Coins and Home Security
(This is the first of five articles regarding security of coin collections.)

“DEALER ROBBED” “COLLECTOR BURGLARIZED” These are headlines that appear almost weekly in the major numismatic publications. It has been previously said that one out of three collections will eventually be stolen. Many are never reported. The impact is not only financial, but emotional as well. A sense of violation occurs that is difficult to describe. The loss has a negative impact to the victim in particular and to our hobby in general. Simply put, it’s bad for business.

The age-old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could never be truer than with coin security. The easiest way to prevent crime is to avoid it by not giving criminals the opportunity to perpetrate their crimes against you.

In hopes of keeping the "joys of collecting" enjoyable and the dreams alive, these guidelines should help reduce the risks of theft to collectors and dealers. After studying hundreds of thefts, it is my belief that nearly always, one or more of these guidelines have been ignored. Security risks can never be eliminated, but they can be managed to a tolerable level. Security is a constant. Vigilance must always be maintained. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Criminals avoid vigilant persons.

Some of these suggestions you may already know about and practice. Some may be new that you could put into practice. Few people can do all that I suggest, but the more suggestions you implement, you lower your risk of being a target and eventually a victim. Hopefully, my recommendations and suggestions will be useful and helpful to most collectors and dealers...if they continually practice and use them.

Most security can be developed and divided into four parts: operational- perimeter-external and interior-security.

Operational security is how you operate or refers to as "your mode of operation” You need to ask yourself; “What kind of target am I"?

Perimeter security is considered in the immediate area near the target...your coins and collection. As an example, in home security your property line to your home would be the perimeter.

External security is considered the outside shell or walls of your home or car.

Internal security is inside your car, home or anywhere you can physically touch your coins. Your objective should be to try to think of ways you can protect and improve on each of these four areas.

Operational:

Sanitize your home address by using a post office box on any coin publications and mailings. If you are a professional collector or dealer, your home address should be removed from the phone book, listing only your name and town. Don't forget about your stationary, envelopes, business cards and checks. I recently gave a personal check with my street address to another dealer, who unfortunately suffered a theft, which included my check. Will the thief assume that the address on my check is another potential target? Also, insure that your trash does not give away that you are a dealer or collector of rare coins.

Insurance is an excellent idea for both collectors and dealers. The normal costs are approximately 1% a year. For professional collectors and dealers, this cost is a deductible expense. Most policies have a number of restrictions and exceptions including coins left in unattended vehicles. Some homeowners’ policies will cover small coin theft, but many have exclusion clauses. Read your insurance policy carefully.

Of you operate a coin business out of the home, never invite customers to your home. Meet at a local bank, or other secure public location to show, sell or buy coins. Likewise, do not travel to an unknown collector’s home to purchase coins with cash. Many a collector or dealer has been set up in this manner.

Perimeter:

If you live in a rural area or a location that lends itself to a fence, install one. Even a simple split rail, three plank or a low three-foot picket fence will make most thieves uncomfortable entering. Add a gate on the walk or driveway and you double the level of mental stress for a thief.

A dog can be a wonderful companion and loving family pet. To a thief they are their worst nightmare. Unknown intruders that intend to do harm, most dogs identify. They have a keen sense that most humans have not developed. What kind of dog is best? Buy a couple of dog books, read and determine what is best for you and your family. My thoughts are the bigger the better. My personal favorite is the English Mastiff. They are very sweet and loving dogs and rated number one with children. They are nicknamed the gentle giants, since they weigh over 200 pounds. However, with a mouth that can rival a grizzly, a provoked Mastiff can snap a person’s leg in half. Add a second dog to the equation, and you have compounded the thief's problem. Noise is not conducive to a successful burglar. Even a small barking dog hinders a perpetrator. Most female dogs tend to be slightly more protective, and slightly more intelligent than males.

A few well-placed external lights should be on at night or have motion sensors that will turn them on. Thieves do not enjoy working at night in lighted areas. However, most home burglaries occur on weekday mornings’ between 9:30 and 11:30, not by professionals, but by amateurs who may be skipping school, either to support a drug habit or simply for thrills.

If you are away, don't forget to have your mail and newspaper stopped. A stack of mail or newspapers also announces your absence. In the summer, have your lawn cut when you are away and let your neighbors and local police know that you will be away. Keep the shrubs and bushes trimmed around the house to make a concealed hiding place difficult.

External:

If you do not have an alarm system, get one! I would not own a tool shed without an alarm. It is sad, but true that most alarm systems are installed after a burglary. I would recommend that you use a company that is well known in your community for a couple of reasons. First, service. It is important to have quick rapid service and repair. Second, name recognition. The alarm signs themselves are a deterrent. The signs and stickers should be at the property's entrance, as well as on ground level windows and doors. Simulated stickers or signs are of little use. Thieves know the real alarm signs from the phonies. There are several nationally know companies, but ADT, Honeywell and Brinks are the most widely used. An alarm system should not be kept a secret.

If possible, a silent central alarm system is best. At a minimum it should cover all doors and have at least one internal motion or pressure sensor. Thieves almost always roam the house in search of your special hiding places, and given enough time, will usually find them. A couple of motion sensors or internal door or mat sensors will do the trick. The alarm cables need to be buried and protected by metal conduit. A back-up battery system with at least a 12-hour cell will enable your system to work in power outages. Whether you work out of your home, office or have a coin shop, I recommend a silent panic button. They are a low cost, when installed in conjunction with the alarm system you have chosen. Don't forget to include smoke and fire alarms in your system as well. The added cost is minimal, and your additional objective is to try to protect life, as well as property.

Door locks should be double-keyed, double-sided dead bolts. Internal latch dead bolts are not as secure, since a thief can break a hole in the glass or door, reach through and turn the knob to gain entry. Regardless of how the thief gains entry into your home, the double-keyed dead bolt will prevent a quick exit for the burglar to carry your stolen property. In most home burglaries the bed linen is usually taken. The purpose is not so the thief can get a good night’s sleep, but rather the bed itself is the collection point with each layer of bedding acting as a ready made satchel. A normal two-bedroom home will provide a minimum of ten satchels for your property. Also, you can alternate the hooks on clothes hangers that make quick loading of expensive clothes more difficult.

If the thief's entry point is through a small window, exiting with large amounts of your property is hindered. Your objective should be to make the entry and exit very time consuming. A determined thief will gain entry, the question is how long will it take, and how long for them to escape. Security chain locks are unreliable as they can be pulled out of most doors or door jams with a slight jar. Steel doors and frames offer better protection. On any new moves, have the locks changed. Even if you haven’t moved, change your locks every five years. Get into the habit of keeping your doors locked, even when home or working in the yard. Also, keep your garage door down and locked. Most garages will have some valuable tools that may be of help to the burglar.

Never let a stranger into your home. In an emergency, you should make the phone call for help, on behalf of the stranger. If strangers say they are from an authorized service, phone to insure that the service call is authorized. Service people expect this and are not offended by it. And never tell a stranger you are home alone.

Internal:

A beautiful display of rare coins and currency has no place in a home or office. An alternative is photos of your prized or valuable coins. Most likely a photo album would be something that a burglar would not want. They could also be used should your collection be stolen in recovery and identification purposes. One of the coin-grading services offers a unique photo service for collectors considering this option.

The best idea is to display your coins at a local coin show as an exhibit. This way many people can share in your collection that would not only understand its value, but would appreciate your numismatic efforts. Not only is it fun, but also you may get ideas to improve your display to enable you to exhibit at a larger regional or a national show in competition. This seems to me to make more sense than keeping your coins at home and risking a burglary, or hidden in a bank vault for time and eternity, never to be seen or shared with anyone.

Use an answering machine that is silent or that the volume can be turned very low when answering calls. Some burglars carry cell phones and simply dial your number and listen at your door or window to see if they can hear an answer machine. A continuous ringing phone is a signal that it is clear to enter. I prefer a phone network answer service, with no machine at all. When you are away for any extended length of time, set your answer machine or service to “no ring” or immediate pickup. Be sensitive to your phone message, one that announces that you are away on vacation for two weeks will not do.

Two or three lights that turn on at different time settings would be another good idea. A slightly loud radio or stereo left on could also help give the illusion that the premises are occupied..

Use a bank safety box for the majority of your coins. Don't make the mistake of filling it with common date proof, mint sets and low-grade inexpensive coins. Today most tennis shoes are worth more money than all but a couple of proof or mint sets. Unless you lock your shoes in a safe deposit box, use the safe deposit box for only the most valuable gold proofs or and your more expensive coins. A word of caution is that most banks do not insure against both burglary and fire. For large collections, I would recommend multiple boxes in multiple locations.

If you decide to use a safe, a small home safe would probably do for the coins you are currently studying. The safe needs to have a bugler entry time of at least 15 minutes (TL-15) and have a minimum Class C fire rating. A safe with a TL-30 is even better. Older safes use older technology. Don't forget to bolt it to the floor from the inside if the safe could be carried or dragged from your home. Larger cabinet safes, weighing 300 lb. or more will provide more security. Your alarm can also be connected to your safe with numerous specialized electronic security features. Be sure to place it on a solid cement floor, in a semi-hidden place.

If you have already purchased a small cheap safe, your money has not been wasted. Place it in the master bedroom, filled with some cheap costume jewelry and a few inexpensive coins along with a perhaps $100 in cash. Tape a paper with the combination to the outside. Should a burglar gain access, they may be content with the “dumb” owners and not vandalize your home in their frustration of trying to open the hidden, more secure safe.

A number of considerations should be considered when making a decision to purchase a safe. Will a safe that prevents a common burglar access, invite them to return as an armed robber? Large or valuable collections stored at home could be inviting to an armed robber. When a bandit is holding a gun on you or a family member, even the most secure safe should be opened immediately. Some of the newer models automatically send a silent alarm if opened under duress. There have been only a few home-armed robberies for coins. And in those robberies, I only know of a few that resulted in a murder. The overall number of robberies is only a fraction of the number of burglaries that occur each year. Unfortunately, organized crime groups are now routinely targeting many known jewelry and coin dealers. According to a recent Washington Post article, robberies of traveling dealers in Los Angeles have become epidemic.

Firearms

Weapons and guns are just as high a target for a burglar as coins jewelry or cash. Many violent crimes are committed using stolen guns, which are quickly sold by the burglar for cash on any street corner in America. Unsecured firearms in a home can very dangerous for family members. If children are in the premises, secured guns are becoming law in some states. Trigger locks are effective (most manufactures include one with a new purchase of handgun) but may hinder access in an emergency. Hiding a gun only means a game for kids to hunt and find it. Telling children, "Do not touch" simply will not work. This all in itself presents a dilemma. How can a firearm be used for home security, if it is secured properly?

A possible solution to this dilemma is a new high tech; quick access safe lock-box for handguns is now available. The lock-box safe uses a number sequence computer chip to activate a spring-loaded door opening for instant authorized access. It comes with a external secure base-plate allowing the safe itself to be removed from the inside. This makes the security system portable. Additional base-plates may be purchased for use in the office or for vehicle trunks. It offers one of the best ways to secure a handgun, at a nominal price.

And finally, you must ask yourself “do I have the will to use a firearm in a life-threatening situation?” This is most likely the most important question that you will need to address. It is a very serious consideration, and one not to be taken lightly.

Should your personal decision be to own a firearm, first be professionally trained on its safe and proper use. Most communities, police departments, shooting ranges and the National Rifle Association either offer, or can suggest basic firearm classes. Only after you have become proficient in the use of a firearm should you purchase one. Second, be legal. Check with your local police and obtain any necessary permit(s) or license(s) for it.

While the federal gun legislation receives much more media attention, state legislatures and city councils make far more laws in regards of firearms. As of 1999, there are over 20,000 active gun laws on the books in America. Unfortunately, there are few consistencies between city, county and state laws, when it comes to firearms.

As of now, 42 states have laws allowing an honest citizen to obtain a concealed weapon permit. Some states even recognize permits from other states. Three states have laws that require a possession permit be obtained prior to the purchase of a handgun. The District of Columbia does not allow any handgun to be carried, owned or even transported through the District. Three states consider it a felony to transport a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Arizona, where freedom and firearms are a tradition, few people are questioned by police about guns, other than to satisfy the officers curiosity as to the make, model and price an individual paid for a gun. In Kennesaw, Georgia, all homeowners are required to own a weapon, as it is a misdemeanor not to have a gun. It is up to the individual to know what the laws are in their city, county and state and to consider them in their decision process. A professional firearms trainer and the NRA can assist you in determining what the laws are in your community.

