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November 1, 2013
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The odd (and sometimes unplanned) occasion of workman coming into the house is a real risk. steve004 said
One of the principal reasons I’ve never wanted a safe. At a glance, any stranger knows “there’s something valuable here.” But he can’t know what’s at the back of a closet, under a bed, behind a false door, etc.
January 20, 2023
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Steve, that comports with everything I’ve heard about target selection. To that, I will (again) add a monitored alarm is a strong negative for all but the most accomplished and bold.
The recent systems are not deterred by cutting off power or landline cables. They will not deter smash-and-grab types that kick a door in and race for the master bedroom where people tend to store valuables, banking on being in the house for only several minutes while the monitoring center confirms a real intrusion. These are low grade people, often addicts, and can’t deal with a safe.
Monitored alarms and safes are not proof against the top of the profession, the cat burglars, but cash and very high end jewelry are their targets. They operate alone.
The middle tier gangs that steal to order, usually for a fence, are the gun collector’s risk, those who pay for information. They do not like monitored alarms and bolted down safes. Yes, they know all about diamond cutting wheels but that takes time sophisticated alarms won’t allow.
Service people and slow witted relatives running their mouths are indeed a risk.The third prong should be concealment. A 200 gun, cherry red monster with external humidity meter, steering wheel size operating handles and an embossed NRA logo could really use an innocuous closet built around it. Out of sight, out of mind is never a bad idea. I once was spared the loss of a beautiful Zeiss 10×40 binocular bought in Munich because, as we were leaving for the weekend, on impulse I stowed it inside a piano. A gang hit the house and cleaned it of all the silver flatware, jewelry, some coins, etc but didn’t find the binocular. These were serious professionals with smelter equipment in their van for the silver. They went through every drawer in the house, even examined the cans in the pantry and packages in the fridge. The only gun in the house was a cased Colt Buntline commemorative in the den. They looked at it but didn’t take it. The house was not equipped with a security system. Seven or eight houses in the neighborhood were hit by the same gang over a six week period. Only those without monitored alarms were hit.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
November 19, 2006
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Bill – the alarm system is an excellent point and is probably the single best precaution and deterrent that can be taken. And as you suggest, alarm systems have come a long way.
I also understand your point about the fancy large safe with the ship’s wheel on it. People with such safes often take great pride in them and enjoy showing them off. But as you suggest, it serves to inspire curiosity about what is contained within. It would be very prudent to have such a safe (or safes) hidden from view. Most don’t.
Your tale of the robbery you experienced was interesting. I was surprised to read they left the cased Colt Buntline. I assume that demonstrated their level of expertise at what they do. It’s not like they would melt that Colt down like they do with silver. The Colt had a serial number, could be traced and I’m sure they viewed it as trouble.
It is sad that we have to hide what are we so proud of. In my case, the most proud of. They are my most prized possessions by a country mile. It’s sad that I have to hide them from myself. I love seeing photos of large gun rooms where everything is on glorious display. Hidden away in safes (or even in cases in the back of a closet) does not enhance enjoyment. I can go a fair piece of time without seeing some of my pieces.
January 20, 2023
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Steve, I agree it’s a shame and a constant irritant but, having been hit very hard once in the past, I don’t know what else to do about it. I still remember the intense anger and frustration and helplessness at being so personally violated. Only people who haven’t experienced it would ever say, “after all its only property. It could have been worse if you’d been home.” I would have given everything they left to have been there and had a fair chance at canceling somebody’s ticket. You don’t get over it soon.
The first thing I did afterward was have a very complete fire and intrusion system installed. And tested it regularly. And bought a used but elegant old Remington 11 and cut the barrel to 20 inches,losing the Cutts that had killed its retail value. Got an extended mag tube kit from GPC and kept it handy loaded with 8 rounds of #4 buck. It made me feel better.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
November 1, 2013
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Only people who haven’t experienced it would ever say, “after all its only property. It could have been worse if you’d been home.” Zebulon said
People who say that (after every disaster, you’ll see them on TV news saying so, “it’s only property”) have never owned anything that can’t easily be replaced by a trip to Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, etc., so to them it’s quite true. Why anyone would want to fill their houses with irreplaceable “old stuff” is incomprehensible to such folks.
September 22, 2011
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clarence said
Only people who haven’t experienced it would ever say, “after all its only property. It could have been worse if you’d been home.” Zebulon said
People who say that (after every disaster, you’ll see them on TV news saying so, “it’s only property”) have never owned anything that can’t easily be replaced by a trip to Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, etc., so to them it’s quite true. Why anyone would want to fill their houses with irreplaceable “old stuff” is incomprehensible to such folks.
Well stated, Clarence. I have a lifetime of finds from auctions, flea markets, etc. That’s why I’m very difficult to buy for when it’s Christmas. A Home Depot or Walmart gift card is usually of little use to me.
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