Massive theft at Dallas card show, Nearly 2 Million Dollars worth of cards stolen

[jayshum]

Here's an article about the theft for anyone looking for a summary of what happened;

https://sportscollectorsdigest.com/n...llas-card-show

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

with the value of so many of the cards that is a good idea.
Scary how it happened and how organized and prepared they seemed to be

Yes Jeff, clearly not a case of opportunity, but one of premeditatation. You paint a big enough target.on your back, don't be surprised when it gets hit. Anyone with access to the internet can see the amount of inventory Ash has. Post after post, day in and day out with multiple copies of high end expensive cards laid out together in one showcase. I don't care if his kids are in spy school to be CIA agents, they were easily distracted and had no business being in charge of watching those cards. It isn't their fault though I'm sure they feel horrible about it.

Many of these collectors ans dealers have come to the table post covid and hardly any know the bad parts of the hobby. Not some.random employee walking away with a box. I'm talking about organized theft and people working in teams. I had seen it alot doing shows in the 90s. Hardly anyone ever got caught or cards returned. Now with grading more prevelant and the internet, the cards are easier to track.

I've had 2 major thefts of my collection both done by people that I knew. That's one of the horrible.parts of the hobby. The nicer your collection, the bigger the pool of haters. What happened when I went to court? Well the judge asked where were my documented receipts for buying the cards. These I did not have and my cards were subsequently sold by JJ teaparty to Clark Booth. This is where the thieves sold them

[raulus]

Originally Posted by Eric72

How long before the TPGs embed air tags (or RFID, etc.) in their slabs?

Something I learned recently with airtags is that they only update their position if an iPhone with bluetooth turned on gets close enough to them for long enough for them to phone the old folks' home in Cupertino to register their position.

So for a tag that's in a remote location, or that is moving quickly like on a freeway, its location won't update very often, if at all.

[samosa4u]

Originally Posted by jayshum

Ok, maybe you should explain it then because after rereading your post several times, I still don't get what your hidden meaning is.

Look at the steps that I took in order to protect my $300 bike. I leaned it against the window so that I could see it and I only had my eyes away from it for about 30 - 45 seconds while I was peeing. Even when I was washing my hands, I came out of the washroom so that 30 - 45 seconds didn't turn into 2 minutes. Yes, I was pretty careful.

Now, go take a look at the cards that got stolen. Those are life-changing cards. Why was there just one high school kid at the table? Where the heck was everybody else? Where was the owner? I would've had an army watching those cards.

[Seven]

Terrible all around. It's experiences like this that make me sick to my stomach. I've never purchased from Ashsh but I've spoke to him a couple of times. Hopefully the thieves are brought to justice.

[refz]

I feel this theft was cased via a lurker or possible someone known on the FB groups. It’s a sad scenario because I believe this is what Mr Ash does for a living full time (correct me if I’m wrong ) but show boating those high end cards is very sketchy but a must to keep everything moving I guess. His collection was more or less like an auction house than a typical dealers case.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by samosa4u

Look at the steps that I took in order to protect my $300 bike. I leaned it against the window so that I could see it and I only had my eyes away from it for about 30 - 45 seconds while I was peeing. Even when I was washing my hands, I came out of the washroom so that 30 - 45 seconds didn't turn into 2 minutes. Yes, I was pretty careful.

Now, go take a look at the cards that got stolen. Those are life-changing cards. Why was there just one high school kid at the table? Where the heck was everybody else? Where was the owner? I would've had an army watching those cards.

In your riveting story about how hard you piss, you also take your attention and eyes away from the unsecured item though.

[Lucas00]

New update, $70,000 reward has been put up by Ashsh for Return of the cards or information that leads to their return.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by samosa4u

Look at the steps that I took in order to protect my $300 bike. I leaned it against the window so that I could see it and I only had my eyes away from it for about 30 - 45 seconds while I was peeing. Even when I was washing my hands, I came out of the washroom so that 30 - 45 seconds didn't turn into 2 minutes. Yes, I was pretty careful.