Most states prohibit a weapon to be introduced, unless the situation is life threatening. Three elements must be present in order to defend your right to use deadly force. A criminal must exhibit first, intent. Second they must have the opportunity. And third, they must exhibit the ability to do physical harm to you or your family. A scuffle in the street, or even a demand for your collection, may not be considered life threatening in some states.

If you are in a robbery situation where you can give up your coins to the robber, without a threat of your or family’s life, do it. According to a U. S. Department of Justice study in January 1985, if you are at home when a criminal forcibly and illegally gains entry, you have one chance in three of becoming a victim of violence. Should you hear an intruder in your home, phone 911 using a cell phone (which leaves you mobile and impervious to land line interruption), let them know you are armed, and find out if they are responding with plain clothes officers or uniformed police. After reporting the situation, leave the line open so it can be monitored. If you and your family can quickly and quietly escape the house, do it. Under no circumstances, even if armed, should you try to “clear the house”. Let the police who are trained to do so handle it. If you find yourself trapped in a room, most likely your bedroom, lock the door, and announce loudly to the intruder that the police are on the way, and that you are armed, and you intend to fire, should they try the door. If you are fortunate, the intruder may leave.

Have an emergency exit plan for you and your family. Make sure that your escape plan is not only for potential intruders, but for a fire as well. Ensure that you have flashlights in the designated “safe areas”. An annual practice run would not be a bad idea. Make sure you know where all the family members are, and where each member should go if an intruder has entered.

What type of weapon should you choose? At home, a 12-gauge pump shotgun with #4 buckshot shells gives you an advantage over nearly all intruders. Few people in a life-threatening situation could hit a target with anything less. Shotguns are not magic however; they still need aimed firing techniques in order to be effective. One advantage of the pump is that even the slowest-witted miscreant recognizes the sound of chambering a shell in a pump-shotgun. If your decision is to own a handgun for personal protection, be sure to purchase it from a reputable and licensed dealer. A medium to small size, semi-automatic, clip fed, modern double action 9 millimeter to 45 caliber is preferred. If you are very concerned about firepower, such as on the highway, a 357 or 44 magnum handgun is what many state troopers carry. If you buy one, insure that it fits your hand. After a session on the range, you’ll be glad you did. All should be loaded with hollow point ammunition for maximum effectiveness and firepower.

Whatever weapons you choose have a documented professional to train in its use, for safety, liability and effective self-defense. It makes no sense owning any gun if you do not maintain proficiency in its use. As a minimum, three hours of practice, two times a year on a regulation gun range, with an expenditure of at least 50 rounds each session, is required to maintain any degree of competency. To become an expert, two hours every other week is needed. Most professionals will use the range to expend their old ammunition, rotating cartridges every six months. If possible, occasionally practice in dim lighting. After a session at the range, the weapon should be thoroughly cleaned.

I know of a number of Dealers, who are legally licensed to carry a gun, but who have had the same rounds in it since they bought it, many, many years previous. Some have never fired it and probably think there is an on-off button on it. Should they require the weapon's use, they would be very ineffective. Most likely it would misfire or jam. It makes little sense to carry a dirty or inoperable gun, loaded with stale rusted ammunition, with little or no training.

Remember, if the unfortunate situation should occur that requires you to discharge a weapon in self defense, your life as you currently know it, will change forever. The legal and emotional ramifications are enormous. On the other hand, it may be better to be judged by 12 of your peers than carried by 6 of your friends.

Driving with Coins
(This is the second of five articles regarding security of coin collections.)

Few full time coin dealers with 10 years experience have avoided being a victim of theft. Some simply lost coins from shoplifting, while others were victims of murder to obtain their coins and collections. Some make the headlines, but most are never reported. Next to homes, vehicles are the most likely place for a theft to occur.

As I have previously written in an earlier security article, “one out of three collections will eventually be stolen. The impact is not only financial, but emotional as well. A sense of violation occurs that is difficult to describe. The loss has a negative impact to the victim in particular and to our hobby in general. Simply put, it’s bad for business.

The age-old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could never be truer, than with security. The easiest way to prevent crime is to avoid it by not giving criminals the opportunity to perpetrate crimes against you.

In hopes of keeping the "joys of collecting" enjoyable and the dreams alive, these guidelines hopefully will help you reduce the risks of theft, for collectors and dealers alike. After studying hundreds of thefts, it is my belief that nearly always, one or more of these guidelines have been ignored. Security risks can never be eliminated, but risks can be managed to a tolerable level. Vigilance must always be maintained, as security is a constant. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. This alone can be an excellent defense, as criminals avoid vigilant persons.

Some of these suggestions you may already know about but may not practice. Some suggestions may be new, that you could put into practice. Few people can do all that I recommend, but the more you can implement, the lower your risk of being a target, and perhaps being a victim. My recommendations and suggestions can be useful to most collectors and dealers...if they will continually practice and apply them to their own situations.

Most security can be divided, and developed into four parts: operational security, perimeter security, external security and interior security.

Operational security would be how you operate or referred to as "your mode of operation” You need to ask yourself; “What kind of target am I presenting?" Perimeter security is considered in the immediate area near the target...you, and your valuables. As an example, while in your car, the area that you can physically observe in all four directions would be considered the perimeter. External security is considered the outside shell or walls of your home or car. Internal security would be inside your car or home, or anywhere you can physically touch your coins. Your objective should be to try to think in ways you can improve and protect each of these four areas.

Security is a personal responsibility. Your security is not the responsibility of the police, politicians or government. They do not have the means or intentions to protect every citizen. Unless you are willing to cast your fate, and life, to the wind, your first line of security is you.

Insurance is an excellent idea for both collectors and dealers. The normal costs are approximately 1% a year. For professional collectors and dealers, this cost is a deductible expense. Most policies have a number of restrictions and exceptions including coins left in unattended vehicles. Some homeowners’ policies will cover a small coin theft, but many have exclusion clauses. Read your insurance policy carefully.

At major coin shows, larger firms sometimes use armored transport for inventories and collections. At some, professional numismatists use US Postal Service registered mail or insured Federal Express to reduce the risk of loss. Be sure to keep in mind that the Postal service has a maximum dollar amount for each registered piece of mail of $25,000. This may require sending multiple packages. Never send valuables certified mail. There is no recovery process on certified mail should it be lost. If feasible, consider these options, even if you use these services only occasionally. It may be worth the extra effort and expense to explore the logistics of them.

As with most types of security, traveling with coins the five P’s are in effect; Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Operational:

Never, leave coins unattended in a vehicle! This is perhaps the single greatest security mistake you can make. I have talked with hundreds of dealers and collectors who have made this mistake. I have learned of collectors who parked their car in clear view, while they dined having supper, only to be able to see how fast the thieves worked entering their car and stealing their coins. Some professional car thieves can enter your car faster than you can with a key. Coins have been stolen out of cars in the process of loading and unloading them from the vehicle. Coins have been stolen out of vehicles parked at home, in a locked garage. Coins have been stolen from stalled vehicles on the roadways. The list of how and where coins have been stolen from vehicles is countless. If you get only one thing from this article, remember...never, never leave coins or valuables in an unattended in a vehicle!

When transporting coins and valuables in a vehicle, put on your very best driving hat. Be very alert, and drive defensively. Try to keep night driving to a minimum. Your reaction time is slower in most circumstances. Study the road map and route you are planning to drive. Plan checkpoints and safe havens, and the distance to each. Keep on your planned course or route. Decide early where you plan to fuel, eat, (use only a drive through eatery), or take a rest break. Know where your choke points (where you are most vulnerable) are, and have a plan in mind should your worst fears come to fruition. I would use backward planning, beginning with your arrival at home. Your home arrival may be the most obvious and most vulnerable choke point you have. Prioritize each so you will be even more vigilant at the most critical choke points.

If possible, try to avoid travel alone. Traveling with a companion will lower your risk of being a target by 70%. In the U.S. Army’s Ranger School you always travel with a “Ranger Buddy”, even on survival excesses. Traveling with a dog also will decrease your security risk, (they also smell better than most of my former Ranger Buddies after three weeks without a bath).

Try to vary your routine. Avoid easily observed routines. If every day you depart your home at 9:35AM, drive the exact same route, to the same destination, and return using the same route, you’re broadcasting to the dumbest thief they have an opportunity for success. I had one dealer boast to me that after every weekend show, the first task he does on Monday morning is to be at his bank as they open, right at 9AM, to place his inventory in the bank’s vault. When I mentioned that a dirty little secret of the American Banking Association is the staggering number of robberies in bank parking lots and at ATM’s, his reply was, “I bank in a good neighborhood”. If I were a bandit, I would prefer the better neighborhoods to the poorer ones, as my rate of return for my risk would more likely be better.

If you ever have the opportunity to enroll in a professional driving course, do it. What you learn will not only be valuable in your work, but will also make you a better and safer driver on the roadway. The premier course is the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, in Phoenix Arizona. Many major corporations and government agencies use them. In addition to teaching racing and stunt driving, they also offer a specialized program for executive protection that works well for security transport of valuables. Should you take a performance driving school and advertise it on your car with stickers or license plate holders it will insure that you will never receive just a warning ticket for a traffic infraction, but an instant citation.

One thing you quickly learn in a professional driving environment is that driving is 100% focus and concentration. Statistics will tell you that driving an automobile is the most dangerous task individuals do on a daily basis. An insurance actuary will tell you the single most dangerous driving situation is driving in front, behind or near a truck with a 40 ft. trailer. If you are in the habit of driving down the road, drinking coffee, smoking a cigarette, tuning the radio and talking on a cell phone, you can’t possibly drive safely. You not only are at risk, but you are putting at risk everyone else on the highway.

After you have mastered driving with both hands on the wheel, you are now ready to improve on the second most violated driving rule…following too close behind another vehicle. At 25mph, it is difficult to make a quick lane change to avoid an accident with less than 4 car lengths. At 65mph, unless you are a professional driver, you would be lucky to perform the maneuver in 10 car lengths.

The third major cause of accidents is too high of speed for the existing conditions. One of the greatest auto racers of all time was Sterling Moss. His most famous quote sums it up; “When approaching a turn, slow in…fast out, or fast in…dead out”.

After speaking with numerous state troopers, I would recommend that you follow the “seven” rule. Try to avoid driving more or less than seven miles per hour from the posted speed limit. Driving either faster or slower may attract the attention of other drivers, or the police. If you have used alcohol or taken medications that may cause drowsiness, simply do not drive. Using your seatbelt prior to placing the car in gear is a given.

One clear advantage you will have over potential perpetrators is that while you are reading and putting into practice this article on security, they are most likely getting high on drugs and alcohol in preparation, or building courage, to perpetuate a crime against you.

Perimeter:

Make it a practice driving in a right lane. Do not drive in the left lane, except to pass. You will not only impede faster drivers, but could solicit road rage. This is a situation that defiantly does not qualify as a safe and secure trip. Try to be as low key as possible while traveling with valuables. Your objective is to travel from point A to point B without an incidence. Should you inadvertently irritate another driver, avoid eye contact and continue to drive. If you sense any escalation in the situation, slow down and let the other driver proceed. If you are still concerned, let the other vehicle precede you past an exit, then exit your vehicle and reenter the hi-way at another point, providing you can do it safely. Under no circumstance should you involve yourself further in a potential road rage situation.

Be very cautious and aware of being followed by another vehicle. When you are driving on highways, travel at different speeds for 20 to 30 minutes. A vehicle following you while traveling at a slower rate is more obvious than one traveling at a faster rate. During the first hour of travel, take an exit, and then return back on the highway. If you are being followed, it will make it difficult for a bandit to follow. If you suspect you are being followed, exit, and make a right turn. If you are still concerned, make a second right turn. If you are still followed, you may have a problem. Should you make a third right turn, and are still being followed, you are! Do not stop. Under no circumstances should you drive to your home or hotel. If you feel your assailant knows you are aware of being followed, and your decision is to evade, place your emergency flashers on as it will make following more difficult. Night or day, your breaking points on turns will be disguised. If at all possible, drive directly to the nearest police or fire station.

If in an extreme case where you are forced off the road by an assailant, or are confronted by an unauthorized roadblock, in all circumstances, do not stop your vehicle. If you can’t drive around or away from your assailants, perform either a forward or reverse 180-degree turn to avoid being forced to stop. This maneuver is not as difficult as it may look, if you have the proper training. If you have no way to drive away, you may be forced to drive through the roadblock. Knowing where to make contact with another vehicle to disable it and minimize damage to your own vehicle is critical. Most cars can sustain far more damage in the rear of the vehicle than to the front, and still be able to proceed. If the bandits have gone to that extent to stop you, your life will likely be expendable. Use your cell phone to summon help, but under no circumstance should you stop your vehicle. Even if you are carrying a weapon, and have been trained in it’s use, it would be near impossible to use it while driving a vehicle and still maintain control. Your best form of defense is your own driving ability.

