With a half million dollars lost I hope the FBI would be involved by now. I also would hope there were some surveillance cameras in the parking lot. Sorry to hear about the theft. Best Wishes Mike
Again, this is terrible. BUT my god leave 1/2 million worth of inventory to go into a mall, come on guys use common sence. We don't need anymore of these to happen. Plus many issurance companies don't cover unattended vehicles. Prevention is key.
I do hope all the coins are recovered. And those responsible do time.
What's the old saying and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
<< <i>My colleague, Lano Balulescu, was robbed in Mass. Saturday afternoon, returning from a local show. The break-in was very similar to my robbery last year. >>
Sounds like the same gang. If so I wonder how many others they've cased and followed but the opportunity just didn't present itself.
Tough to imagine someone so cavalier about carrying coins that they leave that kind of goods in the car and stroll about, to diners and shopping malls.
most of us are paranoid and won't leave our car out of sight after stopping at the post office or SDB to get something out
I hope the coins come back to the dealer because it might be difficult to get the insurance to reimburse such a loss
If this type of inventory was left in a car, then this wouldn't surprise me a bit. My advise... Never leave any valuables in a car. This is a magnet for thieves... I just hope the person/persons is caught.
I have it all worked out. STEAL THE COIN(S) WAIT FOR THE REWARD TO GROW TURN YOURSELF IN AS WELL AS THE COIN COLLECT THE REWARD HAVE OWNER DROP THE CHARGES. EVERYONE IS HAPPY
This entire situation doesn't sound right. How do we know that the coins were really stolen? Is it possible that, with difficult economic times, somebody is trying to collect the reward money or insurance?
<< <i>I have it all worked out. STEAL THE COIN(S) WAIT FOR THE REWARD TO GROW TURN YOURSELF IN AS WELL AS THE COIN COLLECT THE REWARD HAVE OWNER DROP THE CHARGES. EVERYONE IS HAPPY
This entire situation doesn't sound right. How do we know that the coins were really stolen? Is it possible that, with difficult economic times, somebody is trying to collect the reward money or insurance? >>
I know Lano and IMHO, that is not even a remote possibility.
PNG member, numismatic dealer since 1965. Operates a retail store, also has exhibited at over 1000 shows. I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.
Tough to imagine someone so cavalier about carrying coins that they leave that kind of goods in the car and stroll about, to diners and shopping malls.
I had heard from a fellow dealer that Lano was looking for a rest room. In any case, one has to make allowances and figure out a way to do this if traveling alone.
<< <i>I have it all worked out. STEAL THE COIN(S) WAIT FOR THE REWARD TO GROW TURN YOURSELF IN AS WELL AS THE COIN COLLECT THE REWARD HAVE OWNER DROP THE CHARGES. EVERYONE IS HAPPY
This entire situation doesn't sound right. How do we know that the coins were really stolen? Is it possible that, with difficult economic times, somebody is trying to collect the reward money or insurance?[. >>
That would be fraud. In any event, the insurance dicks would figure that one out, that's their job.
I sure hope they catch those responsible for this theft. There seems to be many parallels between the two cases of Julian and Lano.
Since two very experienced and well-known and well-liked dealers have been followed from coin shows in their cars, left their valuable coins unattended in their cars, and have had their windows smashed in and coins stolen, is there somebody out there that can help teach these and other dealers a safer way to transport their coins? Does the PNG or any other organization have a way to educate dealers to keep this terrible type of crime from happening? How about the ANA? It seems to most of us that taking safety precautions when moving around such valuable small items should be a priority. It is a very sad commentary about our society that such events happen at all.
Fortunately, no one has been physically injured in these two events, but occasionally coin dealers are assaulted or even killed.
<< <i>I sure hope they catch those responsible for this theft. There seems to be many parallels between the two cases of Julian and Lano.
Since two very experienced and well-known and well-liked dealers have been followed from coin shows in their cars, left their valuable coins unattended in their cars, and have had their windows smashed in and coins stolen, is there somebody out there that can help teach these and other dealers a safer way to transport their coins? Does the PNG or any other organization have a way to educate dealers to keep this terrible type of crime from happening? How about the ANA? It seems to most of us that taking safety precautions when moving around such valuable small items should be a priority. It is a very sad commentary about our society that such events happen at all.
