THEFT PROBLEMS FOR DEALERS
By Shirley Gass
Due to the rash of thefts in the Eugene/Springfield area Antique shops, perhaps the local Antique Dealers should beef up their security. It seems these thieves work in groups, so make sure when you’re showing something to a customer in one case, and you go to the next case, you have locked the last one. Two locks on each case would be best, as the thieves have master keys for some cases, especially the slide locks. Check how the top of your cases are attached, some of the Antique cases were not designed with todays criminal in mind. Some cases (like ours was) are attached with clips that are held in place with screws. They remove the screws, move the glass over, and they are in, (and in our case, ended up stealing 23 of our gold rings). You can buy security screws that cannot be removed once they are in place, (as we have done). Unfortunately, if you have been robbed, you are on your own. The police do all they can, but usually you are the only one who can identify your stolen items. Due to the nature of this business, every piece is unique, so you must make detailed lists for the Police. Then take copies of the lists to all of the Pawn shops, & antique shops. You may want to check at the flea markets for your missing items as well. Be sure your hot lines with the other Antique Dealers are active, it may save someone down the line the time and trouble these thieves could cause. You may have some ideas that would help solve this growing theft problem, and it is becoming a huge problem. We would love to hear from you. Please contact Shirley or Richard Gass through The Oregon Vintage Times at (541)343-5982, or mail to: 5 west 38th Ave., Eugene, OR. 97405, or email to gass2000@efn.org