Should an identifiable police car stop you, signal and pull over and off of the far right side of the road, out of traffic and place your emergency flashers on. Turn your engine off and remain in your vehicle with both your hands on the wheel, clearly in view.

If an unmarked police car signals you, use your turn signal to move to the far right lane (where you should be driving to begin with), and use your arm to signal the car to move up alone side of you. If you can identify a uniformed police officer, then signal and pull over and off of the right side of the road, out of traffic and place your emergency flashers on. Leave your engine running; remain in your vehicle with both your hands on the wheel, clearly in view. Watch the officer approach and insure the stop is by an authorized law enforcement officer, before shutting off your engine.

What if you cannot identify a uniformed police officer, or the individual is also in plain clothes? Put your emergency flashers on but do not pull over. Use you car or cell phone and dial 911 to insure that the stop is authorized. If it is an authorized stop, they will call for backup by a marked police vehicle, driven by a uniformed officer. Only after you are assured that it is an authorized stop, should you pull over and stop.

At this point, the officer has the right to ask questions of you concerning the operation of your vehicle. If the questions go beyond operation of your vehicle, I would be very cautious in answering them. Simply informing the officer that you wish to be represented by legal counsel may refute a question that may elicit self-incriminating information from you. What if the officer asks for your voluntary consent to search your vehicle? Many motorists think that if they refuse permission, it is a sign of guilt and willingly sign a consent form. I would advise against giving permission for a search. For an officer to conduct a legitimate search of a vehicle, they must have “probable cause.” The courts have made it clear that a routine traffic stop does not provide the officer with enough probable cause to search your vehicle without your permission.

If the officer still were intent on searching your vehicle, I would calmly explain that you are couriering valuables and that should an unauthorized search be conducted that the insurance company will require a complete written inventory. I would provide a business card and make it clear that you are couriering approximate 2,000 individual items, of which each will need to be inventoried and signed by both you and the investigating officers. The estimated time of the required inventory will be approximately 8 to 10 hours and will need to be conducted in a secure facility, not on the side of the roadway. Your insurance company that insures your collection may be willing to provide you with a letter, identifying you as there insured, with this requirement. I know of few patrol officers that would look forward to 8 to 10 hours of paper work, unless there were substantial probable cause.

External:

Do a visual inspection of the exterior of your vehicle to look for any signs of tampering. Keep the vehicle clean so that any new smudges or marks can be seen. You can also use a small strip of clear cellophane tape to detect openings or tampering. Conduct a close visual inspection of your tires as well as the tires pressure. Look at the inside, edges and surfaces for punctures or devices, which will disable your vehicle latter. Look beneath the car, under the engine to see if any fluids are leaking. A favorite is for a bandit to puncture a radiator hose with a nail or awl. After 100 or so miles the rubber expands, causing your coolant to flow out, which will shortly overheat the vehicle, requiring you to pull off the road. When you are pulled off the road you are a very vulnerable target.

After you have traveled as far as possible with the full tank of gas, and need to refuel, select a location that you can fuel directly at the pump with a credit card. Again, keep your vehicle locked during the fueling process. When you are at a secure facility, use the restroom just prior to loading your coins in the car, even if you don’t need to. It may be hours till a secure opportunity later allows it. If you must use a restroom, and are traveling alone, be sure to park in clear view of the attendant. If you feel it appropriate ask them to keep an eye on your car, while you use the restroom, do so. Avoid state highway designated rest stops. In the past, they have attracted petty thieves. Do not stop in a high traffic truck stop. These actually may attract a higher rate of car and truck break-ins. When parking your vehicle, turn your front wheels to a sharp angle to make it more difficult to tow away.

If you feel yourself getting tired, stop at a national hotel/motel chain. The expense is nothing, compared to the potential loss of property or life. No matter where or when you park your vehicle, always back into the parking place. Should you have to make a rapid departure, it is faster than having to reverse first, which is much slower.

As you drive, try to leave yourself a way out. Avoid getting boxed in so you do not have an escape route. Stop signs and lights are particularly dangerous. When in city traffic, drive in the center lane, or whichever lane gives you the best escape route. When required to stop at stoplights and signs, do not pull up directly behind the cars bumper in front of you. If you are stopped and are approached by someone on foot whose hands are not in clear sight, if you can safely do it, drive away to avoid the incident, even if it requires you to drive through the traffic light or stop sign.

Some collectors have been victims of an intentional accident in order to distract them to steal their collection. “Car bumping” has been most prevalent in California, New York, Chicago, Miami and Houston. Keep the doors locked and windows up and pepper spray dispenser in close proximity. If a pedestrian approaches you, have it ready to use should the harmless pedestrian turn out to be an attacker who may break your window. However, you still would be safer to drive out of potential dangerous situation than to defend yourself.

If you are involved in a car jacking, immediately give up your car. Numerous people have been injured trying to resist. If however, during the car jacking, you are ordered back into your vehicle, do not do it, even if the bandit is armed. Your survival statistics are better that you are injured in a struggle to prevent kidnapping than to be kidnapped which will nearly always result in your being killed.

Internal:

I am sometimes asked what kind of vehicle is the most secure. Few people can afford to immediately go out and buy a new vehicle to transport coins. However, it would make good sense when purchasing a new vehicle to consider the vehicles safety and security systems, both passive and active. Many government agencies use either the GMC or Chevrolet Suburban. Both can be easily modified with additional security and safety options. Both the BMW and Mercedes have optional locking systems and optional non-breakable windows that make it very difficult to penetrate. Somewhere between driving down the highway in a convertible with your hair in the wind, and your coins on the back seat, or to the extreme of traveling by an armored tank, is your own personal security solution.

What can you do to improve the security of your present vehicle?

Insure you have a full tank of gas in your vehicle, prior to loading your coins, traveling to or from a coin show. High-test fuel gives you slightly better performance, a consideration for the return trip. Use a locking gas cap to prevent unwarranted fuel contamination. If your hood does not lock from the inside, get an internal lock installed. Dark tinted glass also helps to conceal your cargo. If your car has a vanity plate, especially ones that identifies you as a collector, replace it. They are too easy to be remembered and too easily followed. Remove all bumper stickers that identify you with anything that could be remotely controversial.

Join AAA or other roadside assistance service. Don’t try to fix a flat while transporting valuables, as that may be the opportunity the bandits are waiting for. Be sure to have your vehicle maintained regularly. Replace the tires, hoses and brakes a little earlier than you normally would. The last thing you need is a breakdown. Keep road flares, flashlights and a fix-a-flat aerosol can (it may be valuable in some dangerous road situations), in easy access. There are also some new brands of tires that will allow you to continue to drive, even after a puncture or blowout.

An auto alarm is excellent. Use an ignition or computer shut-off switch type that disables the car. This will prevent the car's theft with your coins inside. A thief will not have to unload your coins, if they can simply steal your car. Place the alarm warning stickers on two windows. I know of two situations where coins were a bonus to a common auto theft. One dealer I know went into a 7-11 to get a cup of coffee, left his keys in the car with the engine running. When he returned, his car with his coin inventory was gone. He called the police, who later found his car, with his entire inventory still in the trunk of his car, undisturbed! This may qualify for the most careless case study I know, and also the luckiest.

A cell or car phone is a must. Pre-load the Highway patrol emergency numbers of the states that you will travel, for instant assistance. It never ceases to amaze me how quick state troupers respond, even in what appears to be a remote areas. Some of the newer cell phones have the ability to scan the nearest 911 numbers from your location. In an emergency, you can even leave the phone on so the operator can monitor your situation. Use some discretion when using a cell phone discussing coin business, as these can be easily scanned with the use of simple electronic devices purchased at most radio or electrical outlets.

When packing your vehicle, always remember, "Coins in last when departing. Coins out first, when arriving."

Try to keep the passenger compartment or your car free of any loose article that may become a missile in an accident. Lock your coins and cases to your vehicle. A simple eyebolt can easily be installed in your trunk to the frame of your car at any garage. Use a sheathed, coil bicycle lock. It will make a bump, snatch and run more difficult. Bolt cutters normally can’t cut one. It will take most thieves over an hour to cut through it with a hacksaw. The handles of the cases are the weakest point. But without a handle, heavy cases are very difficult to carry. Overload the cases to be as heavy as possible. I figure that there may be 10,000 robbers who could probably out-run me, but none carrying a 100 lb. case using both their arms.

Be sure to lock your car doors immediately after entering your vehicle. An important point to remember is that you are far more likely to be a target returning home from a coin show than traveling to one.

Firearms:

Traveling with firearms in vehicles presents numerous problems for a citizen who desires to comply with the law. Unfortunately, there is little consistency in state firearms laws in regards to travel. Well meaning politicians have passed over 20,000 gun laws in the United States that have little, if any effect on the perpetrators of violent crime, but enormous ramifications on the average honest law abiding citizen who wishes to defend themselves. If your decision is to carry a firearm while traveling, I would thoroughly research out the laws in your state and local area, and any areas you plan to travel prior to doing so. You should do everything possible to comply with the law and still maintain your own comfort level of security. I would then get proper training from a certified National Rifle Association instructor on the use of firearms. And only then would I even consider the purchase of a weapon. There is now available a portable combination lock box which has a removable base plate that can bolted to your vehicle, to secure the weapon, making transport of a gun legal in most states. An additional base plate can also be used to secure the unit safely in the home or office.

Knowing that your best defense is driving away, around or through a situation, it may pay to put your money in a drivers seat designed for driving, with four point adjustable seat belts rather than a weapon.

We all make mistakes. But try to avoid repeating the same security mistakes. If you have violated your own security procedures and have not been a victim, consider yourself lucky. But to continually violate your own known security procedures, consider yourself a target. Should you want to gamble, try Las Vegas. Since you know going in that you will lose, there is less stress and at least they may give you a free drink in the process, to help numb the loss.

Security in the Skies.

(This is the third of five articles on security).
 

There you are, finally after months or possibly years of preparation, on your way to the airport to fly away to an exciting city that will play host to a major or national coin convention. Perhaps you are a collector who has spent a lifetime putting together a truly remarkable collection of coins that have been in the family for years or a collection that you have worked on since you were a child. You plan to finally shop the “bourse” to add those last few “tough” coins, or perhaps you’re traveling to get two of three offers prior to selling your prized collection, in order to pursue other collecting interests. It is possible that you have prepared a coin exhibit that has taken years to assemble, by having carefully and painstakingly purchased only examples of coins that truly represent the exhibits purpose for a serious national competition. Or you may be one of hundreds of coin dealers, who are required to travel with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of coin inventory, more times a year than you want to think about.

In all these scenarios, the individuals involved will have worked countless hours preparing their materials to present them in the most favorable light…yet; few will spend even a fraction of the time spent in preparation of this enormous investment, to address even the basic security aspects to their trip.

Thieves have been successful in stealing coins or jewelry on the way to the airport in cabs and hotel shuttle buses. Thieves have been successful at rental car counters, car pick-up points and car drop-off points. Thieves have been successful at airport curbsides, ticket counters, security checkpoints, inside secure areas, inside airport restrooms, luggage carrousels…and yes, even on board the aircraft.

The fact of the matter is that the moment you leave your home or office, you are vulnerable to theft, and even more so on your return trip. It would be naive for someone to think that by reading this article, you would be impervious to such a crime, but perhaps, just perhaps, it will prevent you from being an easy “mark” or target.

Since I first wrote on security matters over two years ago, I have been sent incident reports of numerous thefts. It concerns me that I continually receive these theft reports that a simple prevention step or procedure I have previously written about could have prevented the crime. I sometimes fear the thieves read my security articles more carefully than do collectors or dealers. Am I doing a service or disservice to numismatic community by writing about security matters?

When a criminal robs a bank they can be assured of five things happening:

1. The overall take will be less than $10,000.

2. The money they get will be marked and traceable.

3. There will be a picture of the crime, with them in it, and verified by a host of bank tellers and customers.

4. The crime will be vigorously investigated by local and Federal law enforcement.

5. When caught, the criminal will likely serve time in federal prison.

Whereas; in comparison, if the crime is perpetuated against a coin dealer or collector, the comparison of the five things is quite different:

1. The average coin dealer will travel with a minimum of $50,000 inventory, and many dealers may have in excess of $500,000. Collections and exhibits can sometimes be priceless.

