Safeguards at shows

[parkplace33]

In 2024, we have had two big thefts tied to card shows (Strongsville and Dallas). Are promoters putting any additional safeguards in place? Or is it basically up to the dealers/attendees to take care of it themselves?

Not to scare anyone, but I would more vigilant than ever when in possession of high value cards.

[Jewish-collector]

https://www.cllct.com/sports-collect...raise-concerns

[ClementeFanOh]

Two thoughts come to mind when people call for enhanced security as a
way to reduce risk of theft at card shows (theft by deception, not robbery):

1) Cost. I wish I had a dollar for each time I've read a dealer complain
about the high cost of tables at bigger shows on this venue. Extra duty
police cost money, and the amount isn't small. Most police are paid
significantly more for extra-duty work than on-duty work, and the per
hour cost may shock some of you. Is it worth it? Enough to increase
your table cost? You would need to judge. The same may well be true
for added cameras, etc. (I'm not giving an answer, just posing the
question).

2) Vigilance. Each seller must be on his/her toes, especially if the material
is particularly valuable or desirable. Make it a point to take someone
whose sole purpose is to watch your stuff. How would people feel if a
show actually required such a person as part of the entry agreement?
What if adult showgoers were required to show current photo ID to
get in? How badly do you want better security?

Trent King

[Vintagedeputy]

Originally Posted by ClementeFanOh

Two thoughts come to mind when people call for enhanced security as a
way to reduce risk of theft at card shows (theft by deception, not robbery):

1) Cost. I wish I had a dollar for each time I've read a dealer complain
about the high cost of tables at bigger shows on this venue. Extra duty
police cost money, and the amount isn't small. Most police are paid
significantly more for extra-duty work than on-duty work, and the per
hour cost may shock some of you. Is it worth it? Enough to increase
your table cost? You would need to judge. The same may well be true
for added cameras, etc. (I'm not giving an answer, just posing the
question).

I spent 12 years in law enforcement (1995-2007). I can tell you that during those years off duty jobs generally paid $20-$25 per hour. You might even catch a really good gig at $30 an hour once in a while. I cannot imagine what the guys are getting now but I’m sure it’s considerably more.

[Jewish-collector]

Just hire some college wrestlers and/or retired UFC guys just to sit with the stuff and knock anyone out that tries to touch the cases.

[ClementeFanOh]

Vintagedeputy-

I know for a fact that, at Ohio State home football games in 2023, there was
a shortage of police for security (extra-duty not on-duty). Prospective officers
were offered $100 per hour, and spots went unfilled.

Again, I'm not saying it's a bad idea to have an increase in uniformed
LE at appropriate shows. I'm merely pointing to the cost, and the proclivity
of sellers on this board to grouse about- you guessed it-costs.

Trent King

[Buythatcard]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Just hire some college wrestlers and/or retired UFC guys just to sit with the stuff and knock anyone out that tries to touch the cases.

I think that this might be the best solution. I would pay to watch the results.

[Beercan collector]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Just hire some college wrestlers and/or retired UFC guys just to sit with the stuff and knock anyone out that tries to touch the cases.

+1 Or someone fast that can tackle

[sb1]

These thefts are also taking place away from the shows to both Card and Coin dealers, these dealers are being followed to gas stations/restaurants/motels and their cars being broken into while they go inside and leave material in the car, trunk or trailers. These are not petty thieves, I had a coin dealer friend several years ago that was tracked across 4 states, when he arrived home he parked in his driveway and went in to check on all his animals. Walked out 10-15 minutes later and found his car doors open and trunk popped. The Feds eventually found most of the coins and turned out to be the Russian mob. These people if interrupted during the commission of said crime are not the kind to run away.

One of our own pre-war dealers in California experienced this just a year or so ago upon his packing his vehicle and leaving a southern California show.

[Johnny630]

I’m sure if the promoters raised the table fees to go towards undercover and uniform units doing security at these shows it would be well worth it.

[sb1]

Most of these shows have heavy security both uniform and plain clothes. The crimes are occurring when off premises or in the case of the Dallas show, after hours, which I presume the security had left.