It takes a thief...

nwcs

Any of you watch that show on the Discovery Channel? If so, has it changed the way you look at protecting your coins? I was watching it last night and I really understood that my coins are probably not as safe as I'd like to imagine right now.

kryptonitecomics

I agree...what's your address again???

nwcs

Now that I watched, they ain't so vulnerable.

ss350camaro

yes, i've watched several episodes. Very eye opening !

When you see how a thief looks at any given situation it really makes you re-think you own.

Spiffy469

Definately made me think twice about a lot of things.

Scary how people go about things in the show.

Jeff

mirabela

Any pointers for those of use who didn't watch it? Whadja learn? Mine live in a bank and I only get to look at them on my computer -- did they say anything to suggest that's not as good a thing as I think?

ER

Can you give a brief scoop?

Heywood

I want from time to time but didn't see that episode, please give highlights.

One from previous show was the Garge door quick release (usually a red handle on a plastic rope that dis-engages the door from the chain) A Thief breaks the Garage door window, reaches in and releases the door and opens up and he is in.

Many garage door "windows are a cheap plastic and easy to break with minimun noise.

Solution-- cut the release rope high enough up the you could still get to it if needed.

kenoshapete

Can you provide details for those of us that didn't get a chance to see the show?

relayer

They explained that if things aren't nailed down with an armed gaurd on duty, somebody will try and steal it

coinandcurrency242

the key is to think like the thief and hide the coins will the thief would never look

nwcs

Well, the show is Wednesdays at 10.

Last night they were casing a neighborhood and got a family to agree to be burglarized. They thought they were pretty secure. Here are a few of the problems they identified about their house:

1. Frames around window were wood and somewhat rotted
2. Locks never changed and different locks for different doors
3. Keys were hanging on the door
4. A credit card that had not been activated/signed was sitting on their kitchen table
5. Checkbook was within easy reach
6. Passports easily found
7. And many more

They timed the burglar and in 10 minutes he got >10K worth of stuff. They look everywhere quickly. Not just a smash and grab. They'll find a suitcase or luggage thing and fill it up as they go through the house.

Some of the tips:

1. Deadbolts, using same key for all entrances
2. Inspect and replace if necessary frames around windows
3. Leave talk radio on if gone for a while and have a light on an irregular timer
4. Have a locking file cabinet for important papers and such
5. Shred anything personal you don't need to keep
6. Store valuables in a bolted down safe
7. Get to know the neighbors (in the ep, the thief even talked to the neighbors on his way out)

Bochiman

<< <i>the key is to think like the thief and hide the coins will the thief would never look >>



I bet if I wrapped my coins up and hid them in the toilet bowl tank, the thief wouldn't look there

nwcs

And you can use less water that way. Good for the environment. Unless it's one of those low flow jobs.

mgoodm3

Bury your coins in the catbox.

TWQG

The cat complains

RickMilauskas

I missed the show but it sounds interesting.

For anyone who wants to catch it (especially if you're a night owl) it's on tonight (Friday morning) at 1:00 am EST.

Hedger

I swallow all my coins.

islandcoins

<< <i>Bury your coins in the catbox. >>



Maybe if you keep them in their long enough, they will tone up real nice and you can get $8500.00 for them in the next Goldberg auction!

MrXray

<< <i>Well, the show is Wednesdays at 10.

Last night they were casing a neighborhood and got a family to agree to be burglarized. They thought they were pretty secure. Here are a few of the problems they identified about their house:

1. Frames around window were wood and somewhat rotted
2. Locks never changed and different locks for different doors
3. Keys were hanging on the door
4. A credit card that had not been activated/signed was sitting on their kitchen table
5. Checkbook was within easy reach
6. Passports easily found
7. And many more

They timed the burglar and in 10 minutes he got >10K worth of stuff. They look everywhere quickly. Not just a smash and grab. They'll find a suitcase or luggage thing and fill it up as they go through the house.