2. The numismatic inventory will be hard to trace, and is seldom marked or recorded to help convict a criminal.

3. There will be no photograph of the crime, and likely not even a witness.

4. Not only will law enforcement be reluctant and slow to investigate the crime, but they will seldom have any training in numismatic crimes, and worse, they may even suspect the dealer has overstating the values of the inventory to defraud the insurance carrier. The fact is that most dealers are either not insured or drastically under-insured. Additionally, most law enforcement investigators find it hard to believe the amount of money involved. I do know a few law enforcement officers that are very knowledgeable in assisting helping other law enforcement officers solve a numismatic crime. Two that stand out are Detective Doug Davis in Arlington, Texas and Sheriff John Anderson, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

5. If the criminal is apprehended, it is usually by the majority of the investigation being conducted by a dealer or collector and their persistence by refusing to be a statistical victim. After countless hours, trips to the jurisdiction of the local court where the crime occurred, wasted trips on defense attorney delay tactics, the criminal will be given a slap on the wrist with little or no jail time.

The age-old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could never be truer than with security. The easiest way to prevent crime is to avoid it by not giving criminals the opportunity to perpetrate crimes against you.

Security risks can never be eliminated, but risks can be managed to a tolerable level. Vigilance must always be maintained, as security is a constant. Constantly practice “what if” scenarios. You need to discuss your security thoughts and ideas with others, especially those whom you travel with. I like most others have made the mistake of telling my wife when she is traveling with me to “watch my coins” while I am in the restroom, getting food or making a phone call. Like any dutiful person would do, she watches my coins without my giving any further instructions to her on what she is to do in the event of a theft! Is she to scream, wrestle with the thief, give chase or simply do as I have instructed her to “watch my coins”. If this is the case then her reply after a theft should be… “I watched your coins, while someone stole them”. What if the thief is armed? What if there is a distraction? What if there is more than one thief? What if we are in a rental car or in a hotel or airport shuttle van? Without proper instructions as to what she is to do in various theft scenarios, I may well have put her personal safety at risk by asking her to “watch my coins”.

Take a few minutes to write out a brief security plan of your own travel for the trip. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. This in itself can be an excellent defense, as criminals avoid vigilant persons. My recommendations and suggestions can be useful to collectors and dealers only if they continually practice and apply them to their own situations.

Security is a personal responsibility. Your security is not the responsibility of the police, politicians or government. They do not have the means or intention to protect every citizen. Unless you are willing to cast your fate and life, to the wind, your first line of security is you.

As a review, most security can be divided, and developed into four parts: operational security, perimeter security, external security and interior security.

Operational security would be how you operate or referred to as "your mode of operation” You need to ask yourself; “What kind of target am I presenting?" Perimeter security is considered in the immediate area near the target...you, and your valuables. As an example, while you are traveling, the area that you can physically observe in all four directions would be considered the perimeter. External security is considered the outside shell or walls of your car, taxi, shuttle or airplane. Internal security would be inside the aircraft or vehicle, or anywhere you can physically touch your coins. Your objective should be to try to think in ways which you can improve and protect each of these four areas.

Operational Security:

Plan to arrive at the airport with plenty of extra time so you can be meticulous as to your own security. That will ensure you extra time so you are not tense, and lose concentration on your security plan. The extra hour may be the best investment you will ever make if it helps to prevent hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of collectibles from being stolen. After the air tragedies of September 11th, two or three hours may be needed. Again, if possible, travel with a partner. Discuss your security procedures before leaving and not in public. Try to travel with only one checked bag and only one that can be carried on board with you containing your coins. This is difficult for some, but do you really need to take two carry on cases, weighing so much that the Jet-Way hydraulics readjust when you enter? You may not have everything that you would like to take, but you can still take plenty of numismatic materials to have a wonderful convention. While I recommend loading your case as heavy as possible while driving, flying requires a slightly different tactic. Most airline carriers restrict carry on luggage to 50 lbs. So if you are use to loading your case with 80 lbs or 90 lbs. it is possible you could be denied boarding.

Insurance is an excellent idea for both collectors and dealers. The normal costs are approximately 1% a year. For professional collectors and dealers, this cost is a deductible expense. Most policies have a number of restrictions and exceptions including coins left in unattended vehicles. Some homeowners’ policies will cover small coin theft, but many have exclusion clauses. Be sure to read your insurance policy carefully, as one policy I reviewed had so many claim restrictions that practically stated that unless the theft was by an armed robber, carrying a gun that you could identify, and were positive the gun was loaded, you were not covered. Some dealers have unfortunately found that anytime coins are left unattended, even at a show, they may not be covered. Also remember that many claims are not paid without legal action against the Insurance Company.

At major coin shows, larger firms sometimes use armored transport for inventories and collections. At some, professional numismatists use US Postal Service (USPS) registered mail or a privately insured carrier to reduce the risk of loss when sending coins. Be sure to keep in mind that the Postal service has a maximum dollar amount for each registered piece of mail of $25,000. This may require sending multiple packages. Never send valuables via certified mail. There is no recovery process on certified mail should it be lost. If feasible, consider the above options, even if you use these services only occasionally. It may be worth the extra effort and expense to explore the logistics of them.

Perimeter Security:

Organized groups of thieves have been known to operate in many major airports. Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Houston have been reported as having some of the highest airport crime rates. Perhaps part is due to the large volume of people that pass through them on a daily basis.

You need to be especially alert at airport x-ray security checkpoints because of their potential risk to valuables. If possible, let your traveling companion go through the scanner and wait on the other side to retrieve the carry on luggage. You in turn should wait to go through the checkpoint until after your case has cleared the x-ray machine. Professional thieves like to step in front of you, with enough metal to set the alarm off, while an accomplice will steal your case from either side of the machine. In addition, security personnel running the x-ray scanners have a habit of reversing the conveyer belt when something is not clearly identifiable such as coins or jewelry, giving a thief an easy target by reaching in the entrance opening of the scanner and grabbing your case, while you are on the other side waiting for your bag to appear.

Nearly always, you will be asked what the contents are in your case or to open it for inspection. I have found that the best way to keep your case contents confidential as to what you are carrying, is to present a 3” x 4” card with your business card on one side, with the reverse side up showing the following in large type; “I am a courier carrying rare coins, gold and jewelry—if necessary, I may need to request a private inspection as allowed by FAA regulation number #108.9.” Have the card laminated in plastic. Be friendly, but firm. You certainly have the right to ask for a private inspection, but the airline is not required to give you one. Be advised that an airline can refuse passage to anyone, with exception of a FAA Federal Sky Marshall. I would recommend that if you get an inexperienced security inspector, it is best to simply ask for the checkpoint security supervisor (CSS) to help resolve the problem, trying to do so discreetly.

Remember that the x-ray scanner machine cannot tell what the metal is in your carry-on case as it normally shows on the scanner as a large blob. Numerous times I have had security personnel yell out “I need to have someone for a private check of valuables”! Or they may even proceed to spread out your coins in full view of the public at the airport. What your destination city is can be easily obtained by a potential thief, and phoned ahead to his/her accomplices, who will be happy to meet you when you arrive.

Most likely you will be accompanied to a small room or a screened area so the contents of your bag can be inspected. It is most important that you handle your coins to, in and from the private search area. Never let screening personnel transport or handle your numismatic materials. Keep focused on what you remove for inspection to insure that the same is returned to your case and not left out as you exit the private screening area.

Following your private search, while still in the private search location, lock your case, and leave it locked till you arrive at a secure destination. It amazes me how people feel that once they have passed through the airport security checkpoint that somehow they are now safe as thieves have also been detected by some new form of x-ray that has prevented their entry. And do not think that just because you paid that extra fee to relax in a frequent flyer lounge you are safer. Ask yourself “If I were a thief, where would the most valuable attaches and carry on luggage be?” Yes, in the Crown, Red Carpet or Ambassador lounge rooms. Even if you feel the urge to open your bag and review a recent purchase that made your convention so worthwhile, leave it locked till you arrive at a secure location. Should you fail to follow this procedure, you have the potential of bring attention to yourself, that people in the airport will know you have something of extreme value in your case, putting not only your valuables at risk, but also you and your travel companion.

Conservative appearance and actions are a must. Avoid bringing attention to yourself and your mission. This is not the time to get into an argument over trivial matters or delays. A passenger, who is in some sort of “Air Rage” and calls attention to themselves by rudeness, poor manners or lack of civility, is someone to be avoided. Move through the airport being as discreet as possible. Communicate a sense of self-confidence and purpose, head erect and vigilant.

When I first entered the military service, we use to attach a case by handcuff to the courier carrying classified materials or valuables. Finally some smart mid-level Pentagon bureaucrat realized that if there were ever a bandit or a spy who wanted what we were carrying, they would certainly know who it was that had the “goodies” by looking for the guy with the briefcase handcuffed to his wrist. Not exactly what I would call low-profile travel. Now days, most classified is wrapped in a special paper package and mailed by registered USPS mail.

External Security:

First class travel many be a luxury for most, but if your inventory warrants it, consider paying the extra fare. The pre-boarding, seat selection, and additional space I feel make the trip slightly safer. You should at least check with the gate agent to see if an upgrade is possible for a few frequent flyer miles or a few dollars. The bad news is that those free drinks they serve in first class you will need to avoid. Do not consume alcohol when transporting, carrying or traveling with coins. Avoid it completely. A bandit needs only a tiny edge to gain an advantage. Don’t hand them one in a crystal goblet.

When waiting for flights do not sit in a waiting area reading coin magazines or discussing coins. Never fall asleep in or at any public transportation location. Do not travel with expensive luggage, as the bags themselves, even empty, are targets for thieves as they bring strong money on the black market. It may not be fair, or even politically correct, but the older and more out of shape you are, the more likely you’re being picked as a potential target. Make it a habit to keep either a hand or foot on your case at all times. That way you at least will not simply walk off and leave your case as numerous dealers have told me has happened.

A cell phone may have become a necessity to some, however, I recommend that you keep it turned off while transporting valuables, as they have become an unnecessary detraction from your primary mission, arriving intact, without loss of life or property. An individual, walking, talking, dialing numbers presents an easy target to thieves. Ask yourself, “Is it really necessary that I risk losing my collection so I can let someone at home know what I had for lunch?” When carrying valuables, it is best to use your cell phone only when it is safe to do so, or in the event of an emergency.

If at all possible, use a restroom, prior to boarding the plane, and immediately upon your arrival. Choose a larger end wall or a handicap stall that will allow a little more room for you and your coin case. Keep the case next to you, away from the door and away from the stall next to you. Cases have been stolen from underneath the door, many times. If you do hang your coat on the back of the closed door, be sure that if a thief reaches over and grabs it, you can live without it, and its contents.

Internal Security:

At all times, keep your coins with you, and never leave them unattended.

Check what type of aircraft you will be traveling before your time of departure. Many small commuter aircraft may require you to gate check your carry-on bag or case. Larger aircraft may allow two carry-on bags, but may count your luggage wheels as a carry-on item. I know of numerous dealers who were required to rebook on a different flight and routed through another city because of luggage restrictions.

Plan to arrive at the boarding gate early so you will have ample time for seat selection, giving you a better chance to stow your valuable carry-on in the most secure area available. If your case is heavy, it may seem easier booking a seat towards the front, but one to the rear allows you to board the aircraft first, as most flights board from the rear to the front. However, if you do get a seat towards the rear of the aircraft, do not place your coins in an overhead far in front from where you are sitting. When the plane lands, a thief can simply leave with your case, while you are in the rear waiting for the usual herd of passengers, who pile into the aisle, only to crowd the other jam of humanity, waiting to exit to your front. If possible, try to book an aisle seat, placing your case either under the seat in front of you, or in the overhead storage compartment across the aisle from your seat, so you can view it. Do not book “bulkhead” seats, as there is no storage under the seat in front of you. If you are saddled with two bags, place the lighter of the two in the overhead across the aisle from your seat and the heavier one beneath the seat to your front. If you are traveling alone, try to remain in your seat for the duration of the flight, with your coins in a locked case beneath the seat in front of you.

Don’t open your case during flight unless necessary. If you must open your bag, pack it so that any coins are not in view when it is opened. Be aware of your surroundings and your fellow travelers. If you must use the restroom, be sure your case is locked prior to leaving your seat. I travel with a small cable lock so on longer or overseas flights. If I must leave my seat, I discreetly attach my case to the floor seat post in front of me with the lock. I have also modified the handles of my case so they are difficult to remove without a “Snap-on Tool Chest” at the thief’s disposal.

Never assume that once you get on the plane you have left the bandits behind. One Midwest dealer realized his valuables case had been stolen from an out-of-view overhead before the aircraft had even taken off. Needless to say, the flight crew was adamant that no one had left the plane and that they had no desire to hold up the flight, nor incur the possible liability of searching the planes passengers. The case was never recovered.

