A collector not far from me here was robbed on 21st December. Coins, Stamps and other valuables were taken. Report is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-20875789 If any of you, particularly in the UK, are offered old coins at cheap prices in unlikely circumstances, consider checking with the police.
Sounds like the old timer needed a .45 Colt auto. Tough luck, crackheads do need their dope. :hammer:
Let's not open up the gun laws debate - suffice to say that it is not possible to have a pistol of any sort over here legally. The only people who have them are the criminals. The police are certainly giving it full attention, but the highest chance of catching them is when they try to fence the proceeds - hence the need to publicise the robbery to as many people as possible.
If you hear anything new on the case please let us know Paddy. I'm always interested in hearing how these things turn out. Thanks. Bruce
You spend your whole life putting collections like this together only to have it taken from you.I feel for him and hopefully everything can be found and returned to him.Things like that irritate me knowing he put his heart into each coin he purchased and some young punks just take it.
The problem is they haven't really publicized it at all. The report basically boils down to "Some coins were stolen, so if you see any coins be sure you report it to the police." The story, as published, is absolutely worthless as far as any chance to recover the coins. And as such will be just as routinely dismissed.
I agree. I hope to find out more about what is missing now all the relevant departments are back at work. I will publish here anything I can find.
Actually the witness appeal that the police published (see link in that BBC article) is a little more detailed: http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=6552 Christian
Approximate time and contact phone numbers. Granted, the latter may well be known in the UK anyway. Also keep in mind that what was stolen was not just coins but "a large stamp collection, antique coins, cash and jewellery." Who knows, the description of the suspects may be more useful than listing each stamp or coin ... Christian
Just an update - I have spoken with the local police and asked for more details on the coins that have been taken - particularly if there are any unusual ones amongst them. I hope to receive some response in the next few days, and I will post here as soon as I do.
Forget guns, homeowners in Britain have been prosecuted for getting too frisky with cricket bats and frying pans while defending themselves. The law over there presumes that the thug invading your home is the one with the rights. It is therefore totally understandable that among developed countries, Britain stands alone in the home invasion category.
The British may be weird when it comes to "EUropean issues" but with regard to purchasing and using firearms, it is not the UK that "stands alone". Let's focus on coins here, OK? Christian
Just a brief update: I am still waiting for the policeman in charge of the case to contact me. Typical of the vagaries of our police system, he is "on nights" most of the time, but I believe may be back to a normal routine tomorrow. I did check with the nearest auction house if they knew anymore - they did not, BUT they were raided a few days later. It was mostly jewelry that was taken, but a number of ENAMELED VICTORIAN FLORINS/HALFCROWNS were also taken, so if you are offered any of these in unusual circumstances, or see some appear from an unlikely seller on any auction sites, please let me know.
Another update. I have been struggling to get specifics out of the police here. I got a long hand written list - but that was all stamps, of which I know nothing. Latest email mentions an album of Australian part Silver 50 cent coins, and some Australian Gold - I have asked for clarification on what the gold was - could be anything from Victorian to modern proofs/commemoratives at the moment.
In the meantime while no descriptions are forthcoming from the authorities, the coins are being rapidly fenced. By the time we know what to look for they will all be gone.
Indeed. Unfortunately in this country the police seem more concerned with recording the crime, and logging it for insurance purposes, than actually catching the criminals. Still I will keep trying.