Fortunately, no one has been physically injured in these two events, but occasionally coin dealers are assaulted or even killed. >>
Well, if you ask me, if we now need "experts" to tell us you don't go to a coin show and advertise your wares to the public, then leave them unattended in your car as you're making your way home, one doesn't need to look very far beyond that to know what the real sad commentary on our society is, these days.
I feel bad for this. It affects us all. If you think it over, you'll realize that. That's just the nature of crime. But, grab yourself some sense. We're dealing with tens, hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of dollars, here. Do we really need experts to tell us we can't be careless? The next thing you know, they'll be telling us how to go to the bathroom, too, and we'll be paying them for it, besides.
As for these criminals, in particular, again, this is a similar modus operandi, if you will. These aren't armed robberies. There are no assaults, directly to the person. For the most part, these are property crimes. But, figure it out. These guys and/or gals must have cased dozens of dealers, before they got these two. They must have actually followed dozens, too. This is a criminal ring, a conspiracy. And, it's a well-thought-out one, at that. None of us is safe. These criminals have to be caught. In the meantime, we have to be careful.
This really isn't any more complicated than that, folks. And, it really does affect us all. Don't ever be deceived into thinking it doesn't...
I agree that it is careless and cavalier to leave easily stolen valuables unattended where they can be taken so readily. Obviously it is very easy to smash a car window and grab lightweight items and be off in a manner of a very short amount of time. One of the problems I see here is that we have experienced dealers that have become careless about their safety and the safety of very expensive items. My concern is that these same bandits will have more victims if dealers continue to be careless. How about a wakeup call folks? How many more dealers have to be HIT before transporters of coins wisen-up? There are safe and smart ways that coins can be transported and there are some dealers excercising strong safety measures and I applaud them.
I know that there are ways that dealers and collectors can be much safer about coin transport, but many choose NOT to excersice the necessary safety precautions. I am frustrated that the dealer commuity hasn't worked better together to help each other avoid these robberies. I have seen web sites and threads talking about numismatic safety and there are some very good points in them that would seemingly thwart nearly any technique used by crooks to steal the coins, whether or not the crooks are armed. I recommend dealers get the information they need to stop making themselves targets for these thieves.
Let's not give crooks any more reasons to steal more coins.
While there probably have been articles on show safety in coin publications , the one I remember most is a two or three issue feature in the quarterly FUN magazine . Maybe someone can obtain past issues or contact FUN staff for reprints .
I live in Acton and I just read about it in our town's weekly paper, which came out yesterday. It was on the front page.
The "mall" they talk about in the paper can't be more than a hundred yards long, the parking lot is tiny (just two rows of cars with driving space between), and it's on one of the main roads cutting through town. Hopefully someone saw something suspicious before or after and reports it to police after seeing the article.
I Live in San Bruno, CA, I was checkin up some Silver coin listings on Craigslist, and I found things priced cheaply, simply put. Please check this list of coins that he has graded. I e-mailed him asking for the serial numbers on the coins. Please let me know if any of these things help. Thanks.
Comments
JK, I am sorry about the theft, and I hope they are recovered promptly.
That's a lot of coins, and a number of them are relatively notable.
With a half million dollars lost I hope the FBI would be involved by now. I also would hope there were some surveillance cameras in the parking lot. Sorry to hear about the theft. Best Wishes Mike
Successful Trades: Swampboy,
We don't need anymore of these to happen. Plus many issurance companies don't cover unattended vehicles.
Prevention is key.
I do hope all the coins are recovered. And those responsible do time.
What's the old saying and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
<< <i>My colleague, Lano Balulescu, was robbed in Mass. Saturday afternoon, returning from a local show. The break-in was very similar to my robbery last year. >>
Sounds like the same gang. If so I wonder how many others they've cased and followed but the opportunity just didn't present itself.
most of us are paranoid and won't leave our car out of sight after stopping at the post office or SDB to get something out
I hope the coins come back to the dealer because it might be difficult to get the insurance to reimburse such a loss
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
My advise... Never leave any valuables in a car. This is a magnet for thieves...
This entire situation doesn't sound right. How do we know that the coins were really stolen? Is it possible that, with difficult economic times, somebody is trying to collect the reward money or insurance?
For those that critize i hope that nothing ever happens to you REGUARDLESS of the situation.
NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!