Some of the tips:

1. Deadbolts, using same key for all entrances
2. Inspect and replace if necessary frames around windows
3. Leave talk radio on if gone for a while and have a light on an irregular timer
4. Have a locking file cabinet for important papers and such
5. Shred anything personal you don't need to keep
6. Store valuables in a bolted down safe
7. Get to know the neighbors (in the ep, the thief even talked to the neighbors on his way out) >>



Another point that hit home for me, is that fileing cabenent that most of have right beside our desk. I bet most of us have the extra key in the pen cup, or on the desk somewhere! I did until the thief found it on the show.

MRK

<< <i>

<< <i>the key is to think like the thief and hide the coins will the thief would never look >>



I bet if I wrapped my coins up and hid them in the toilet bowl tank, the thief wouldn't look there >>




Potty dollars!

MrXray

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>the key is to think like the thief and hide the coins will the thief would never look >>



I bet if I wrapped my coins up and hid them in the toilet bowl tank, the thief wouldn't look there >>




Potty dollars! >>



Well unfortunantly for you. The thief has looked in two toilets of the shows I've seen.

Draco

<< <i>7. Get to know the neighbors (in the ep, the thief even talked to the neighbors on his way out) >>



This is probably one of the more important things. I live in a very small rural area and I don't know many of my neighbors. The one neighbor I am close with spends most of their time in Florida, so no real help for me.

The garage door thing was interesting. . .I never really considered it.

My 115lb mastiff would probably help any thief so long as he got his petting time. He's a spoiled baby.

michael

great thread


riches are thorns

kenoshapete

Holy cow!!!!! Good information. Thank you for the details. Now to start thinking like a thief for security. . .

jdsinva

My grandmother used to say that locks only kept out honest people. . .

carl

Some ideas we try is to make sure you have irregular hours at coming an going for all members of the household. Several lights on timers with irregular settings and changed often. Make sure everyone in the house has thier own .357 Mag. If a kid then only a .38. My neighbor next door has a knight shift so he is coming and I am going so always someone around. Don't have those store credit cards that have all your personal info since you may go to the same one at the same time on similar days. Someone could access this info and know when your not home. All coins and valuables in a safe deposit vault at the bank. Buy secuity those fake security cameras and mount all over the area. Have a cop for a neighbor and make sure they wear the uniform around the house.

nwcs

Well, it's easy to take things too far but being aware is better than thinking it can't happen to you.

RickMilauskas

Here is a link for broadcast times of the show...

It Takes a Thief

lonelyp

Dont forget to keep an eye on the armed guard!!

lonelyp

oooooops

MrXray

For those of us that have valuables in the house.
I was reading somewhere. Maybe on here, or in a book. Of someone haveing a dumby safe in their office, in plain view. The "Real" one was hidden somewhere else in the house. This person had been robbed twice since trying the decoy. Both times the decoy was taken, to be opened at a later time by the thief. However the "Real" one was safe and sound hidden away.
I don't know how much an old, used, out dated safe would go for. But it maybe worth looking into.

Typetone

There are only two real things you can have going for you.

1. The large numbers effect. A thief can break into your house and rob things. However, there are so many houses that your's may not be noticed. Don't be too conspicuous, and try to make it harder to break in. In many cases the thief will go to easier pickins.


2. Buy insurance.

Greg

fishcooker

IMO, dog's nasty growl/bark is an eyeopener for anyone that comes on our property.

And secondly, if asked "Will your dog bite?" I say "Hell yeah." Fact is, I don't know if she will or not.

Bear

If you swallowed all your coins, better not eat a White Castle Hamberger.

Pushkin

<< <i> Bury your coins in the catbox. >>





The wild toning is a free bonus. The bigger the cat the better.

MrXray

<< <i>IMO, dog's nasty growl/bark is an eyeopener for anyone that comes on our property.

And secondly, if asked "Will your dog bite?" I say "Hell yeah." Fact is, I don't know if she will or not. >>



Last weeks victims had two dogs that barked alot. But when the burgular went in, they just followed him around like curious puppies.

Reminds me of some movie where the burgulars give the guard dog a steak. Dogs gonna be your best friend if you do that.