Multiple Coin "Smash and Grab" Thefts After Parsippany Show

TomB · June 7, 2010 12:45AM

Howdy folks. I was at the Parsippany, NJ show yesterday and after the show at least two dealers had their cars broken into and suffered losses from the "smash and grab" technique. One dealer is a good friend of mine, Bob Beels, who is a Past President of the Garden State Numismatic Association (GSNA). During his time as President of the GSNA Bob was instrumental in getting the yearly GSNA regional show back up and running. He has also been a previous winner of the Numismatist of the Year for NJ. Bob had stopped for a bite to eat and asked for a table directly adjacent to a window so that he could keep an eye on his car. He was likely no more than 20 or 30 linear feet from his car and was glancing up every minute or so to make certain everything was fine. Unfortunately, during one of the times that his eye was off his car someone smashed the driver's window, popped the trunk and stole the bags of inventory he had in the trunk. They did not get everything since Bob had taken some things in with him, but they stole enough.

Also, at the same time or directly before or after, another dealer stopped someplace and also had his inventory stolen. It would seem that it may have been a coordinated attack after the Parsippany show. I waited with Bob in the parking lot by his car and stayed while the Parsippany police went about their business. The Parsiappany police were extremely professional, courteous and patient with Bob and this was quite nice to see. If anyone might have any information that could help the Parsippany police they are encouraged to contact the department. This is the same neighborhood that Julian Leidman was in when his car was broken into last year and his inventory stolen after Coinfest. As always, be careful.

blu62vette · June 7, 2010 12:48AM

This is just lame. Best wishes to both dealers and I hope the find the culprits and get the coins back.

lkeigwin · June 7, 2010 12:49AM

Well that just sucks. I'm very sorry to hear it and I hope the low-life's are found and the loot returned.

Seems like this lesson has been learned more than once. How sad.
Lance.

Broadstruck · June 7, 2010 12:51AM

It almost sounds as it must be someone that's in the know that is attending the shows to target certain dealers based on their inventory

Walkerguy21D · June 7, 2010 12:59AM

<< It almost sounds as it must be someone that's in the know that is attending the shows to target certain dealers based on their inventory >>

It does not appear to be 'random'.
When similar robberies occurred at the FUN show a few years ago, we heard 'a former dealer' was supposedly behind the robberies. Who better to know the routines of the victims?

MsMorrisine · June 7, 2010 1:01AM

sounds just like Julian's theft

Hawgstick · June 7, 2010 1:07AM

Looks like dealers need to pack a snack for the ride home.

LindeDad · June 7, 2010 1:09AM

Sorry to hear it but when are the dealers going to learn to use the Drive threw lane when carring their inventory. Sorry but some times safty requires that you lessen your exposure to the danger.

Swampboy · June 7, 2010 1:13AM

<< Looks like dealers need to pack a snack for the ride home. >>

Or lean on a friend or aquaintance to ride along at least.
This is troubling.

Longacre · June 7, 2010 1:13AM

This is pretty scary. What would prevent a thief from following a dealer home?

NewEnglandNotes · June 7, 2010 1:15AM

The drive thru lane can be just as dangerous. It could be very easy to be boxed in by another car and have no place to go. Even if you leave enough space between you and the car in front, if the person in the car in front is also in on it, they could easily back up and remove your buffer. Also, many drive thru lanes have a curb to the right to prevent people from taking off after ordering food if the line is too slow. Packing a snack is the best bet.

Barry · June 7, 2010 1:39AM

My condolences to the dealers involved, however...
when are these guys going to learn not to stop or leave their car unattended once they leave the show?

TomB · June 7, 2010 1:40AM

Yes, a packed lunch might have helped. In the case of the Parsippany show, Bob had anticipated that there would be lunch available on the premises. In the past there has been a vendor on site who has sold lunches during the show, but he no longer does this and Bob did not realize it beforehand.

edix2001 · June 7, 2010 1:41AM

If the trunk can be popped from the inside of the car, then the trunk is unsafe.

notwilight · June 7, 2010 1:51AM

<< If the trunk can be popped from the inside of the car, then the trunk is unsafe. >>

Is there such thing as a modern car without a trunk release inside? --Jerry

jhdfla · June 7, 2010 1:55AM

This sux and yes, it sounds planned. I hope they nail 'em.

