upon photos or video sent in by victims and potential victims.

    Warrants are currently being issued by several departments who have current on-going investigations involving these subjects. Agencies were able to get these warrants due to the assistance provided by NCIC.

    If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.

    Doug Davis
    Founder/President
    Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

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    yspsalesyspsales Posts: 2,238 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 30, 2019 7:03PM

    Is this the tattoo you saw?

    BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out

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    TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 43,858 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @yspsales said:

    Is this the tattoo you saw?

    No. But here is the duo who came in yesterday. Not the best photo from the Ring App.

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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I wonder why digital imaging for law enforcement purposes is still so poor with how costs have come down? Local TV had a report of a thug robbing a local DD last night on the parkway, but no images.

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    Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 7,645 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 1, 2019 12:40PM

    At shows I keep my cases locked. Keep control of inventory if showing

    When multiple items on table chances of a mistake or theft increase.

    So Cali Area - Coins & Currency
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    giantsfan20giantsfan20 Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭✭
    edited February 1, 2019 4:36PM

    Wonder if the FBI is investigating this since they have the resources and knowledge to deal with this matter.

    No mention on the website of the crimes and persons involved.

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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Suspect Arrested

    The subject pictured below was identified in several NCIC alerts involving thefts of gold coins from shops in Ohio and North Carolina. He was arrested for outstanding warrants last night in Toledo,Ohio.



    Fanica Rostas

    Rostas(In Cap) is seen in the picture above with a subject identified as loan Bulauca. Both subjects were involved in several thefts of gold coins.

    Anyone with information contact:

    Doug Davis
    817-723-7231
    Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

    "The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine."

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    HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What’s are the chances of the stolen gold being recovered?

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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Hemispherical said:
    What’s are the chances of the stolen gold being recovered?

    It all depends on whether they spent it or if law enforcement can locate it, doubtful with shrewd gypsies.

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    JimWJimW Posts: 543 ✭✭✭✭

    Glad to see he was caught - let's hope his friend will be caught soon as well.

    Successful BST Transactions: erwindoc, VTchaser, moursund, robkool, RelicKING, Herb_T, Meltdown

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    KkathylKkathyl Posts: 3,762 ✭✭✭✭✭

    First picture pencilstache would have me on high alert in 1/2 second

    Best place to buy !
    Bronze Associate member

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    HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Kkathyl said:

    Gotta say it would be priceless to build a shop with a steal lock up system basically leaving the perps in a closed steel cell with Walls that shrink in ever minute until it hits 6x10 turns completely black out of light siren sounds then floor drops out to a circus water dunking tank then the clowns show up.

    Can I have some of your special “coffee?” You are very imaginative @Kkathyl. :)

    I do agree that these perps need to pay the consequences for what they have done.

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    kbbpllkbbpll Posts: 542 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 22, 2019 6:57PM

    I had not read this thread before. It amazes me how so many of these victims fell for the "wad of cash" routine. That has to be the oldest trick in the book.

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    logger7logger7 Posts: 8,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Theft Suspect Identified

    On May 15, 2019 the subject pictured below entered a coin shop in Lakeland, FL and bought three gold coins with cash. During the transaction, the suspect requested to re-count the cash and the employee allowed him to do so. However, after leaving the shop the cash was re-counted again and found to be $2700 short.

    NCIC working with European Law Enforcement partners have identified the suspect as Leonard Skovec.

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