Now, go take a look at the cards that got stolen. Those are life-changing cards. Why was there just one high school kid at the table? Where the heck was everybody else? Where was the owner? I would've had an army watching those cards.

I don't know, maybe locking the bike up would be more careful than leaving it completely unattended outside where anyone walking by could take it, but that's just my opinion. If you think you did enough, I hope that continues to be true for you in the future.

Like I said before, it's not like the dealer had no one at the table and the case was out in the open. It was under or behind his table and there were people in the area. Unfortunately, it looks like he was hit by a group that knew what they were doing and managed to distract the people there long enough to steal the case. That definitely took a lot more effort than it would have taken for someone to steal your bike.

[brunswickreeves]

For Net54ers who will be attending the National or other shows, be on the lookout for the stolen cards, which the IG account (@daysportscards) provided a link to including cert #s:bit.ly/3xQK65a

Per the recent IG account posting: if it says ‘archived’ it is something sold and NOT stolen. If it says draft, it’s stolen.

Also for those not on IG, here are images of the person who picked up and took the case (blue shirt) and the two others (white polo shirt with hat and white shirt with camo hat) who were distracting the table’s workers:

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by brunswickreeves

For Net54ers who will be attending the National or other shows, be on the lookout for the stolen cards, which the IG account (@daysportscards) provided a link to including cert #s:bit.ly/3xQK65a

Thanks will update op
Also updated thread title to be closer to the amount stolen.

[samosa4u]

Originally Posted by jayshum

I don't know, maybe locking the bike up would be more careful than leaving it completely unattended outside where anyone walking by could take it, but that's just my opinion. If you think you did enough, I hope that continues to be true for you in the future.

Like I said before, it's not like the dealer had no one at the table and the case was out in the open. It was under or behind his table and there were people in the area. Unfortunately, it looks like he was hit by a group that knew what they were doing and managed to distract the people there long enough to steal the case. That definitely took a lot more effort than it would have taken for someone to steal your bike.

Yes, I felt I did enough considering the bike is only worth about $300. I could've probably left it there for an hour or even the whole day and it would've been fine. I don't live in Brooklyn.

To say that this dealer took better steps to protect his 2M dollar collection than I did with my $300 bike is ridiculous. If those had been my cards, I wouldn't even have taken my eyes away from them for one second. And if I had to for whatever reason, like I said, I would've had an army watching them and not just one HS kid.

Do I make a little more sense to you now??

[brunswickreeves]

Originally Posted by Lucas00

Thanks will update op
Also updated thread title to be closer to the amount stolen.

Images of alleged perpetrators (as seen in the surveillance video) from IG also included

[sb1]

Again, while his sons look young, they are not teenagers. They have worked many, many big card shows, probably more shows than most of the posters. They are quite experienced, they simply got bested by people that in all likelihood are seasoned professionals at this, their MO is to distract and have another team member make off with the goods which is exactly what they did.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by samosa4u

Last week, I decided to ride my nice red CCM bike to the post office (to mail out some cards). When I got there, I leaned it against the store window and went inside. I had to use the washroom, but I made it quick. And I decided to come out of the washroom while I was rubbing soap on my hands, so I could keep my eye on my bike. In short, I took my eye off my bike for maybe 30 seconds (I made myself pee hard and fast!) Why? Because I didn't want someone to ride off with it. I was very, very careful.

So when I read about massive thefts like this, then I just ... don't ... get it ...

Sounds like you have a criminal a window to steal your bike. Thankfully none were around at the time.

I just ... don't ... get it ... when bike locks exist.

[dio]

felt bad for the owner, hope he's able to recover the cards
But I just don't get it, how can he leave 2M worth of card alone? I wouldn't even take my eyes off it even it's 50k, probably handcuff the case too if it's 2M

[rdwyer]

Surprised how this doesn't make national news. These faces need to be everywhere.

[campyfan39]

The guy who took the case looks like he has tattoos, and the camera got a good shot of his face. I would be surprised if he isn't busted. What would you even do with that much in graded cards? Maybe they had a buyer set up already?