Moldnut · June 7, 2010 1:55AM

Yes, my 06 Mustang. You can go through the rear seats though.

Barry · June 7, 2010 2:03AM

<< Is there such thing as a modern car without a trunk release inside? --Jerry >>

Doubtful, but every car I've owned has had a way to disable the trunk release.

STONE · June 7, 2010 2:16AM

<< sounds just like Julian's theft >>

and that is why I have absolutely NO sympathy for this dealer.

This dealer undoubtably heard about Julian's incident, and yet still went through the same exact routine with the exact same outcome!
No, this was not another coincidental robbery.

EVERYONE better learn from this! I hope the coins are found and they catch the people involved, but if that isn't the outcome then I could care less

kurtdog · June 7, 2010 2:20AM

Crime affects us all, Tom, that's just the nature of it, and I'll thank you for sharing these with us. I'm just very glad to hear they weren't physically harmed, that's the main thing. Unfortunately, one just can't be too careful, these days.

coinguy1 · June 7, 2010 2:24AM

Unfortunately, no matter how frequently this type of theft occurs, many dealers are of the mindset that the chances of it happening to them are extremely remote. But, in my opinion, the risk (of a theft) vs. the reward (of a meal) is a very poor play on the odds.

joebb21 · June 7, 2010 2:30AM

Just because it seems to be the same type of theft as julians case is no reason to feel no sympathy.
Thats almost giving the thieves the "right" to do what they did.

This is something like (at least) the 5th show/dealer thats been hit since julian.

As Longacre correctly pointed out- whos to say they wont follow you home?

I hope they get caught real soon...

Broadstruck · June 7, 2010 2:36AM

A small steel bolt down safe for less then $250 would have stopped this from occurring.

renomedphys · June 7, 2010 2:55AM

Some people just have no respect for the belongings of others.

guitarwes · June 7, 2010 3:03AM

<< A small steel bolt down safe for less then $250 would have stopped this from occurring. >>

I don't understand why this is not a standard accessory in a dealer's vehicle. Seems like a no brainer. So simple and easy, yet so overlooked.

These robberies are planned and someone that was AT the show was involved somehow someway.

notwilight · June 7, 2010 3:19AM

<< 

<< A small steel bolt down safe for less then $250 would have stopped this from occurring. >>

I don't understand why this is not a standard accessory in a dealer's vehicle. Seems like a no brainer. So simple and easy, yet so overlooked.

These robberies are planned and someone that was AT the show was involved somehow someway. >>

Not sure it would be so easy...ever seen it done? It would also tell anyone who saw it (car mechanics, car wash workers,parking lot attendants, neighbors, etc) that you haul valuables. Rightg now a dealer is targeted only by someone who follows him from a show. This mighbt increase the number of opportunities for bad guys to notice him. Jerry

Psw. Also if these guys are pros that wouldn't stop them.

DoubleEagle59 · June 7, 2010 3:19AM

Geez, that stinks!

I know I'd be eating at the drive-through window.

kurtdog · June 7, 2010 3:34AM

They'll steal the safe. And if they can't do that, they'll carjack the car.

joshieboi · June 7, 2010 3:51AM

I hope they find the culprits. I just know that everything sounds a little suspicious. Cars are increasingly getting harder to steal, but a car could be stolen non-the-less. I propose a service that directly delivers all inventory to a desired business location. Using this service would allow your coins to get from point A to point B without being stolen. Otherwise, go directly to your business to drop off the merchandise, and always assume that if you pack more than $5,000min coming back from a coin show, you're being followed. Getting a bite to eat, leaving your car with any valuables, especially $__________ collections, doesn't seem like common sense. All IMHO.

===============================
Stealing is bad. Cherrypicking is good.

CommemDude · June 7, 2010 3:53AM

The dealers load and unload through a large door that is directly visible from the parking lot and the street. It would not be hard to just randomly follow a few dealers after they load their display cases from the site to a restaurant or their home. For that matter, anyone with a brief case coming out of the show could be a target.

This is pretty scary stuff for those who of us who live in NJ and have felt that it couldn't happen here... an important lesson for anyone attending any show.

dbcoin · June 7, 2010 4:20AM

I guess if any of the coins were scanned through Secure Plus, they should get them back at some point.

