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

[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

[conor912]

Originally Posted by dio

probably handcuff the case too if it's 2M

My thoughts exactly. Hard to sympathize with sloppiness.

[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

[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.

[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

[rdwyer]

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

[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?