Safety Protocol When Leaving a Coin Show
UpGrayedd
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While I am not a lawyer, and I don't want to debate what is and isn't libelous, I was disappointed to see the Atlanta Show thread closed. I found some of the information contained therein to be very disturbing/scary while also very informative. I am not a dealer, but I do carry large sums of cash and valuable (atleast for me) coins to and from shows. I am inherently cautious/paranoid by nature so I do usually take a long route home with extra/unnecessary turns to make sure no one is following me. I also have my concealed carry permit and keep a S&W AirLite loaded with .38 SPL + P rounds in the car. However, I never would have thought to check behind my tires before leaving, but will be doing so from now on. With that being said are there any other safety steps any of you would care to share?
Comments
I created a thread called "Common Sense Security Tips" years ago after a well known dealer (Julian Leidman) was hit after a show. I will go bump it for anyone interested.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
BUTTERNUT BITES #8: Security at Coin Shows By Steve Ellsworth
https://www.nsdr.net/2012/07/14/butternut-bites-8-security-at-coin-shows/
here are some tips
Do not draw notice to yourself
keep alert of your surroundings
2003-present
https://www.omnicoin.com/security/users/login
Forum members can still read the information in that thread.
In addition to safety precautions when leaving shows, I strongly advise people to be vigilant during the shows.
I've heard stories about show participants being scouted, while they're at the shows. The bad guys watch for potential victims who don't pay attention to their surroundings, who take their eyes off of their briefcases (or whatever they're carrying) are lax while examining coins or showing them to others, who are engrossed in conversations - anything that might indicate an easier potential target.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I guess one thing that really concerns me is the availability and ease of use of Apple AirTags. According to the other thread, anyone with an Apple device is supposed to be notified when an AirTag is present, but what about those of us that prefer Android.
I follow rule 1911
USAF (Ret) 1974 - 1994 - The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. Remembering RickO, a brother in arms.
I prefer rule 357, but 1911 is a good rule too.
There is NO replacement for Common sense ..
Be aware of thing around you.
When leaving a show Do not stop for the first 4 hours.
IF you have a carry permit somehow let it show so they will pick on someone else.
FYI, The suspects were sitting in the parking lot in the same car on Friday at The Bessemer, Al Coin Show last weekend. The police went out and got their tag number. When the suspects saw the police they quickly left and were not seen again the entire weekend. Believe you me if they had shown up again they would have been recognized and seen.
For those going to the Dalton, Ga. show in 2 weeks be aware. The odds are very high they will show up there.
Remove all name tags or other items that would identify you as a collector or dealer before exiting a show.
My former partner at gunshows was comms for team one in Coronado. He had a 'sniffer'. It could detect detect pinging freq. You'd be surprised at how often it went off on his laptop by people walking around trying to catch your RFID chips.
It's always a good idea to leave with your food, drink, and a full gas tank and no evidence of any show participation. Do a full walk around on your vehicle.
In the last few decades, Everytime I hear of a problem it's because they have left the door open to being vulnerable or they have momentarily let their guard down. It could be something you are not even aware of.
Internet tough guys... got to love em!
when leaving the show on foot first traverse and get lost in a very nearby crowded venue before heading to your car.
Agree. Victims are chosen inside the show not in the parking lot.
This why I fuel up before I stop for the show.
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What is that supposed to mean?
ccw back-up and counter assault openly carried on your hip might be a good deterrent.
I have tried to find out the number of robberies before, during or after a coin show nationwide for 2021. I truly feel the figure will be staggering. We see many items of info regarding specific robberies, but not a total for the year, not speaking of $amount just incidences with inclusion of robberies not completed. I think people need to be far better educated, especially visitors/buyers to the coin shows. I think most regular sellers at these shows are better prepared, but I do not think that the attendees are at all and they should be prepared. Most of my friends that go, carry large sums of cash rather than dealing with credit/debit cards and if dealers feel overpriced by the fees of cards, then pass them on to customers. I feel this would be one beneficial step for buyers to protect themselves. I'm sure this probably can be done anywhere, but when I attended the MidWest Truck Show each year, many friends and other dealers hired local offduty police to accompany them any time they carried large sums of money. I'm sure it could be done at coins shows also, at least I would think so. JMO
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Hmm, in one case someone knocked on our office door so my boss opened it. Then suddenly there he was with a gun on each temple. I try not to engage in victim-blaming.