Do they have video cameras at these shows that could have possibly video taped the assailants? Isn't there a Burger King right next to this place? Doesn't that have outdoor video cameras? They should be examined pronto before they get overwritten!! It wouldn't surprise me if the assailants even went to the Burger King and waited in their lot

19Lyds · June 7, 2010 4:22AM

Do these folks NOT know the value of a good car alarm?

If not, I would suggest that each dealer that regularly attends these shows get one installed and use it. I'm not saying that this would have prevented the situation at the show but it seems to me that any loud audible noise indicating an invalid entry may have reduced the loss and possibly deterred the thief from continuing on to the opened trunk.

I would also suggest some type of GPS device (just like the crooks use

) to assist in locating stolen cars. Perhaps their are alarm systems with GPS pre-installed.

Neither item will absolutely prevent theft but then neither item would be a waste of money either.

dbcoin · June 7, 2010 4:25AM

Does anyone know of a "fake" coin that has a GPS/Lojack device installed that could be included with your coins? If the thieves steal your briefcase of coins and it has this device, you could track them and they would never know.

mumu · June 7, 2010 4:25AM

I can only imagine the feeling of his heart sinking that next time he looked ouot the window and seeing his trunk wide open. Must have seemed surreal for a second or 2.

ricko · June 7, 2010 8:01AM

Unbelievable..... it seems this is a growing racket. More and more post coin show thefts are occuring. I hope all take note of this latest event, consider it a warning, and take evasive measures. Cheers, RickO

Bear · June 7, 2010 9:57AM

That's why is is important to keep a very hungry, very angry pit bull

in the trunk with your coins.

stevek · June 7, 2010 10:06AM

<< Does anyone know of a "fake" coin that has a GPS/Lojack device installed that could be included with your coins? If the thieves steal your briefcase of coins and it has this device, you could track them and they would never know. >>

That is quite an interesting idea - I guess it would have to be turned on and would have a limited life before recharging, but even if the charged use time was only around 24 hours, it might still be enough to track down the criminals, and quickly.

SeaEagleCoins · June 7, 2010 10:07AM

I am very sorry to hear of this. As some of you know, I also set up at Parsippany...

FWIW... I will share my "evasive and precautionary" tactic when leaving this or any other show...

I will take a number of "odd" turns on my route leaving the show... all the while, checking my rearview mirror. While I understand this might not help if I am targeted by someone(s) using a tracking device, I somehow think I would not be worth all that kind of 007 type technology. Anyway, if I were to notice that I was being followed, a quick emergency call on my cell and/or a direct route to the nearest Police station would be in order...

For all dealers (and even collectors) who travel long distances in their car after a show... I highly recommmend "fasting" until you get home, especially if you are alone... follow a similar tactic to what I described above... maybe even take an exit and then re-enter the highway somewhere along the route... and when you get near home, take some odd turns or roundabout route to take every precaution possible before pulling into your driveway...

If you are Diabetic or have other medical/special needs that preclude "fasting" while travelling home... prepare in advance with some food in a cooler pack...

...use the bathroom BEFORE leaving the show...

...fill up the gas tank BEFORE the show...

It is a darn shame that such cloak and dagger stuff needs to be done... but that is the world we live in... sad but true...

TwoSides2aCoin · June 7, 2010 10:18AM

It's tough to teach the golden rule in a country where most people are on the take.

QuarterCollector · June 7, 2010 10:25AM

New Jersey law enforcement officer with carry permit for hire. I'll escort to and from show and stand by during show if necessary. PM if interested.

abitofthisabitofthat · June 7, 2010 10:25AM

<< Does anyone know of a "fake" coin that has a GPS/Lojack device installed that could be included with your coins? If the thieves steal your briefcase of coins and it has this device, you could track them and they would never know. >>

Ther easiest thing to do would be to use a GPS-enabled cell phone. Leave it in your case or bag. It can be traced with relatvie ease. But first - try not to get robbed at all. Larry (Sea Eagle) offers some good tips which I routinely follow. On the highway, exit into a rest stop, drive through the parking lot, and get right back on the highway - keep an eye if anyone follows you.

Silverstate · June 7, 2010 10:27AM

<< 

<< If the trunk can be popped from the inside of the car, then the trunk is unsafe. >>

Is there such thing as a modern car without a trunk release inside? --Jerry >>

You can disable it.
Then you would need a key or a crow bar.