After the tragedies of September 11th, the former guidelines for dealing with terrorists have changed. Since you are sitting in an isle seat, with a case under the seat in front of you, loaded with heavy objects you may be in a better position than most passengers to subdue a would be hijacker. Since everything has been screened and the likelihood of guns or bombs being on board is slim, you will have an excellent chance to prevent a potential catastrophe. If the hijacker is armed with a small knife being wood or plastic or anything else, throw anything and everything at him/her and rush them with blankets or pillows for protection. Place the blankets over them and wrestle them down. If your seat cushion can be used as a flotation device with loops to place you arms in, then why not use it as a body shield? If you were lucky enough to have a roll of coins in your case, they would make an ordinary fist feel like a set of brass knuckles. And can you imagine what twenty $20 Saint Gaudens Gold coins in your sock would do when used as a swinging mace? One thing is for sure, the pilots do not plan to open the door in such an occasion, and so if you are not fortunate to have an undercover FAA Sky-Marshall on your flight, your survival is pretty much up to you.

Make every effort to be at the luggage carousel when you bag first arrives. Thieves watch for bags that make three or four circles on the carousel before snatching it.

Taxi Cabs & Airport Shuttles:

Keep your valuable case in the cab or shuttle with you at your seat. Do not put the case in a rear compartment or trunk as I have observed many professional numismatists doing. Most cabs do not have locking trunks, or the cabbies simply leave the trunk key in the lock. This makes the cabby’s life easy but also easy for a bandit as items can be easily removed at stops. While you are traveling in a shuttle, another passenger could remove your coins unintentionally or intentionally. A classic case study is a dealer friend who told me that he had placed a briefcase of valuables in a cab first, and then as he stood on the curb, watched the cab speed off. Fortunately, he was a former college football player and was able to chase the vehicle nine blocks in New York City traffic, catch up to the cab, and discuss the problem physically with the cabby. He later told me that he was afraid of being sued or reported to police by the cabby, so he ended up hiring the hack to take him to his destination…then tipped him.

Most robberies occur in parking lots, alleys, parks, public transportation centers, financial institutions and retail stores with jewelry or coins. If you are involved in a robbery, statistics report that two-thirds of the criminals will be armed with some sort of weapon. If the robber only wants your money or coins, by all means let the robber or mugger have it. Do not resist, do not scream, but cooperate with the robber. Assume the weapon is real and will be used on you if you do not cooperate. Try instead to get as detailed a description of your assailant as possible. It is difficult to focus during a theft, but make a concentrated effort to note the height, weight, complexion, hairstyle and color, distinguishing features, clothes, shoes, number persons involved and any weapons that you observe, car color, make and model and the big one, the license or tag number. The more complete description you can give the investigator, the better. However, as I have previously written, if you are involved in a hijacking, or carjacking, then your best defense may be an aggressive offensive.

Always carry a small wad of “throw down” small cash with a $20 bill on top. Have it available to give to a possible robber or mugger. If accosted, you will have something to give up. A twenty and a few other smaller bills may satisfy most robbers, especially if they are supporting a drug habit. Report the incident to police as soon as possible. If there is a chance of apprehension of the perpetrator, it usually is within the first 30 minutes.

Firearms

If your decision were to carry a weapon of any kind, it should never be taken with you onboard an aircraft. It is a federal offense to carry a weapon aboard an aircraft, or carrying an undeclared weapon inside of checked baggage. The fines and penalties are very stiff. Should you elect to travel with a weapon, it must be declared at check in, in a hard, locked case as one of your checked bags. Federal law no longer requires you to place an external bright orange tag, identifying your luggage as containing a firearm. With the lost luggage problem and theft, most have realized it was a risky requirement. Now, the required procedure is that the hardened weapon container must be unlocked and the weapon unloaded, clear and on safe. The ticket agent will then have you sign and date a tag that states; “I declare, as required by Federal Air Regulation 108.11, that the firearm (s) being checked as baggage is (are) unloaded.” This tag will then be placed inside the hard container, and then you will be required to lock the container in front of the ticket agent. After this the locked weapon case will be checked as any other baggage, which you can retrieve at your destination on the luggage carrousel. You are also allowed to place the locked hard container inside another less conspicuous piece of luggage to be checked.

Airlines have conflicting requirements as to travel with ammunition. My advice is to be sure to check thoroughly with the airline to see if it is worth it. If they prohibit you taking ammunition in your checked luggage, it would require you to travel to a gun store, and purchase ammunition for your weapon during your stay. Then you would be required to dispose of the ammunition before your return flight home. Knowing that the odds are far more likely having your bag stolen while hanging your body over an airline ticket counter, oblivious to your valuable case, than being held up by a robber, it makes traveling with a weapon questionable at best.

In addition you must be familiar with the local and state firearm laws of the area you will be arriving. As of this writing, 33 states will issue a “right to carry” firearm permit. In addition, the state of Ohio also has a bill pending for a citizen to have a right to carry a weapon. Some states have reciprocity with other states in recognizing that states concealed carry permit. Some states do not. Well meaning politicians have passed over 20,000 gun laws in the United States that have little, if any effect on the perpetrators of violent crime, but enormous ramifications on the average honest law abiding citizen who wishes to defend themselves. My advice is unless you know and can abide by the laws in your own state, and the laws of the city and state of your destination, do not plan on transporting a weapon in your checked luggage.

Another consideration in transporting a firearm is that some numismatic conventions have written into their contract that dealers are prohibited from taking a firearm on the bourse. However, I am not aware of the public attending a convention from ever being advised that firearms are prohibited. In light of some recent legal cases involving a facility or an organization being held liable for assuming the responsibility for the safety of the attendees by prohibiting a legally licensed person the right to protect themselves, in the future, most organizations will most likely have the clause removed from future contracts.

I really think most people honestly believe that crimes will be perpetrated against someone else. The fallacy with that thinking is that statistically the more years and the more coin conventions you attend, the more likely you will eventually become a victim. If you ask airport police how crimes are committed in airports, most will say, “When people travel, it somehow turns completely sane individuals into complete fools. Stupidity is how most crimes are committed at airports.”

Security at Coin Shows

(This is the fourth of five articles on security).
 

After reading and adhering to my previous recommendations on storing, driving or flying with your coins, you have finally made it to the coin show without incident. Now you can let your guard down…or can you?

Willie Sutton, one of the most notorious bank robbers of all time, was asked once why he chose to rob banks. His reply was “That’s where the money is”. If you are a robber or thief today, where could you best find literally millions of dollars worth of coins and currency in one place and for a far easier picking than a bank? At nearly any coin show!

Security risks can never be eliminated, but they can be managed to a tolerable level. Security is a constant goal. Vigilance must always be maintained. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Criminals avoid the vigilant person.

Some of these suggestions you may already know about and practice. Others may be new to you, but when feasible, consider putting them into practice. The more of these suggestions you are able to implement, the lower your risk of becoming a victim. My recommendations and suggestions will be useful and helpful to most collectors and dealers...only if they continually practice these safeguards.

Most security can be developed and divided into four parts: operational security, perimeter security, external security and interior security.

Operational security would be how you operate, also referred to as "your mode of operation”. You need to ask yourself; “What kind of target am I presenting"? Perimeter security is considered the immediate area near the target...your coin collection. For example, at a coin show the area surrounding the facility would be the perimeter. External security is considered the outside shell or walls of the show facility. Internal security would be inside the facility housing the coin show, the walking aisles, the display tables, and anywhere you can physically touch coins. Your objective should be to try to determine ways you can improve and protect each of these four areas.

I have attended and participated in hundreds of coins shows in every region of the United States, as well as a number of coin shows in foreign countries. At some shows the security has been outstanding, others less so, and at some, it has been non-existent. As with all security, it can always be improved. Security methods that worked last year may not necessarily work this year. As a starting point, show officials should have a pre-show security plan and a briefing for all involved show personnel, as well as a more detailed briefing with security personnel. Most police officers, while familiar with many security procedures, may not know the requirements that are unique to numismatics or your particular coin show’s location. A checklist and common do’s and don’ts should be given to security personnel for review prior to the show. As a minimum, these should be reviewed with security personnel prior to starting their shifts. If you do not have a checklist, perhaps this article, along with my previous three articles on security, could be used as a guide.

Operational:

Conversations about coins in public places, outside of the coin convention or bourse, could invite unwanted attention. An overheard discussion could be tempting to an otherwise honest person. One of the worst and most common security errors I see are collectors and dealers walking around outside of the coin show, at dinner, hotels and airports with their entrance badges still attached. When these are worn away from the show, I call these “Please rob me first” badges.

As I have said in numerous times in previous articles, “never, never leave coins unattended in a vehicle”, especially while attending a coin show. Many times at coin shows, collectors ask me if I would be interested in looking at or buying some coins that they have. When I answer yes, they inform me that the coins they wish to sell are in their car trunk in the parking lot. The only way to make it easier for a thief would be to place a sign on your car stating, “Coins here, Steal them”.

Coin shows should always register all attendees. Criminals do not like their names and addresses known prior to committing an offense. Some shows require identification during registration that is even better. If the name and address on the registration card were verified against a picture ID, thievery could be drastically reduced. Larger families using two or three kids to steal under supervision of the adults is a familiar sight in some of the southern shows. Shows charging even a minimal entrance fee discourage many unwanted street people from attending. A name badge should always be issued to all attendees, and security personnel must be vigilant in insisting all attendees wear it in clear view.

At many smaller shows, security can be quite lax. I have seen many times during the pre-show or dealer setup, customers and collectors are inappropriately allowed to enter before the show officially opens to the public. This lapse in security presents a prime opportunity for a potential thief to have easy access to the coins. Most dealers are very busy during setup and breakdown and can be easily distracted. At larger shows, “Early Bird” badges can be purchased for non-tabled dealers and collectors. I personally know of a number of cases when some dealers and collectors arrived early for the sole purpose of stealing coins. Be extra vigilant during setup and breakdown.

If a show does not have trained armed security, I simply would not attend it. If a show does not have adequate security, exhibitors, dealers and attendees are all at serious risk. I have attended small local coin club shows where the local club provided its own security. This may work in some cases, but unless security personal are fully aware of the legal ramifications of making an apprehension and a possible arrest, I would advise against it. I recently attended a small rural show and was greeted by an 80 year old “Barney Fifer,” complete with a huge revolver slung low on his leg as though he was ready for a “Gun Smoke” quick draw. I am sure that his hog-leg cannon had not been fired for years. Needless to say, he was ready to blast any would-be bandit. If a robber tried to rob the show while I was there, however, I would have made myself flatter on the ground than a four-day old Denny’s pancake, in fear of being shot as “Barney” labors to un-holster his giant revolver.

That security tale can be far surpassed. It was a few years ago during a two-day show. At the end of the first day, as I was closing down for the evening, I inquired when the evening security was due to arrive. The show promoter informed me that he himself was the security and that he planned on sleeping the night in the back room on an army cot. I asked if he was armed, and he informed me he was an anti-gunner and opposed to all firearms. I then asked his mode of emergency communication. He replied there was a pay phone in the back storage room he could use in an emergency, and he had some quarters should the need arise. I finally asked who was providing security while he slept. He said he had his large dog there with him. I immediately packed up my coins, drove 300 miles and nervously slept with them for the night. I later learned that the “guard” and his dog slept so soundly that, the following morning, both could only be awakened after the arriving dealers pounded on the doors for over ten minutes! If I do not think that the facility is at least minimally secure, I will simply not attend a show.

Some shows have put clauses in their bourse contracts prohibiting dealers from bringing a weapon to a coin show while including a paragraph denying any and all responsibility for any theft or injury that may happen to a dealer. This seems illogical to any security minded person. Is the public informed during registration that they are not allowed to bring a licensed firearm on the bourse? If a show does not intend to advise the public about firearm restrictions, then why would they attempt to deny a dealer, who has a legal license to carry a concealed weapon, to carry it? If a coin show decides to post a sign at the entrance, the sign may as well read, “No Firearms Allowed, Except for Bandits.” Are dealers who carry hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise expected not to exercise their second amendment right to ensure their own safety while traveling? Surely some coin show organizers are not suggesting that dealers who elect to protect themselves and exercise their second amendment right leave an unsecured firearm in their hotel room or vehicle?

Thirty-four states allow a citizen who needs to carry a weapon to apply for a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit. In most states, after a thorough background check and the fulfillment of all necessary requirements, a permit can be issued. Numerous robberies and thefts happen to collectors and dealers traveling to, during, and immediately following coin shows.