I can't imagine how they thought they would sell them. Maybe crack them out and sit on them for a year or two? I hope they don't trash them, as it would be a shame for the dealer and the hobby.

I'm praying they will be caught soon and everything will be recovered.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by campyfan39

The guy who took the case looks like he has tattoos, and the camera got a good shot of his face. I would be surprised if he isn't busted. What would you even do with that much in graded cards? Maybe they had a buyer set up already?

I can't imagine how they thought they would sell them. Maybe crack them out and sit on them for a year or two? I hope they don't trash them, as it would be a shame for the dealer and the hobby.

I'm praying they will be caught soon and everything will be recovered.

I think people tend to overestimate the intelligence of most criminals. For example, almost anyhow would know they would show up on surveillance video.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by dio

probably handcuff the case too if it's 2M

My thoughts exactly. Hard to sympathize with sloppiness.

[TiffanyCards]

All have been added to the stolen card database.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jewish-collector]

One idea for future preventions could be if there was like a Targus DEFCON Cable Alarm or similar attached to the handle of the case (or hole drilled thru the case) and secured to the table. If the thieves did cut the cable, a very loud sound would occur.

[Carter08]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

One idea for future preventions could be if there was like a Targus DEFCON Cable Alarm or similar attached to the handle of the case (or hole drilled thru the case) and secured to the table. If the thieves did cut the cable, a very loud sound would occur.

This is a great idea. Although some members will say instead of thinking of new ideas you should be solely focused on condemning the perps that did the crime (and presumably sending thoughts and prayers to the victim).

[Cliff Bowman]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

Is there ever an active discussion on here that doesn't devolve into political horseshit?

Originally Posted by Carter08

This is a great idea. Although some members will say instead of thinking of new ideas you should be solely focused on condemning the perps that did the crime (and presumably sending thoughts and prayers to the victim).

.

[here2havefun]

Good breakdown of how the theft went down, and the coordination used by the team of 4 crooks.

https://youtu.be/obr2SUda5Rs?si=oGFqfWDYNnyRhiqh&t=270

[Lucas00]

New photo.

[tjisonline]

Originally Posted by notfast

awesome. Another post about a theft which means another post where people add their worthless 2 cents instead of focusing on the pieces of garbage that commit these crimes.

100%

[Carter08]

The order of the last two posts is pretty funny. Big picture of the perp followed by a comment that no one will focus on the perp.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by sb1

There were uniformed police officers walking the aisles and very visible throughout the entire show as well as a new group of uniformed expo service staff constantly patrolling the aisles during the show. However once the show was winding down, they were no where to be seen, at one of the most crucial times for potential theft..

Good point Steve, I produced a music festival for 25 years and learned fast to post security at all the vulnerable spots following the show until everybody who was not authorized had left the venue. Merch, alcohol, anything of value cuz some drunk people are dumb.

My vendors always had a buddy system during the show and especially on the load out with security back up checking in with each vendor.

Horrible what happened to Ash and I hope the perps get punished, maybe a good time to have a conversation about solutions to an increasing problem.

My emotions tell me a small explosive charge affixed to the latches of the case that will take your hands off but leave the cards intact if you get the combination wrong would meet out a little street justice.

Also like the Apple tracker idea coupled with a dye pack.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by brunswickreeves

For Net54ers who will be attending the National or other shows, be on the lookout for the stolen cards, which the IG account (@daysportscards) provided a link to including cert #s:bit.ly/3xQK65a

Per the recent IG account posting: if it says ‘archived’ it is something sold and NOT stolen. If it says draft, it’s stolen.

Also for those not on IG, here are images of the person who picked up and took the case (blue shirt) and the two others (white polo shirt with hat and white shirt with camo hat) who were distracting the table’s workers:

All three of those sketchers smell shifty AF at first visual glance, I can't imagine anyone would believe those m**kers know the first thing about an off back and are certainly not interested in learning.

Trust your instinct and always be on guard unfortunately.

[Beercan collector]

Are there any higher resolution photographs of the cards ?
So the public can look out for them ,
PSA deactivated cards involved from the online verification .