Silverstate · June 7, 2010 10:33AM

<< Does anyone know of a "fake" coin that has a GPS/Lojack device installed that could be included with your coins? If the thieves steal your briefcase of coins and it has this device, you could track them and they would never know. >>

It would be great if it could fit inside a PCGS slab. and inside a Blue box.... :-)

Silverstate · June 7, 2010 10:35AM

<< I am very sorry to hear of this. As some of you know, I also set up at Parsippany...

FWIW... I will share my "evasive and precautionary" tactic when leaving this or any other show...

I will take a number of "odd" turns on my route leaving the show... all the while, checking my rearview mirror. While I understand this might not help if I am targeted by someone(s) using a tracking device, I somehow think I would not be worth all that kind of 007 type technology. Anyway, if I were to notice that I was being followed, a quick emergency call on my cell and/or a direct route to the nearest Police station would be in order...

For all dealers (and even collectors) who travel long distances in their car after a show... I highly recommmend "fasting" until you get home, especially if you are alone... follow a similar tactic to what I described above... maybe even take an exit and then re-enter the highway somewhere along the route... and when you get near home, take some odd turns or roundabout route to take every precaution possible before pulling into your driveway...

If you are Diabetic or have other medical/special needs that preclude "fasting" while travelling home... prepare in advance with some food in a cooler pack...

...use the bathroom BEFORE leaving the show...

...fill up the gas tank BEFORE the show...

It is a darn shame that such cloak and dagger stuff needs to be done... but that is the world we live in... sad but true... >>

Doing a search and knowing where the nearest police station is is not a bad idea either...to do a drive by it as needed.

DaveE · June 7, 2010 10:38AM

This is horrible. Once a show is targeted, you forever will have to be on the look out.

Hope these guys are caught.

roadrunner · June 7, 2010 10:39AM

Good tactics by SeaEagleCoins. If you have any questions about a car that might be following you just continue doing a random drive, even past your exit if you have to. Should somehow you be tracked to your home (helicopter, multiple tracking cars, etc.) then take additional precautions when back home. Don't leave anything unattended until it can be placed back in the bank vault. Most crooks aren't probably planning a home or business location invasion but it's probably going to happen eventually the way things are going.

It's almost to the point for many smaller vest pocket type dealers that setting up at small shows is not worth the security risk they are taking on. Making a couple hundred of bucks with the downside of losing everything (tens of thousands or more) doesn't make sense to me. Maybe a better option for these guys is to work the floor with a lower profile. It's not your grandfather's coin show anymore. The world is changing.

roadrunner

ChrisRx · June 7, 2010 11:07AM

I just wish and hope they try to do that and I catch em.

YogiBerraFan · June 7, 2010 11:20AM

This is happening way too often

Cameonut · June 7, 2010 11:47AM

Sea Eagle Coins - thanks for sharing your tactics. I plan to use some of them even though I am a collector with only a few coins on me at any given time.

Also, I do not understand the logic of getting a table so you can see your car in case there is a problem. What are you going to do? Run out there and "stop" the burglary? That is a great way to get hurt, kidnapped, or worse. No amount of coins is worth getting killed over.

That being the case, proper planning is the way to go. The less you can make yourself a target, the better.

oreville · June 7, 2010 2:05PM

Time for a "sting" operation.

This can easily be done.

Swampboy · June 7, 2010 2:25PM

I've thought about this a lot.
I haven't really seen any 'proof' as such that these dealers were 'targeted' at the show.

Think about it.
If they were, then the two thieves would have had to have inside knowledge that their marks were stopping for eats. Otherwise an alternative would be the thieves were prepared to follow the dealers home for some rough stuff.
How many of these scumbags would there have to have been if two managed to score.

Isn't it possible that these were crimes of oppurtunity.
Could both hese dealers have stopped in fast food locations on a weekend evening and both been less than diligent about how they exited their vehicles?
Did they fuss with a briefcase in the front seat, perhaps put a bag in the trunk and nervously look around?

Thoughts?

Multiple Coin "Smash and Grab" Thefts After Parsippany Show

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Multiple Coin &quot;Smash and Grab&quot; Thefts After Parsippany Show

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Multiple Coin "Smash and Grab" Thefts After Parsippany Show