Security at coin shows

TopographicOceans

The recent post about a post coin show robbery had me wondering about security at coin shows.

Over the years I've seen posts about dealers being followed from a coin show and robbed, usually when they stop to eat and leave their inventory in the trunk of the car. I don't think I've ever heard about it happening to a collector, but anytime there is a gathering like a coin show anyone who leaves there could be a potential target.

Dealers much more so because they would have more money or coins (depending on how the show went for them) than a collector.

At local coin shows I've never seen any security.

The only major show I've ever attended is Long Beach. There I've only seen one security person during all the shows I've attended. It was during a Pogue showing and he was standing near the SB booth while they were packing the coins up. And he wasn't armed.

At most events they hire off duty police for security. I assume at the major shows there are some in the crowd, but I've never seen armed security in a uniform at a major coin show.

Seems strange to me.

PerryHall

Most security at large shows are undercover. While you're looking at coins, they're looking at you.

ACop

I never understand the mentality of getting out and eating at a place like McDonald's with a 100k worth of gold in your car. I don't eat inside of a fast food joint with an empty car, let alone with a treasure chest in the trunk. Get some chicken nuggets and eat while driving geez.

Jackthecat1

FUN Show in Orlando always has plenty of Orange County Sheriff's Officers in uniform and I'm sure quite a few in plainclothes present.

291fifth

Many dealers at local shows carry legally concealed weapons so security in the small shows may be better than what you expect. At a local Sunday show in my area about ten years ago a couple of suspicious looking types seemed to be casing the show. They apparently stood out like sore thumbs. The dealers noticed them and took out their concealed weapons and, while not saying anything or threatening anyone, made sure the "sore thumbs" saw what they were doing. The "sore thumbs" quickly departed the show and have apparently never returned.

Connecticoin

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roadrunner

I'm used to seeing armed security at essentially all the local shows I've attended, even down to shows with 25 tables. Agree that at any coin smaller coin a significant number of the dealers are carrying.

bigjpst

Several of the small local shows in Southern CA have fully armed guards(bullet proof vests and all) at the front, and walking around. All of the other small shows I have been a part of have undercover security.

PTVETTER

I don't tell all my security measures, but I will say this vest are not that comfortable on long trips.

19Lyds

To me, security is all about paying attention.



Are you alone? If so, why?



Who is around you that you do not know?



Is anybody following you? It's relatively easy to figure out if your being followed.



Is there a GPS Tracker on your vehicle? This is a tough one but not impossible.



IF, a coin dealer is really carrying $100,000 worth or merchandise then they need to take their safety and security seriously. If they do not, then, sad to say, they WILL get robbed.

ScarsdaleCoin

In Response to Connect Coin "

Agreed. This is essentially what killed the Coinfest show that was held in Stamford, CT a few years back. "





As the show promoter, nothing could be farther than the truth.... #1 we always had the BEST security at the show over 14 armed guards in and out including K9, dealers cars were checked for bugs, armed escorts were available to dealers leaving the show etc...



1 robbery occurred, in NJ and had nothing to do with Coinfest, happened to be a random smash and grab of suitcases because the suitcases were displayed at a diner on a main street.



The reason we stopped the show was that if was a LOT of Work and both Laura and I have full time gigs as coin dealers! Folks please refrain from making comments that you have no first hand knowledge... its quite disparaging!

johnny9434

Originally posted by: PerryHall
Most security at large shows are undercover. While you're looking at coins, they're looking at you.

seen that more then once watching them. fwiw

TopographicOceans

The guy from Stacks was really cool and showing me some of the coins while they were putting them away.

I could have grabbed this $200,000 coin from his hand and made a run to my car, but it's a long way from the bourse and I think the security guy would have hurt me.

DRUNNER

I do very few shows . . .just a couple here in SLC and two in OR. I see ample uniformed security at each venue and not only are they attentive, but they get to know most of the dealers (including the little part-timers like me) and maintain a professional presence at all times.

I have never questioned the level of security at these 40-70 table shows.

Drunner

Bochiman

The coin show referenced in the OP DID/DOES have visible, armed, security (police officers).

Dave99B

I read about a case (several actually) where the perps followed a dealer 600+ miles, and then robbed him in his driveway. Scary stuff. Always be alert ... there are soulless people who will happily snuff you out for $500 cash.

Dave