[tjisonline]

Originally Posted by Beercan collector

Are there any higher resolution photographs of the cards ?
So the public can look out for them ,
PSA deactivated cards involved from the online verification .

Yep. That is an issue now because higher resolution reference pics are gone. They should have deactivated the certs and left the pics up. Many times , PSA actions leave me dumbfounded

[samosa4u]

Originally Posted by notfast

Sounds like you have a criminal a window to steal your bike. Thankfully none were around at the time.

I just ... don't ... get it ... when bike locks exist.

Nope, I just leaned it against the store window because it would allow me to see it pretty much the whole time I was inside, except for when I took a quick washroom break. I actually felt like I was being overcautious by doing everything I did (considering its low value and the great area the post office is located in). Anyhow, again, I just used it to make a point. Now could you guys please shut up about my bike?

[samosa4u]

Originally Posted by dio

I wouldn't even take my eyes off it even it's 50k, probably handcuff the case too if it's 2M

Right on

[JollyElm]

2237801.jpg

"Leave me and my bike alone!!"

[samosa4u]

[gregndodgers]

If I were Ash, I would not rely solely on the police to recover the cards. A systematic process can be used to find the cards. What would that process look like?

1. Notify every single card shop in the US that cards have been stolen and provide photos of them, particularly the 52 Mantles, the Shoeless Joe cards, etc. Ask that the card shop owners notify police if they discover a stolen card.
2. Do the same with every pawn shop.
3. Notify and monitor all the on line card markets (comc, pwcc, FB , eBay, Craig’s list, etc) monitor these markets rigorously.
4. Contact the organizers of all card shows. Provide photos of all stolen cards.
5. Contact all of the major grading companies. Maybe they can screen certain card submissions including the higher profile cards such as the 52 Mantles, the Shoeless Joe cards, etc.
6. Notify the media in all large metro areas. Ask that they do a story about the theft.

What other steps can be taken?

IMO, vintage cards, including many that were stolen from Ash, are not put up for sale that often. Card shop owners regularly tell me that collectors are holding onto their vintage, so they don’t see a lot of vintage coming into their stores. Hence, rigorous monitoring and communicating could be the key to recovering some, if not all, of these stolen cards.

[pawpawdiv9]

Just saw it on ABC news this morning

[Exhibitman]

Here’s my stupid question: does bringing all of these super expensive cards to a show ever result in a sale on site?

Dealers please elaborate.

[SyrNy1960]

When I would go to card shows and purchase cards, I'm hugging, squeezing, and checking on them to ensure they don't get taken. And I'm only talking about $1,000+ cards. I can't imagine letting $2M worth of cards out of my eye site. But I get it, dealers at shows have a lot do and can get distracted easy.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by SyrNy1960

When I would go to card shows and purchase cards, I'm hugging, squeezing, and checking on them to ensure they don't get taken. And I'm only talking about $1,000+ cards. I can't imagine letting $2M worth of cards out of my eye site. But I get it, dealers at shows have a lot do and can get distracted easy.

+1 agreed

I am the same way just as a buyer bringing large amount of cash and/or a few high value cards to trade

Hopefully the reward helps get them caught

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by brunswickreeves

For Net54ers who will be attending the National or other shows, be on the lookout for the stolen cards, which the IG account (@daysportscards) provided a link to including cert #s:bit.ly/3xQK65a

Per the recent IG account posting: if it says ‘archived’ it is something sold and NOT stolen. If it says draft, it’s stolen.

Also for those not on IG, here are images of the person who picked up and took the case (blue shirt) and the two others (white polo shirt with hat and white shirt with camo hat) who were distracting the table’s workers:

Won't be long before they're arrested. Great images.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by gregndodgers

If I were Ash, I would not rely solely on the police to recover the cards. A systematic process can be used to find the cards. What would that process look like?

