I've seen the interest in threads about security and thought I might add a few ideas I have put together after about 750 gun and knife shows.
First, security concerns begin before the show. You need to be concerned with security before you leave home, and you need a plan.
One fellow who lived in Vegas loaded his van inside his garage from a direct door from his home into his garage. He loaded $280,000 worth of guns the night before the Beinfeld gun show. The van was stolen from his garage as someone knew his usual procedures. Nothing was ever recovered.
Always remember to be especially careful going TO and coming FROM a show. It is a common time to rob when someone stops for that forgotten duct tape or a meal...especially after a successful show. Personally, I always carried a gun, kept my eyes open, ate at a window where I could see my vehicle, and always drove a long distance watching for anyone possibly following me before I stopped for anything.
Unloading and loading are always dangerous. A helper or helpers is very important unless you can carry everything at once. Some theft occurs when someone takes one load in but more remains in an unwatched car. Sometimes a vehicle needs to be moved from an unloading area to a parking area. This may leave valuables at risk while you are reparking.
Now, we have the show itself. Keep your money in your pocket. Cash boxes are easy to steal. Beware of events that can distrack like the gal in a see-through bikini negligee who walked through a big gun show. Beware of load noises, people, anything that can distrack. Become cognisant of things out of the ordinary to raise your attention level. Beware grab & run if you are near an exit. The layout of your merchandise is important. More valuable further from the public with a more obvious reach needed. Keeping things under glass is safer but might hurt sales. Your choice.
Now after the first day of the show, one would like to think your material is safe. But many people might still be around after hours. These can include cleaning crews, concessionaires, facility people, and guards (who guards the guards?). Frankly, don't leave anything you don't mind being stolen. Then if you take your valuables with you...what? Don't leave in your room or car. If you have to take a suitcase with you into a restaurant, don't worry about your friends calling you paranoid. My friends enjoyed picking on me until one had $7K stolen one night and our other friend had $30K stolen.
Packing up after a show, same problems. With two people available, I loaded least valuable materials first with family member watching valuables at the table. Then we moved out the valuables at once, together.
The going home...
Don't stop at a nearby restaurant. It is common to be followed. Take valuables into room with you if you need to stop. Leave someone in room to guard if you go for take-out. Beware knocks on the door. I have arrested three different groups of people with theft on the mind. You Easterners might not be gun toters. I am a Western country boy and some low lifes regret not knowing that.
In any event, be careful and good luck.
Pete
First, security concerns begin before the show. You need to be concerned with security before you leave home, and you need a plan.
One fellow who lived in Vegas loaded his van inside his garage from a direct door from his home into his garage. He loaded $280,000 worth of guns the night before the Beinfeld gun show. The van was stolen from his garage as someone knew his usual procedures. Nothing was ever recovered.
Always remember to be especially careful going TO and coming FROM a show. It is a common time to rob when someone stops for that forgotten duct tape or a meal...especially after a successful show. Personally, I always carried a gun, kept my eyes open, ate at a window where I could see my vehicle, and always drove a long distance watching for anyone possibly following me before I stopped for anything.
Unloading and loading are always dangerous. A helper or helpers is very important unless you can carry everything at once. Some theft occurs when someone takes one load in but more remains in an unwatched car. Sometimes a vehicle needs to be moved from an unloading area to a parking area. This may leave valuables at risk while you are reparking.
Now, we have the show itself. Keep your money in your pocket. Cash boxes are easy to steal. Beware of events that can distrack like the gal in a see-through bikini negligee who walked through a big gun show. Beware of load noises, people, anything that can distrack. Become cognisant of things out of the ordinary to raise your attention level. Beware grab & run if you are near an exit. The layout of your merchandise is important. More valuable further from the public with a more obvious reach needed. Keeping things under glass is safer but might hurt sales. Your choice.
Now after the first day of the show, one would like to think your material is safe. But many people might still be around after hours. These can include cleaning crews, concessionaires, facility people, and guards (who guards the guards?). Frankly, don't leave anything you don't mind being stolen. Then if you take your valuables with you...what? Don't leave in your room or car. If you have to take a suitcase with you into a restaurant, don't worry about your friends calling you paranoid. My friends enjoyed picking on me until one had $7K stolen one night and our other friend had $30K stolen.
Packing up after a show, same problems. With two people available, I loaded least valuable materials first with family member watching valuables at the table. Then we moved out the valuables at once, together.
The going home...
Don't stop at a nearby restaurant. It is common to be followed. Take valuables into room with you if you need to stop. Leave someone in room to guard if you go for take-out. Beware knocks on the door. I have arrested three different groups of people with theft on the mind. You Easterners might not be gun toters. I am a Western country boy and some low lifes regret not knowing that.
In any event, be careful and good luck.
Pete