I never travel alone, always have you car full of gas and even have some food in the car. When I’m traveling by air, after landing, I ask for security to walk me to my car.
I always try to leave a show along with other people I know … dealers, collectors, etc. Walking alone though a parking garage is a very bad idea. There is safety in numbers, to some degree. There are people in this world who will end your life for $200 in quick cash.
Dave
Hmm. How is a coin thief supposed to follow you onto a commercial flight? It's not like the old days where they could follow you through the terminal and purchase a ticket at the gate.
Also: you can get airport security officers to accompany you around, just for the asking? What country is this??
If someone air tags your car or luggage you’re screwed in 2 ways: 1) if you have an iPhone with you, your movements will be continuously traced within about a 5 minute lag 2) if you don’t have an iPhone, anyone within approx 800-1000 ft of the air tag with an iPhone or apple device will unknowingly alert the bad actor of your location.
But, if you do have an iPhone, and someone plants an air tag near you, Apple should send you a notification that an air tag is near you within an hour or so. However these notifications are haphazard and not reliable. So a paradox: use an iPhone and notify the thief of your whereabouts, but possibly get the warning; or use android and be invisible until an Apple device is within Bluetooth range and get no warning.
Would be a little more work BUT maybe have a parking area strictly for dealers? Loading and unloading areas should be separate from the wandering public.
"A dog breaks your heart only one time and that is when they pass on". Unknown
All quick draws, apparently.
To me it meant that all these concealed carry guys are going to get themselves killed.
Most CCW guys are shooting sport enthusiasts and are far more proficient with firearms than most cops. Ricko is a firearms instructor and range officer and would be very proficient in a self-defense situation.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Personal security and show security are critical areas when carrying cash/valuables and displaying same. We know from the many reports here, that the danger is very real, and it will continue. Everyone participating in the shows, or planning on attending to buy or sell, should be aware of proper precautions. Situational awareness is vital. There are often indicators of intent that can be observed before and avoidance measures employed. If personal defense is one of an individuals choices, get training in both weapon handling and the law. Know the laws in the state you are in, they vary. Cheers, RickO
It's not that they can't shoot. It's that you need to draw down on a possibly armed thief before he blows your head off. I give the 30 year old meth head better then even money against the 70 year old coin dude.
I would prefer @3stars answer for themselves. I didn't see anyone acting like an "internet tough guy" until @3stars showed up. No one insulted anyone until @3stars made their unnecessary comment. No one threatened anyone, no one claimed they were tougher than anyone, and no claimed they would beat anyone up or out draw them in your words. A few posters mentioned, myself included, that they carry for personal protection, but that in no way makes us "internet tough guys" unless you believe that we are lying and don't actually carry. I don't think internet tough guy aka a keyboard warrior means what the two of you think it means. Simply owning a gun and stating that fact isn't it. I suppose by your world view the hero in the Greenwood Park Mall shooting is an internet tough guy (assuming he posts on the internet
).
The Apple AirTag issue is what concerns me the most. I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions other than buy an iPhone, which doesn't work for me, and as you stated comes with its own set of problems.
My wife and kids all make fun of me even though I tell them my "cheap" Samsung Galaxy can do everything their fancy iPhones can do. iPhones are just too expensive IMHO (I can use that extra money for coins) and I need a phone that is more "disposable." I carry it with me when working outside feeding, checking, and working cattle so my phones tend to not last very long.
@jmlanzaf ... If I were the 'old coin dude', you would lose your money. And I am beyond 70. Last draw and fire from concealed was timed in 1.2 seconds. And the five shots, on target, in the following 2.5 seconds. Cheers, RickO
@jmlanzaf... P.S. - I know a few other old dudes... a couple faster than me. Cheers, RickO
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Only "situation" I had was an obvious stalker at a show. Stayed one aisle over paying TOO MUCH ATTENTION to what I was doing.
Noticed and reversed direction. He did too.
Reversed a couple times while he mimicked.
Finally, I just ...accidentally... brushed my jacket and exposed the shoulder holster.
He left.
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