In light of some recent court rulings, organizations and their boards may want to simply eliminate any statement concerning firearms. Individuals who had a legal and valid concealed firearm permit, who were not allowed to carry the firearm, and were later injured by a criminal, have sued the organization. The court ruled that the organization, by not allowing a licensed individual with a CCW to protect themselves, had in fact insured the safety of all those in or near the premises and could be held liable for the injuries. I do not think that the most coin club boards want to take on the fiduciary responsibility of insuring the safety of everyone in route to, attending, or returning from a convention. There is a reason that no gun show in America has ever been successfully robbed. There may be a lesson to be learned here.

Late night events and parties can be fun at coin conventions, but remember that if the next day involves coin business, moderation should be practiced. If you have coins with you, and your travel arrangements will require you to stay in the host hotel of a major show after the final day’s closing, I would recommend moving to another location for the night and keeping your coins with you at all times. By staying in a property that housed many coin folks for several days, you are a very vulnerable lone ranger.

At nearly every major coin show you will see dealers and collectors leaving during the show to go to hotels or restaurants while carrying or wheeling coins and currency. It is quite obvious to even the dumbest thief that if they are even a little bit patient, they will have an opportunity to make a score. Individuals sometimes approach dealers or collectors to go “look at a deal” in a home, office or hotel room, away from the security of the show, to make a potential buy. The ploy is usually “there is just too much material for me to carry all the way to a show. If you want to buy it, you will just have to come and see it.” The only way it could be more dangerous is if they say, “Bring a lot of cash with you, perhaps $5,000 or $6,000, since I do not accept checks!”

Avoid taking coins out of the secure area of the bourse until you are ready to go home. I would also advise against leaving with any numismatic materials at any time during a multiple day show, especially if you were staying at or near the show-sponsored property.

Perimeter:

If possible, do a drive-by visual security inspection of the entire show’s perimeter. Devote enough time to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and look for possible danger areas that could be a security problem. Try to think like a thief and “case” the facility looking for vulnerabilities. Check for any dangerous situations or suspicious-looking individuals. It might be worth a call to the show’s sponsors to ask about security prior to your decision to attend. As a collector or dealer, learn to trust your instincts. At most professionally run shows, security personnel should be in the off-loading and loading area. If you are a bourse chairman of a show, make sure that your security personnel are providing security, not helping load and unload dealers’ coins and cases, which they sometimes do in an effort to be helpful.

The physical security of the facility during and after show hours is a paramount concern for security personnel. Most convention hall doors are designed to open from the inside with a bar or latch. These must be either secured by a physical barrier or assigned to a specific security person during the show. After closing, bar latches, chains and locks will be needed for every entrance. Trashcans and restrooms are the normal storage places for stolen goods. The thieves, in or outside the facility, can retrieve stolen items later. One dishonest staff person found this tried and true method to be successful for years before being caught. I do not want to think how many employees and former employees have access to most facilities. Once the facility is secured, absolutely no one should be admitted without the bourse chairperson’s specific and coordinated written approval. A few years ago an entire show was robbed at gunpoint after security personnel answered the door for an after hour delivery. The thieves made a mistake of going only a few miles to a motel to divide the loot where police arrested them.

External:

The first thing to do is always secure your coins. When unloading or packing your vehicle, always remember, " Coins out first, when arriving, coins in last when departing." This means that, if you must make two trips to load at a show, you will have to secure your inventory at all times. Work a plan to meet this basic security requirement long before you depart for the show. And do not forget that you are at most risk during setup and breakdown at a show. Nobody is going to look out for you when they are busy with their own tasks - that includes security personnel who are not properly briefed before the show opens for setup. At nearly every show, many dealers arrive long before security personnel even arrive at the facility. You can see the dealers sitting in their vehicles or standing in groups all exaggerating about the great buy or sale they just made. Many times I have been allowed to enter a show while the security personnel are being briefed. If the security staff is being briefed, then who is providing security for me? Absolutely no one!

Lock your cases on top of the table or, better yet, in a large table “body bag” cover. Be sure to check to ensure that the table is secure. Setup and maintenance personnel have a tendency not to lock the table legs in place, causing the table to collapse and spread coins all over the floor.

Most bourse areas are quite large and security personnel cannot be everywhere, especially since most like to congregate at the entrance door or in the back where the coffee and donuts are. A dishonest staff person would have an easy time of snatching a few items an staying low to avoid being be observed by security. Should he be observed, he would have an easy explanation citing job responsibilities.

Keep inventory locked up in carrying or display cases at all times, especially at setup and breakdown. If you must leave them unattended, be sure to place locked cases, with a bicycle or chain lock, on top of the backup table, not underneath. I know of numerous situations when coin cases have been removed during setup, during the show, in the evening after the show’s closing and during breakdown. A case locked under a table will allow a thief to work unmolested pilfering the contents without being observed by other dealers, collectors or security personnel.

Be sure to introduce yourself to the dealers on each side of you, behind you and across the aisle. Let them all know that, when they are away from their tables, you will try to keep an eye on their cases, and would they do the same for you. Let them know when you are leaving your table and when you expect to return. But remember, dealers are at a show to buy and sell coins, not to “watch your coins”. I know of several times that coin cases have been stolen after a dealer asked a neighbor to “watch my coins”. My suggestion is to lock everything at all times and also ask your neighbor and security personal to “watch my coins”.

For dealers and exhibitors, table covers or “body bags” as some call them that can be zipped up around the display cases and locked like a duffel bag are excellent. They are a strong deterrent to honest facility staff and contractors who may be tempted to pilfer a few items if the opportunity presents its self. Most coin cases can be easily opened with most any key. The standard show cases used at most shows only have a few different keyed locks. Most dealers have discovered that the same key will open a number of cases, or a simple screwdriver can turn open the entire lock tumbler mechanism. If you cannot lock up a case in a secure “body bag” cover, then at least use your sheathed bicycle lock to attach it to a leg of a back stock table, placing the case or bag on top of the table. It never ceases to amaze me how so many "professional" dealers will “pass” on a thousand dollar coin over a ten dollar amount, then at the end of the show day, cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in rare coins with an old bed sheet or piece of plastic with a chair on top. Then he walks away thinking all is secure.

A table behind a display table, called a “back up table” by most dealers, is an open invitation for thieves from all sides. Dealers who leave coins, money pouches or other valuables unsecured on their back tables will eventually be ripped off. I have had non-numismatic items taken during and after show hours from my backup table. Once I complained to security at a major national coin show that items had been removed from my back table. I explained that I was one of the last dealers to leave the previous evening and one of the first dealers to enter the show the following morning. The response from the principal security agent was, “Go complain to one of your dealer friends, that is who most likely stole your items. And besides, we have over 400 tables to watch, and we can not be everywhere.”

Most insurance policies will not cover “mysterious” or unexplained theft. Some dealers are unaware that if they do not take reasonable precautions expected of a prudent man, their insurance policy may not cover the loss. Is leaving a sheet and a chair on top of an easily opened glass case, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in coin and currency, actions of a prudent man?

Internal:

Dealers should keep their coin display cases locked when not showing a coin. Sometimes the pull-up lid handles can be removed so a glass suction cup must be used to open the case lid. This precaution will not prevent a theft by a professional , but it will deter the amateur shoplifter.

Be very cautious when helping more than one customer at a time. I can’t tell you how many times dealers, myself included, have been “set up” by two or three thieves. One will ask to see something while another quickly pockets something else.

I personally have had coins stolen by palming, switching, dropping on the floor, dropping in open purses or shoulder bags, coin reference books, into laps and in the ol’ coat pockets - once even by an old and respected coin collector and former customer. But the incident that sticks out most in my mind was when a customer asked if I had a high grade 1909- S VDB Lincoln Cent. I then handed the customer what I thought to be a beautiful MS65 Red Brown slabbed example. After a looking at the coin, he informed me that I had handed him a slabbed 1909 P Lincoln cent, not the 1909 S VDB. Sure enough, the previous customer had switched my expensive example for a cheap one in the same holder. To this day, I am not sure if the dealer or the customer had switched and stole my coin.

Currency is a special favorite to drop between pages of books and reference material while thieves are looking at it. Just as they do at the tables in Las Vegas, I would insist that all coins be keep on top of the table, in clear view at all times.

Establish an amount that you consider to be an expensive coin, whether it is $100, $500 or $1,000. Any coins or currency exceeding that amount should be priced on the reverse of the coin flip. You do not need to advertise that you carry very valuable coins to a potential bandit.

If you are looking at a dealer’s coin and want to pass on it, be sure to personally give it back to him. Do not simply leave it on top of the case for the dealer to get to when he has a moment. I have had coins stolen that were previous viewed by good customers who simply left the coins on top of the case, assuming I would find them later and replace them in my locked case. Coins left on top of a case can be stolen in an instant, especially if the dealer is distracted. Few full-time dealers have not had inventory stolen this way.

Be cautious of customers more concerned with you and their surroundings than with the coin they have asked to see. Professional shoplifters and pickpockets will almost always operate with one or more accomplices. The stolen coin is immediately passed from the “lifter” to a “carrier”. With most professional shoplifter teams, the coin is passed off from the first “carrier” to even a “second carrier.” If the lifter has used a “distracter” there will be nearly always a three-person team working. If you are quick enough to catch the “lifter”, he/she will usually not have the coin on them, when they are caught.

Thieves watch for tables where multiple customers are being helped at once. They feed on the knowledge that most dealers are willing to forfeit security for greed. So when during a flurry of business they politely ask, “May I see that coin, or possibly those two or three coins?” their opportunity to palm one is enhanced. Most dealers hardly even look up from their table to acknowledge the thief before handing the coins over. With any customer who wants to see more than one coin, count out loud the number you are placing on the table, and be sure he or she also counts with you. When the customer is finished looking, count the coins out loud as they are returned.

When a coin is sold, replace it with another coin or a “sold” card as quickly as possible to fill the empty space. You can then learn to train your eye to spot open “holes” in your cases. Recently in a New York show, a long time regular collector and show attendee was caught pocketing a coin. When security personnel had the thief empty his pockets, there were additional coins in his pocket stolen from eleven other dealers. The amazing part is that not one of the eleven had even known anything was missing. All the coins were eventually returned to the rightful owners. It is a sad commentary, but unless the coin is a special one, most dealers will never realize when a coin was stolen.

I have been told or strongly suspect that a number of advanced collectors and some dealers are known thieves. I strongly advocate that when a thief is caught, the concerned parties prosecute them to the full extent of the law, regardless of the value of the stolen coins. Far too often I have seen the exposed thief simply be asked to leave the show, only to be seen again at another show in a different city. An interesting note that is supported by most police investigators and polygraphs: when a thief is caught and confesses, the amount of goods or money they confess to stealing is normally about 10% of the amount actually taken.

It still never ceases to amaze me how a very intelligent dealer will not think twice about letting anyone with a dealer badge have complete access to his inventory and allow him to rummage through his case. I know of four well-respected dealers, members of numerous organizations, who have been caught stealing and are still attending coins shows. hen you are walking the floor of a show, use a zippered shoulder bag and keep it on your shoulder to carry your coins. Some shoulder bags now have internal wire in the shoulder straps, to help prevent a “cut and run” purse thief. When you remove it, get into the habit of placing it between your feet. Do not sit at a table, bent over a case, studying a coin with your bag behind you or on a chair next to you. If you are using wheels to roll your coin case around with you, keep it touching you at all times. If a dealer’s table is crowded, making security difficult...wait. If you can’t keep your coins with you at all times, simply do not take them.

If you’re a good customer of a respected dealer, and plan to attend a multi-day show, ask if you can secure your locked bag at his table for the evening. You can also check with the show security as they sometimes offer an overnight secure check-in room for show attendees coins. When offered, armed security personnel always man these.

All coins, checks and extra cash should be locked in your case and in a locked body bag table cover in a secured bourse for the evening. Large amounts of cash should not be taken outside the coin show until you are returning home. Taking large amounts of cash from the show to dinner or to your hotel room is just plain foolish. If the show’s facility is secure enough to leave hundreds of thousands of dollars of rare coins in it, then why do some dealers feel insecure about leaving a couple of thousand dollars in cash at the same location? It defies logic.

When possible, use checks with dealers who know you and travelers’ checks for those who don’t. Most established dealers will also accept Visa, Master Charge or American Express, but you may lose a possible discount on your purchase by using them. Each day make a listing of all checks as you receive them and immediately endorse them “For Deposit Only.” Should the checks be lost or stolen prior to deposit, this will make cashing them more difficult for most thieves. The list should be in a separate location from the checks themselves. It is a good idea to routinely use an invoice or receipt and note the buyer’s name and method of payment. Towards the end of the show, try to keep your cash on hand to a minimum, using extra cash to pay for purchases. If you are buying a very expensive coin or collection, ask if the dealer can ship them to you if you feel uncomfortable traveling with it. The few extra dollars you pay in shipping is negligible. Moreover, sales tax does not apply in some states if the coins are shipped.

