By Doug Davis – Founder & President, Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) ……
Suspects Change Theft Pattern/MO
During the past 45-60 days, NCIC has seen a change in the pattern and MO of Roma gang suspects. It is evident that these individuals are beginning to target smaller shows. Coin show dealers and promoters should be aware and on the alert.
(Suspects have hit shows in Texas, Oklahoma and Indiana)
Modus Operandi:
- Usually work in pairs (M/M, M/F)
- Heavy European accent
- Interested in gold and silver coins
- Pretends to know little about coins
- Wants coins for a gift, etc.,
- Displays a large amount of cash (bait/distraction)
- Both want to look at different coins at the same time (distraction)
- One or both ask numerous questions (distraction)
- May attempt to reach inside dealers case
- Very good at palming (especially female suspect)
- May not have enough cash and wants to leave and come back shortly (however, in several cases they have already palmed coins and never return)
- Suspects may leave a deposit and not return because during the transaction they have palmed or switched coins that have been packaged.
- Suspects in some cases buy several thousands of dollars in coins and pay in cash. During the transaction, however, they want to re-count the money over and over. After they leave the dealer is short of cash.
Be aware of these red flags. Contact security or the show promoter and advise them of any suspicious activity.
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Suspects Seen In Provo, Utah
The suspects below were just seen in a shop in Provo, Utah. All Utah dealers and surrounding states should be on the alert. These suspects have been identified in other thefts across the country. NCIC and UK Law enforcement partners have a positive ID on these subjects.
The suspects may have a small child traveling with them. MO is the same: wanting gold coins and flashing a large roll of cash.
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TRAVELING ROMA SUSPECTS
On Friday, January 25, Roma gang members were reported in two different coin shows: Utah and Georgia. Unfortunately, police were unable to detain them.
In several cases, suspects have been in shops and left before police arrive. If possible, attempt to get photos and descriptions of vehicles without placing yourself or employees in danger.
If police are called and suspects are still on the premises but no theft has occurred, responding officers may be reluctant to do anything. However, if you show officers the alerts with photos and the suspects have attempted to use the same MO as in other reported thefts, then it is enough probable cause for officers to ask for identification.
Intelligence reports that we have received from our United Kingdom Law Enforcement counterparts show that these individuals are in the US illegally. If so, they can be held for an ICE detainer.
We have been close to catching up with this group and they will be caught. What is MOST important is that the email alerts have prevented several dealers from being victims. If any dealer comes into contact with any person or persons using the recent MO listed above, please let NCIC know – we have been able to get most of these subjects identified based upon photos or video sent in by victims and potential victims.
Warrants are currently being issued by several departments who have current, ongoing investigations involving these subjects. Agencies were able to get these warrants due to the assistance provided by NCIC.
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Monster Box Residential Burglary
Chicago detectives are investigating a residential burglary involving the theft of a 500-count monster box of 2014 West Point silver eagles and 12 one ounce Montana silver bars.
Also taken in the burglary were 14 firearms.
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UPS Theft Gold Coins
Detectives with the Tinicum Township Police Department are investigating a theft involving a large amount of gold coins. The coins were being shipped to Germany via UPS and were last scanned at the Philadelphia air hub.
Based upon the preliminary investigation it is believed the suspect or suspects are local and may attempt to sell the coins in the Philadelphia or outlying towns or municipalities:
- 7 Mexican 50 Pesos
- 586 French 20 Francs Napoleon III
Any dealer or collector who may be offered coins as described above please contact:
Det. Sgt. James Simpkins
610-52103830
Tinicum Township Police Department
Essington, PA
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Bad Checks
Detectives with the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin have requested NCIC assistance in an on-going investigation (theft/fraud) involving a subject identified as Charles Christensen (C.C. Trading).
Mr. Christensen’s MO is to order products from the victims and overnight them a check for the product. Once the products are shipped, Mr. Christensen closes the account the check is written on, causing the check to be returned NSF.
Any dealer who has information is holding a bad check, or knows of additional victims please contact:
Detective Ryan Greener
Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office
(715) 839-4706 (Desk)
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Burglary
Sutherlin, Oregon detectives are investigating a burglary that occurred at Oakland Antiques.
STOLEN PROPERTY LIST
- App 60 Miscellaneous 14k – 18k rings – Diamond Ruby Emerald etc – Antique estate
- Southwest Native American made Sterling Silver Turquoise jewelry (bracelets, cuffs, necklaces, rings)
- Northwest Indian beadwork dolls, tobacco pouches, knife sheaths
- 50 misc date Peace & Morgan dollars including 19 dated 1923 mint silver peace dollars (all in 2/2 cases)
- 100 Half dollars – Walking Liberties (good to very fine)
- 5 ounces California Placer gold in 5 /1-ounce tubes (31.1 grams each) 22 karat
- Approx. 20 antique (pre-1899) handguns (most nickel plated) most rimfire 32 – 38 caliber
- 17 rare antique silver plate BB (Birks jewelers Canada) ring cases – one square, all others are round – seldom see in the US
- Approx. 35 antique pocket watches – gold and silver cases 5 or 6 (16-size) Railroad watches with up / down indicator dials (rare)
- 50 silver bullion coins “rounds” including several rolls of “buffalos”
- 20 Austrian 1 oz “Thaler” Maria Teresa (trade dollars) – one in original folder with info
- .32 caliber semi-auto pistol (self loading) Harrington & Richards Arms Co – 100% blued made 1914 – 24 – uncommon only app 10,000 made
- 14k gold ring with fantastic black opal
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Vehicle Burglary
Coin dealers Susan Trask and Bill Lorman were the victims of a vehicle burglary that resulted in the loss of inventory exceeding $200,000 USD. The offense occurred at the Best Western in Kent, Washington. Both dealers were preparing to attend the Coin and Currency show at the Kent Commons in Kent, Washington.
Partial list of stolen Inventory:
- Approx. 200 pieces gold- 21/2, 5 and 10s
- 25-30 certified coins, primarily Walking Liberty halves
- Large assortment of Franklin and Kennedy half dollars
- Liberty Seated dimes
- Full box of better Civil War Tokens
- Full box of type coins
Coins were in 2×2 holders.
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Missing Coin
The following coin has been reported missing after the FUN show in Orlando:
Please contact the Numismatic Crime Information Center’s Doug Davis if you have any questions or information about any of the cases above. You can reach him at (817) 723-7231, or email him at [email protected].
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The Numismatic Crime Information Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation. P.O. Box 14080 Arlington, Texas 76094.
