Personal Safety

[PowderedH2O]

I have my sets in binders on display on a bookcase. But, my nicer graded cards are elsewhere in a nondescript box. You could put your best cards in a cereal box in the pantry or a shoe box in your wife's closet, or anywhere if you want to keep them on site. I assume you have an alarm system, so this limits the amount of time thrives have. If they can't find them, they can't steal them. And if they do, you know it was someone you showed your stuff to.

[clydepepper]

Luckily, we cardboard collectors are not as obvious as targets as those who may collect more liquid items. Most thieves look for items they can convert to easy cash like electronics and silverware.

I'm not saying the risk of having high-dollar cards on site is non-existent. I just feel that common sense precautions are 'usually' enough.

I keep my high-dollar cards in fire-proof safes covered from view. While Leon uses his safe deposit box to hold his, I prefer to keep mine closer. Of course, I live in a gated community and am not a well-known collector.

I do have images of some of my favorite cards on this forum, so I don't have to expose those cards very often.

Like Leon, however, I do like to get them out and 'play with them' occasionally and feel like that is an essential part of ownership.

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[Bestdj777]

I live in a similar neighborhood. I keep most of my stuff in safes. To prevent anyone from even considering entering my home though, I have security cameras (both interior and exterior) and an alarm system. It cost me about $1000 for the cameras (Arlo) and $750 for the security system (Simplisafe). Fortunately, both systems are designed so you can install them yourself, my city reimbursed me for half the cost of the security cameras, I get a discount on my home owner's insurance from having the alarm, and the alarm system is the only thing with a monthly fee and it's pretty reasonable (~$15).

I am confident no one could get my cards if they entered my home, but the added layer of protection, and the signs warning about it, make me rest a little more comfortably. Most of our break ins are teenagers from the local high school looking for electronics, and those kids will likely choose a neighbors house.