At some major shows, the United States Postal Service has a both to assist dealers and collectors with this security problem.

I will only make one observation on accepting checks in payment for a purchase. Nowhere on the planet are out of town checks, from total strangers, so readily accepted by so many naive dealers, than at a coin show. Recently at the FUN show, with a willing accomplice, a criminal passed thousands of dollars in phony checks, most written in the amount of about $500, to many of the dealers who had set up. Only weeks after the show was the deed discovered, when the flurry of dealers realized the same individual had stung all of them. Unless you or another dealer you know personally and respect can vouch for the integrity of the buyer, simply offer to ship the coins after his/her check clears your bank.

When you begin to pack at the end of a coin show, avoid any unnecessary conversations. Dealers are most vulnerable during this time and any well-meaning question or conversation could be an invitation to an observant thief and a potential loss for the dealer. For a professional dealer, this is not a good time for lots of warm thank you’s and departing good byes. I have personally lost coins when a well-meaning customer or dealer talked with me while I was packing to depart a coin show.



In summary, security is your own personal responsibility. Put your trust in yourself and your own mode of operation or Operational Security. If you think that coin show security personnel would get into a gun battle and risk their lives to protect you or your coins, you might just well think that all people will always agree to every coin’s grade or value. A show’s planned security is only a supplement, not a solution to your own security and safety at a show.

One final note, I am often asked which coin shows that have the best security? I have set up at an average of 40 shows a year since 1994. During that time, I have seen “the good, the bad and the ugly” in show security. Numerous shows have excellent security; however, I would rate the following as the “Butternut TEN; The Best of the Best in Coin Show Security for the year 2001”.

1. South Carolina Numismatic Association, Greenville, SC. Security is provided by off-duty uniformed South Carolina State Troopers. Security is excellent in and out of the facility during setup and breakdown with specialized weapons and equipment readily available at closing. Additional physical security measures are taken in the evenings. Registration and nametags are required for all attendees. The troopers are vigilant keeping an eye on attendees, dealers and their inventory during the entire show.

2. Ohio Coin Expo. Cleveland, OH. Security is provided by off-duty uniformed Strongsville Police. Security is provided in and out of the facility during setup and breakdown with specialized weapons and equipment readily available. Additional physical security measures on all entrances are taken in the evenings.

3. Long Beach Coin Expo. Long Beach, CA. Security is provided by off-duty Long Beach Police with identifiable “Security” jackets. Ample security is provided in and out of the facility during setup and breakdown with numerous plain-clothes officers continually working the floor from the moment the show opens until it closes. Registration and nametags are required for all attendees.

4. Texas Numismatic Association, Ft. Worth, TX. Off-duty plain-clothes Euless Police provide security. Ample security is provided in and out of the facility during setup and breakdown with plain-clothes officers continually working the floor from the moment the show opens until it closes. Registration and nametags are required for all attendees. In addition, the security supervisor is a nationally recognized expert in numismatic thefts. The show normally is held at the same location in conjunction with a very large gun show, which would make it really difficult for a potential bandit to be successful.

5. American Numismatic Association, Mid-winter 2001 Convention, Salt Lake City, UT. Security was provided by off-duty uniformed Salt Lake City Police and supplemented by a private security contractor. Security was provided in and out of the facility during set up and breakdown. Registration and nametags were required for all attendees. A Salt Lake City police officer was named to the convention committee and coordinated the event with the city’s police force, so all were made aware of how valuable the items were at the convention. Salt Lake City Police were visible…everywhere. In addition, Utah has a concealed weapon carry law which allows lawful citizens to be armed nearly everywhere, a right that is practiced by most. This security stands out as the best at any ANA show that I have attended.

6. Alabama State Convention, Bessemer, AL. Security is provided by off-duty uniformed Bessemer Police. Security is provided in and out of the facility during set up and breakdown. Registration and nametags are required for all attendees. Security personnel are extra diligent with continual monitoring of the bourse, and they do not congregate in a group at the front door or the coffee and donut stand.

7. Trevose Coin Show, Trevose, PA. Even though it is only a thirty-table, one day show, they still use two off-duty plain-clothes Philadelphia police officers to provide security. Ample security is provided in and out of the facility during set up and breakdown with both plain-clothes officers continually working the floor.

8. Blue Ridge Numismatic Association, Dalton, GA. Security is provided by off-duty uniformed Whitfield County Sheriffs. Security is provided in and out of the facility during set up and breakdown. Registration and nametags are required for all attendees.

9. WESPEX, White Plains, NY. Plain-clothes off-duty NYPD officers, supplemented by uniformed Westchester County Police in the evenings, provide security. Security is provided in and out of the facility during set up and breakdown. Registration and nametags are required for all attendees.

10. Crab State Coin Show, Lanham, MD. Security is provided by a private security contractor and supplemented by off-duty uniformed Prince George’s County police. Security is vigilant in and out of the facility during set up and breakdown. Registration and nametags are required for all attendees.
 

Hotel & Motel Security.

(This is the fifth and final of a series of articles regarding security of collectibles.)

After September 11, 2001, the Hotel Industry recognized the urgency of making their properties more secure for their guests and employees. The Marriott Corporation had a property at “Ground Zero”, a hotel next to the World Trade Center in New York City, occupied by over 1,000 guests and employees. After the planes struck, the preplanned evacuation plans developed by the Hotel and the Port Authority went into immediate action. Miraculously, of the over 1,000 people inside the hotel, only 14 people died or were unaccounted for. This was not by chance; it was due to the outstanding planning and execution of those plans that so many lives were saved.

Many large industry hotels now have developed a concept known as a “Threat Matrix”. You will most likely not be thoroughly briefed on all the security aspects of a particular hotel you are planning to stay in, but, with your own simple security plan, you can prevent yourself from becoming a nameless statistic.

As I have previously stressed, most security can be addressed and then developed into four categories: operational security, perimeter security, external security and interior security.

Operational security would be the way you operate or your “mode of operation.” You need to ask yourself; “What kind of target am I presenting?" Perimeter security is the immediate area near the target...you and your valuables. As an example, near your hotel, the area that you can physically observe in all four directions would be considered the perimeter. External security may be considered the outside shell or walls of your hotel. Internal security would be inside your room or anywhere you can physically touch your coins. Your objective should be to try to think of ways you can manage the risks and reduce the vulnerabilities in each of these four areas.

Security is a personal responsibility. Your security is not the responsibility of the police, politicians, government or the hotel you are staying in. Yes, they all do what they can to minimize your risk and their liability, but they do not have the means or intention to protect every citizen. Unless you are willing to cast your fate and life to the wind, your first line of security is you.

When you are considering security in hotels, motels and resorts, there are three primary areas of potential risks to you. I have listed them in the order of decreasing likelihood of happening to you

1.Fire or Catastrophic Event

2.Burglary/theft and Robbery.

3.Assault/rape

Does size and age matter? Yes! Information gathered in a recent survey for the American Hotel & Lodging concerning the risks of fire and theft rated hotels averaged 66% out of a possible of 100 on a safety index, and 60% out of a possible 100 on a security index. These same figures jumped into the 80s percentile when hotels were less than 14 years old and had 150 or more usable rooms.

What can you do to improve your own personal security in these three areas?

Fire or Catastrophic Event in Hotels/Motels:

The National Fire and Protection Association reports that there is a hotel structure fire every 55 seconds in the United States. These are real fires that require a fire department to dispatch a fire truck or a company of firemen. Needless to say, this risk to your security must be addressed during every stay you or your family makes while traveling.

Operational:

Even before September 11, 2001, the hotel industry had begun to improve loss prevention in their properties. After September 11, they began to take even more seriously. Employee background checks, security planning, emergency training and drills are now the norm. The larger chains have crisis management teams who can be immediately activated. When making a reservation, if possible, I request that my room be on the second or third floor. If this is not possible, I insist on a room no higher than the sixth floor. Why? I figure that in the event of a fire, I can jump from the second floor without injury. If I am forced to drop from the third, I might only suffer a couple of broken ankles. The equipment from only a few of the best equipped fire and rescue departments can reach above the sixth floor, and in large cities, none can reach above the tenth floor. If I am on any floor above that, I figure I’m toast. The bad news is that with all my travel, I have a preferred status with nearly every major hotel chain, and, with it, access to the preferred “12th Floor Concierge level”. Due to my borderline paranoia about security, however, I will most likely not be able to enjoy such lavish luxuries.

Always prepare travel and emergency files to be left at your home or office. The travel file can include as much detail as possible about your current travel plans and can be updated with each trip. Your emergency file should be more permanent, containing important information such as the your health records, eyeglass prescription, current medicines you are taking, important telephone numbers, names and address of relatives and a special code and password. This can be life essential, especially if your travel internationally. Be sure to let a friend or family member know, that in an emergency, they can help you by referring to the file.

Perimeter:

Buy a good map of the city you will be visiting before you leave home. Upon arriving, do a drive-by visual inspection of the hotel property. Mark significant points on the map such as your hotel, embassies and police stations. Study the map and make mental notes about locations you plan on going to from your hotel. If you have a sense that the hotel is not right or may not be safe, find another. Trust your instincts. As with most living creatures, this sense can be developed and sensitized.

External:

Spend some time walking around the hotel and getting familiar with it. Make note especially about the locations of doors, corridors, alleys and avenues of escape. Play a “what if” game with yourself to prepare for possible catastrophes. This is especially important if you are traveling in a foreign country where the building and fire codes are more lax or may not exist at all.

Internal:

The first thing to do after you have arrived in your room, before you even settle in, is to locate the nearest fire exits to your room. (They are normally posted on the entrance door and are seldom read by anyone but the fire marshal during his inspection). Then take your key and physically locate the exits. Picture yourself on your hands and knees with your eyes closed, successfully locating them. Be sure to note any fire alarms, extinguishers or fire hoses. When you get to the exit, open the door and make sure it is not locked or blocked in any way. If it is blocked or has an alarm on it, call hotel security and have them meet you to ensure you will not be trapped. By the way, when you enter a fire exit, make sure you are not going to be trapped inside the stairwell.

Now do follow the same procedure for a secondary escape or backup route should the fire prevent you from exiting via the first route.

When you get back to your room, check out the window and decide whether you could hang from the window and drop to the ground without breaking your neck. Then you should make sure the room has a working smoke detector. Again, call hotel security if you have any questions about the smoke detector’s operability. Then study the fan in the room so you will know how to turn it off. In addition, think about how you would seal off the vents to prevent them from delivering deadly smoke to your room from the air system. Then place your cell phone, room key and a small travel flashlight on the nightstand, ready for immediate emergency access.

Now you can sit back and relax in your home away from home.

What will you do in the event of fire?

At the first sound of an alarm, get dressed with your shoes on, not in that terry-cloth bathrobe your hotel placed for you in the bathroom and your favorite fluffy bunny slippers. Cover up to protect yourself from fire, not to hide your pajamas from strangers. Do not wait until you see smoke or flames. By the time you see them you may be charcoal. Quickly soak a towel in water for each person in the room. Use the bathtub faucet since there is usually more water pressure there. Grab your room key, eyeglasses, flashlight and cell phone. Leave everything else. Touch the door to see if it is hot and open it slowly. If there is pressure, or if the hall is filled with thick smoke, close it and prepare your room for survival. If there is no smoke or pressure on the door, move quickly to your primary exit. Stay close to the walls so others running down the hall will not trample you. Should you encounter smoke, drop to your knees where the air is less smoky. Do not use an elevator since it might deliver you to the center of the fire.

In most cases, you should be able to escape the fire, but if you must return to your room or are unable to evacuate it, plan to survive in your room. Collect all the water you can in the bathtub and sink, and use the ice bucket to bail water onto the walls to cool them. Make sure that you use wet towels to block all areas where outside air can penetrate your room. If your window opens, crack only a small seal to get fresh air as needed. Break it only as a last resort. As for jumping, if you are over the third floor, forget it. If the phone works, phone the fire department, and let them know your room number and the floor you are on. Also hang a sheet from your window to draw attention to rescuers. Try to stay calm and conserve your energy: you just might need it later to survive.

Burglary/theft and Robbery in Hotels/Motels:

Operational:

Make your own reservations whenever possible. Make them in a discrete manner, and do not give out information about your reservations. The fewer people who become involved in your travel and lodging arrangements, the better. Use a post office box for your address, and do not identify your company or organization. Alter your routine travel plans whenever possible to avoid showing an easily recognizable pattern or your personal mode of operation. When making your reservation, consider the kind of door locks and the construction of the doors. Are they solid core types with peepholes? What kind of lighting is in the parking areas? Are there in-house security personnel? Do they use security cameras? Are there electronic keyed room safes, or are there lock boxes at the front desk? Is your hotel is in a high crime area? If there are lots of places to stay, why compromise your own security?