RIP "BEAR"
<< <i>I have it all worked out. STEAL THE COIN(S) WAIT FOR THE REWARD TO GROW TURN YOURSELF IN AS WELL AS THE COIN COLLECT THE REWARD HAVE OWNER DROP THE CHARGES. EVERYONE IS HAPPY
This entire situation doesn't sound right. How do we know that the coins were really stolen? Is it possible that, with difficult economic times, somebody is trying to collect the reward money or insurance? >>
I know Lano and IMHO, that is not even a remote possibility.
I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.
eBaystore
I had heard from a fellow dealer that Lano was looking for a rest room. In any case, one has to make allowances and figure out a way to do this if traveling alone.
roarunner
<< <i>I have it all worked out. STEAL THE COIN(S) WAIT FOR THE REWARD TO GROW TURN YOURSELF IN AS WELL AS THE COIN COLLECT THE REWARD HAVE OWNER DROP THE CHARGES. EVERYONE IS HAPPY
This entire situation doesn't sound right. How do we know that the coins were really stolen? Is it possible that, with difficult economic times, somebody is trying to collect the reward money or insurance?[. >>
That would be fraud. In any event, the insurance dicks would figure that one out, that's their job.
Since two very experienced and well-known and well-liked dealers have been followed from coin shows in their cars, left their valuable coins unattended in their cars, and have had their windows smashed in and coins stolen, is there somebody out there that can help teach these and other dealers a safer way to transport their coins? Does the PNG or any other organization have a way to educate dealers to keep this terrible type of crime from happening? How about the ANA? It seems to most of us that taking safety precautions when moving around such valuable small items should be a priority. It is a very sad commentary about our society that such events happen at all.
Fortunately, no one has been physically injured in these two events, but occasionally coin dealers are assaulted or even killed.
<< <i>I sure hope they catch those responsible for this theft. There seems to be many parallels between the two cases of Julian and Lano.
Since two very experienced and well-known and well-liked dealers have been followed from coin shows in their cars, left their valuable coins unattended in their cars, and have had their windows smashed in and coins stolen, is there somebody out there that can help teach these and other dealers a safer way to transport their coins? Does the PNG or any other organization have a way to educate dealers to keep this terrible type of crime from happening? How about the ANA? It seems to most of us that taking safety precautions when moving around such valuable small items should be a priority. It is a very sad commentary about our society that such events happen at all.
Fortunately, no one has been physically injured in these two events, but occasionally coin dealers are assaulted or even killed. >>
Well, if you ask me, if we now need "experts" to tell us you don't go to a coin show and advertise your wares to the public, then leave them unattended in your car as you're making your way home, one doesn't need to look very far beyond that to know what the real sad commentary on our society is, these days.
I feel bad for this. It affects us all. If you think it over, you'll realize that. That's just the nature of crime. But, grab yourself some sense. We're dealing with tens, hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of dollars, here. Do we really need experts to tell us we can't be careless? The next thing you know, they'll be telling us how to go to the bathroom, too, and we'll be paying them for it, besides.
As for these criminals, in particular, again, this is a similar modus operandi, if you will. These aren't armed robberies. There are no assaults, directly to the person. For the most part, these are property crimes. But, figure it out. These guys and/or gals must have cased dozens of dealers, before they got these two. They must have actually followed dozens, too. This is a criminal ring, a conspiracy. And, it's a well-thought-out one, at that. None of us is safe. These criminals have to be caught. In the meantime, we have to be careful.
This really isn't any more complicated than that, folks. And, it really does affect us all. Don't ever be deceived into thinking it doesn't...
I know that there are ways that dealers and collectors can be much safer about coin transport, but many choose NOT to excersice the necessary safety precautions. I am frustrated that the dealer commuity hasn't worked better together to help each other avoid these robberies. I have seen web sites and threads talking about numismatic safety and there are some very good points in them that would seemingly thwart nearly any technique used by crooks to steal the coins, whether or not the crooks are armed. I recommend dealers get the information they need to stop making themselves targets for these thieves.
Let's not give crooks any more reasons to steal more coins.
one example is: butternut.org/coins/tip4.html
others have different tip numbers at the same web site.
Hope this helps.
here is a link to some good info:
ONE IN 3 COLLECTIONS STOLEN
--------BigE
the one I remember most is a two or three issue feature in the quarterly
FUN magazine . Maybe someone can obtain past issues or contact FUN
staff for reprints .
The "mall" they talk about in the paper can't be more than a hundred yards long, the parking lot is tiny (just two rows of cars with driving space between), and it's on one of the main roads cutting through town. Hopefully someone saw something suspicious before or after and reports it to police after seeing the article.
NGC PCGS grades