1. Notify every single card shop in the US that cards have been stolen and provide photos of them, particularly the 52 Mantles, the Shoeless Joe cards, etc. Ask that the card shop owners notify police if they discover a stolen card.
2. Do the same with every pawn shop.
3. Notify and monitor all the on line card markets (comc, pwcc, FB , eBay, Craig’s list, etc) monitor these markets rigorously.
4. Contact the organizers of all card shows. Provide photos of all stolen cards.
5. Contact all of the major grading companies. Maybe they can screen certain card submissions including the higher profile cards such as the 52 Mantles, the Shoeless Joe cards, etc.
6. Notify the media in all large metro areas. Ask that they do a story about the theft.

What other steps can be taken?

IMO, vintage cards, including many that were stolen from Ash, are not put up for sale that often. Card shop owners regularly tell me that collectors are holding onto their vintage, so they don’t see a lot of vintage coming into their stores. Hence, rigorous monitoring and communicating could be the key to recovering some, if not all, of these stolen cards.

In theory that would be the way and would love have something in place (ie stolen data base of cards etc for people to easily check)to do it a few obstacles
1. Since they do not come in shop many could be sold on the black market into private collectors that may never see light of day (ie stolen art and antiques)
2. There are just so many shops, venues, shows, etc
3. How diligent will everyone be in all these places when buying these or other cards that are reported.

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

+1 agreed

I am the same way just as a buyer bringing large amount of cash and/or a few high value cards to trade

Hopefully the reward helps get them caught

Yeah, I sometimes laugh at myself how over-the-top I am of constantly checking my cards

[brunswickreeves]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Here’s my stupid question: does bringing all of these super expensive cards to a show ever result in a sale on site?

Dealers please elaborate.

Expensive cards dealers bring to shows are not just purchased since it circumvents the risk and fear of shipping, but are also acquired as an upgraded to something a collector already has (hence why higher end dealers will often have a variety of the same card in different grades-they’re providing a service to a clientele). For example a show attendee makes a deal for their 51 Bowman Mick PSA 1 which they lay on the table along with $4K in cash, in trade for the dealer’s 51 Bowman Mick PSA 2.

[parkplace33]

Are there paid security at the National?

[CardPadre]

The quick offering of a reward makes me wonder if he’s significantly under-insured for a loss of this magnitude.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by CardPadre

The quick offering of a reward makes me wonder if he’s significantly under-insured for a loss of this magnitude.

Insurance companies often are actually the impetus behind rewards. Better to pay the reward than the claim.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

In theory that would be the way and would love have something in place (ie stolen data base of cards etc for people to easily check)to do it a few obstacles
1. Since they do not come in shop many could be sold on the black market into private collectors that may never see light of day (ie stolen art and antiques)
2. There are just so many shops, venues, shows, etc
3. How diligent will everyone be in all these places when buying these or other cards that are reported.

Contacting pawn shops would be useless, as many of them are fully aware that they are regularly trafficking in stolen merchandise.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by gregndodgers

If I were Ash, I would not rely solely on the police to recover the cards. A systematic process can be used to find the cards. What would that process look like?

1. Notify every single card shop in the US that cards have been stolen and provide photos of them, particularly the 52 Mantles, the Shoeless Joe cards, etc. Ask that the card shop owners notify police if they discover a stolen card.
2. Do the same with every pawn shop.
3. Notify and monitor all the on line card markets (comc, pwcc, FB , eBay, Craig’s list, etc) monitor these markets rigorously.
4. Contact the organizers of all card shows. Provide photos of all stolen cards.
5. Contact all of the major grading companies. Maybe they can screen certain card submissions including the higher profile cards such as the 52 Mantles, the Shoeless Joe cards, etc.
6. Notify the media in all large metro areas. Ask that they do a story about the theft.

What other steps can be taken?

IMO, vintage cards, including many that were stolen from Ash, are not put up for sale that often. Card shop owners regularly tell me that collectors are holding onto their vintage, so they don’t see a lot of vintage coming into their stores. Hence, rigorous monitoring and communicating could be the key to recovering some, if not all, of these stolen cards.

"Nationwide, there are approximately 11,000 pawn stores, most of which are family-owned small businesses."

And 2276 sports card stores, according to one source.
https://rentechdigital.com/smartscra...ts-card-stores