Butternut Bite #4: 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.

 This paper is not intended in any way to be a legal or tactical guide.  All information is from open non-restricted sources.  Your thoughts and ideas are always welcomed.  Address them to: Colonel Steven Ellsworth, c/o BUTTERNUT, Post Office Box 498, Clifton, Virginia 20124-0498.  e-mail: Butternut@gslink.com                               web site:www.Butternut.org. PHONE: 703.802-0252 FAX: 703.830-9176. 

Col. Steven Ellsworth is a retired Army Colonel with over 32 years of service.  Among his many assignments include serving in the Army's elite Special Forces or Green Berets, as a Ranger and as a Pathfinder.  He has had assignments as a Physical, Intelligence and Communication Security Inspector.  He has received specialized training in anti-terrorist, physical, intelligence and personal protective security.   He currently is a full time coin dealer and collector and serves as the American Numismatic Association's Regional Coordinator for DC, DE, MD, NJ, VA & Eastern PA, and is President of the Virginia Numismatic Association.