Do not book rooms on a ground floor, especially with sliding glass windows or doors. Few can provide any security, unless specially prepared. Think through and plan to always keep your valuables with you, without leaving them unattended, even for a moment. Alcohol should be avoided when transporting, carrying or traveling with valuables. Avoid it completely. A bandit needs only a tiny edge to gain an advantage. Do not hand them one on a silver platter. If you use alcohol, moderation is the key when you are traveling.

Go through your luggage and baggage to ensure that all the identification labels show only your business address and not your home address. It is best to use only your name, not the company, school or firm you represent. If you are female, use only your first initial, unless your name is gender non-specific.

Perimeter:

When you do your drive-by visual inspection of the hotel property, trust your instincts. As with most living creatures, this sense can be developed and sensitized. If you have a sense that this hotel might not be safe, find another. Numerous times a dealer or collector at a coin show has told me that the hotel or motel property where they were staying was unsafe. When I ask if they moved, they usually say, "No, we had already unpacked." Saving $20 on the room expense while risking your security is bad economics.

Most robberies of jewelry or coins occur in parking lots, alleys, parks, public transportation centers, financial institutions and retail stores. If you are involved in a robbery, statistics report that two-thirds of the criminals will be armed with some sort of weapon. If the robber only wants your money or valuables, by all means let the robber or mugger have them. Do not resist, do not scream, but cooperate with the robber. Assume the weapon is real and will be used on you if you do not cooperate. Try instead to get as detailed a description as you can of your assailant. Always carry some small bills with a $20 bill on top. Have it available to give to a possible robber or mugger. If accosted, you will have something to give up. A twenty and a few other smaller bills may satisfy most robbers, especially if they are supporting a drug habit. Immediately report the incident to the police and hotel security.

External:

If possible, park your own car and unload your items personally, making only one trip. If this is not practical, always keep your valuables with you. Remember, often hotel valet parking attendants are not employees of the hotel and are private contractors working for an outside firm. If you use a valet to park your car, leave only the ignition key with the attendant. If you are at a motor hotel/motel, do not park your car directly in front of your room, even if it means a longer walk.

When checking in, be sure to keep your luggage with you. Guests are usually not focused on their luggage at this time, and the thieves know it. Most luggage theft occurs between your departure from your surface transportation and before your arrival at your room. Watch for distractions that are intentionally staged to setup a luggage or purse theft or a pickpocket. If you have given your luggage to a bellman, be sure to receive a claim check. Now your luggage is in the “care, custody and control” of the hotel, and they are liable for them, even though it is for a limited amount.

Hotel lobby safe deposit boxes and in-room safes can provide a minimum level of security. They are not, foolproof, however, since there could be, and probably are, many duplicate keys to your assigned lock box. Even with those concerns, it is still better than leaving valuables in a vacant room. However, not all hotel safes are an effective determent to theft from a dishonest hotel employee. Recently a hotel security officer in one of the more expensive properties in Naples, Florida was charged for grand theft of over $100,000 worth of cash and jewelry from room safes after using his security keys to gain access to room safes.

Request a room that is not next to a stairwell or across from or near an elevator where people can observe you entering or exiting your room. After you have been given a room number, do not give your room number to anyone you do not know well. Front desk personnel are trained not to say your room number aloud, only to write it down on a card or paper. Do not voice your room number until you are checking out. Ask the front desk people if there are security personnel at the property, and, if so, their location and phone number.

Internal:

The single greatest deterrent to theft in hotel/motels are the newest forms of electronic locks. Those little plastic slide cards that turn on a green light to enter have contributed more to loss prevention in hotel/ motel properties than any other single improvement. They are re-keyed with each new guest, making duplicating a metal key obsolete to theft. The newer systems also record the time of entry and the exact key used for entry, thus restricting unauthorized entrance. This has reduced internal and external theft greatly. It has also reduced the number of false allegations and claims of theft made by guests against hotel staff and outsiders. Prostitutes both male and female, take advantage of travelers all over America and throughout the world. Many use various ploys and use “knockout” drugs. Many thefts are unreported, but some guests make false allegations that a hotel employee or a cat burglar somehow robbed them when they slept or were taking a shower.

Most states have some sort of “Innkeepers Law” that limits the liability a hotel or motel can be subjected to. Interestingly it came from English Common Law and was originally enacted to protect innkeepers from being beaten up by drunken or unruly guests that took exception to the food or drink they had been served.

After entering your room, double lock the door and check to ensure the windows are locked. Keep the “do not disturb” sign on the door. When you sleep or are taking a shower, use your bicycle lock for your valuable cases or briefcases to attach them to a fixture. Usually most rooms have a sink drainpipe that works fairly well for this and will delay most cat burglars. Use room service or order food delivery if you have valuables with you. If the property you are staying does not offer meals, then I recommend that you go to a fast food drive through and either eat prior to checking into your hotel or take to the hotel with you.

Do not leave unattended valuables, or magazines or periodicals referring to them in your room. When you leave your room, even without any valuables or coins in the room, leave the TV or radio on. The volume should be high enough to hear if you listen at your door, but low enough so it is not obvious and will not elicit a complaint from the adjoining room. Keep your room and personal items neat and orderly so you will recognize if something is out of place when you return. If your luggage has a lock, use it. A locked suitcase in a closet deters a lot of casual opportunity theft.

Always have your room key on your person when you leave your room. When inside the room, always put the key in the same place so in an emergency you will not need to grope around half asleep trying to remember where you placed it. When you check out, return it to the front desk and do not leave it in he room. If your key is the plastic entry card type, keep it and destroy it when you get home. The hotel sometimes codes all your personal information, including your home address, phone, business and even your credit card number on them. These are normally left in a box at the front desk till they are re-keyed, making you vulnerable to identity theft should they get into the wrong hands.

When you are dining in a restaurant, keep your bag or purse between your legs. Thieves like to go into an eating establishment with an empty bag or paper sack and wait for you to relax, enjoy your meal and possibly have some pleasant conversation. About that time your purse or bag that was hanging on the back of your chair is whisked into their empty bag or sack. Then they can either leave or finish their meal without you being the wiser. By the way, fanny packs worn in front only advertise to muggers, “Here’s my money!” I would recommend instead putting your money with only a minimum of necessary credit cards into a folding wallet with a rubber band around it in your front pocket. It makes it a little harder for pickpockets to lift it, and it does not give an invitation to be mugged.

Previously I traveled with a lap top computer. It was nice to be able to do a few hours of work in my room by having it with me. I even bought a cheesy little lock to secure it to a table or desk when I left. Then I realized that, while the loss of the computer was costly, it was not nearly as costly as the easy theft of my identity. The amount of information that could be gained about me, my business and family was just not worth the extra few hours I could log in. I now no longer carry my laptop with me on my travels and have opted instead for catching up on needed reading, or even hard-earned time relaxing and giving myself time to create and plan. If a little down time is beyond your capability, at least travel with a suitcase that locks and place your laptop inside of it, lock it, and place it in a closet. Not the best security, but better than the alternative.

So where are you most vulnerable to hotel theft?

Most hotel experts agree that in the United States, Miami, New Orleans and New York have the greatest number of thefts. This may be somewhat due to the high number of guest rooms and the high occupancy rate, but perhaps not. Outside the US, Mexico and anywhere in South America you are not only more vulnerable to theft, but also to kidnap-for-ransom abductions that are now near epidemic levels. But which country is the world leader in hotel theft? Jamaica. Anything left in a room including your dirty laundry will most likely be stolen in Jamaica. Even the items you have on your body or in your pockets are targets to the thieves. Hopefully, Jamaica would not be considered as a possible future site to hold the American Numismatics Association’s Convention, The Worlds Fair of Money.

Assault/rape in Hotels/Motels:

Operational:

Rape and other assaults on guests are very rare occurrences on hotel/motel properties; however; women and men still need to avoid wearing flamboyant or expensive jewelry. It is common sense that the less conspicuous you are, the less likely you will draw attention to yourself. Conversely, a wedding ring will help keep away unwanted attention. When you are traveling overseas, “Do in Rome as the Romans do” and try to blend in as best you can with the local dress and customs. As hard as it is to imagine, not everyone in the world loves foreigners, especially arrogant Americans who tend to flaunt their rich and free lifestyles. Hotel room invaders usually target the occupant and room location, not necessarily the hotel.

Perimeter:

When you arrive at your hotel, before departing your vehicle, drive around the area to familiarize yourself to your hotel’s location. If you are in a cab, it is worth the extra couple of dollars to at least circle the block. If you feel uncomfortable or sense that it might not be safe, consider altering your plans. Again, trust your instincts. If you plan on using a cab to venture out later, let the hotel call you the cab, and do not hail one yourself, especially in a foreign country. It is always good idea when leaving your hotel to carry a brochure or desk card so you can find your way back. This is very helpful when trying to communicate with a cab driver in Hittite. Most may recognize at least your hotel’s name.

External:

Drop off your luggage at the bell stand or front desk first, get a claim check, then park your car in a well-lit area, preferably within sight of the hotel entrance. If you feel the least threat, ask for someone from the hotel to escort you and walk back to the hotel with you. Be very careful when returning to your car. Simply go back to the hotel entrance if someone is around or lurking near your car. Report it to hotel security or the front desk. Ask for assistance. Do not be embarrassed or think it will detract from your macho ego.

When registering into their hotel/motel, women should use only their first initial and last name. It is even better to register Mr. & Mrs. and to let everyone know that your husband will be arriving in a few minutes, and you will need an extra key for him. Be cautious about using titles or degrees as they give away your status or profession. When answering the phone in your room, also include a few words to your “invisible husband” so the caller will not know you are alone. Men, especially when transporting valuables, should also use these same procedures. Never let anyone know that you are a lone traveler. I like to do a simple security check to see how well trained the hotel staff is. I call the front desk using my cell phone or a lobby phone, ask for myself and say I am not sure of the room number. If the answer comes back, “He is in room 405, I will connect you,” this tells me I may have a security problem. The correct answer should be, “I’ll connect you.”

When using hotel elevators, always position yourself next to the control panel with your back against the wall so you can immediately use the alarm in an emergency. If there are people on the elevator with you, consider going to a floor above yours and using the stairs or the next elevator to go down to your floor.

Internal:

If available, always accept bellman assistance upon check-in. It is well worth the tip of a few bucks. Allow the bellman to open the room, turn on the lights, and ensure the room is vacant and completely ready for you. Before dismissing the bellman, check the windows and door locks to insure they are in working order. Ensure that the draperies fully closed and do not leave an observation gap. Make sure everything in your room is in working order and that it is fully equipped. If there are no towels in the room, or if the television does not work, it is better to resolve the problem before settling in and unpacking your items. When you are traveling alone, I would recommend you ask the front desk if a person is available to accompany you until you are safely in your room. When you first enter your hotel room, leave the door open and check to see that no one is in the bathroom or under the bed. It has been 40 years since the movie “Psycho” was released, but I still check behind the shower curtain.

Your own stubby door wedge that you stashed in your suitcase along with the little flashlight placed on your nightstand can add to the security and safety to your room. A chair with a glass of loose change or keys placed on it can act as a portable alarm to give you enough time to call the front desk for assistance.

You should never open your hotel door to any stranger until you are sure that their presence is legitimate, and you feel safe to do so. Use the hotel phone to verify the legitimacy of the stranger. Have all deliveries made to the front desk. Have the messenger leave them to be inspected by hotel personnel and delivered by hotel staff to your room. If it is an emergency and you are asked to open the door, do not do so until you are assured that it is a legitimate emergency by first calling the front desk. When in doubt, summon police.

If you return to your room, and someone is loitering in the hallway, do not enter, but return quickly to the lobby and report it. An Ohio woman was robbed and raped in a Kansas City, Missouri hotel when she exited her room due to a fire alarm. When she returned after it was discovered to be a false alarm, she noticed two men loitering near her room. When she went to place the key in the door, she was struck by one of the men who dragged her into the room where both men robbed and raped her.

Be careful about placing leftovers from room service outside your door. This is especially true for unaccompanied women who usually order room service to avoid unwanted attention by dining alone in a hotel restaurant. A single service with lipstick on a glass could invite an invitation to an attack.

In summary, when you are considering security in hotels, motels and resorts, try to consider the three primary areas of risk and the possibility that just maybe they could involve you. Whether it be a fire, a catastrophic event, a burglary, a robbery or and assault, the world is still a very dangerous place. With that said, life goes on, including travel. Be it for business, pleasure or adventure, enjoy it, but be careful out there.