AN AP NIGHTMARE
As you know I had a great win at the River Dragons related in the AGS must-hits thread only to discover my house had been burglarized
I will try to relate the events of the last 6 days. The most chaotic of my career. It still feels a bit unreal. I hope it will be cathartic but I wont be able to relate everything in one post. I will add over the next few days as I find the time.
As you read this post I am sure you guys will understand why I had to stay away from here for awhile. My entire focus was singular for the last few days.
Out of necessity I need to not mention a few details or change a detail or two but what I am relating is 99% accurate to what happened
The first thing obvious about the burglary was it was done by a professional. The security systems were easily overcome. Locks were picked with minimal damage using special tools.
Next, NO electonics were taken, not a thousands dollar stereo home theater system nor a 7 grand television. The two laptops were left in their place. No furniture was overturned, the house was not searched. Everything was left pretty much in place.
The person went straight for 2 pieces of unique furniture located in separate rooms behind which were hidden safes. These were easily opened. All money and valuables were removed.
Im not at liberty to say how much. Trust me, it was a big blow!
After those 2 locations the person went to one other location in a different room. They opened one cabinet only so they knew what they were looking for.
It was where thousands of my casino players cards from the hundreds of people I have dealt with through my whole career were stored. Dead cards, live cards, future cards.
THEY TOOK EVERY SINGLE PLAYERS CARD!
They had no pins. But they now had every name and corresponding account number from every casino in every market I'm hitting now and in the past.
There were only 5 people who knew the locations and contents of the safes and cabinet
I was facing the worst AP nightmare possible.
Someone from my most trusted inner circle of family and loved ones had not only robbed me but was trying to destroy me as well.
I am not trying to milk this one. I really dont think I can go on for now. I will continue this tomorrow.
See you guys then
I feel for you and knew immediately it was an inside job. You have the condolences of many I'm sure but we can live without the details.
Quote: MaxPenWhy don't you just stop talking now while you're still ahead. Nothing positive can come from sharing this experience. 5 people is ridiculous and now you want to make it 500?
I feel for you and knew immediately it was an inside job. You have the condolences of many I'm sure but we can live without the details.
500 people are welcome to look inside the safes now
They're empty
I've experienced something similar, including the betrayal. It's quite hard, for sure. Easy to say "it's only money." In fact, it is also years of work. And someone stealing your tool kit to replace that money. But ultimately, it's still true. There are things that could happen tomorrow that would make this seem trivial. These are good times to revisit why certain cliches are cliches. Take stock of exactly how lucky you really are to be born in the U.S. instead of Syria, China or Haiti. To be healthy. To have food and shelter. At this seemingly horrible moment, you are still living the dream life of many, many people even in THIS country. It's cheesy, but it's true.
On another note, we seem to vastly underestimate our ability to protect large amounts of money in the home. I didn't really tell that many people about my situation. Yet I had two poker players say, "yeah that sucks. My girlfriend stole most of my bankroll once."
I know a sports bettor who experienced an incident somewhat similar to yours.
It was a different scenario, but I believe David Sklansky was followed home and robbed of 5 or 6 figures.
When I consider that I'm not really friends with a large number of gamblers/APs, and consider that most people would keep something like this quiet, this seems to happen with a pretty alarming frequency.
Should that be a surprise? We forget how much money even $5,000 really is, never mind substantially more. The average bank robber nets $4330 for a far riskier operation.
Perhaps you and the rest of us can learn from this situation.
Be very careful. One thing I'd strongly consider is relocating. Switching houses is probably unavoidable. You might consider moving a decent distance away as well. The wrong people know too much.
Contact each person who knew and leave a message that it's very important they meet you downtown at the police station. Say no more than that. See who shows up.
Or something like that. Unless they are reading here, then no point.
Quote: BlueAirforcesYeah, people in the AP community talk too much.
If you say only 5 people knew, there's a high probability that one of the five told at least one or two people. Gonna be hard to work with any of those five guys again imo. I would have my suspicions if something like this ever happened to me.
I will continue tomorrow the sad tale
The list of five trusted "guys" were
One ex-girlfriend
One current girlfriend
My daughter
My son
My former son-in-law and father of my grandkids
Someone other than you knew the combinations ?
Yeah I'm confused he said a professional broke in, so no keys/etc... if it was a real safe pro that cracked them then maybe the trusted member got someone that can open safes?Quote: michael99000Why would the safes be “easily opened” ?
Someone other than you knew the combinations ?
Anyways I'm done speculating and can also agree to live without the details. Be very careful what you share. If someone knew about your cards/etc perhaps they know about your forums posting.
Quote: michael99000Why would the safes be “easily opened” ?
Someone other than you knew the combinations ?
The locks were intricately opened using tools that removed a plate and then twisted internal elements
And yet with minimal damage. The damage was slight warps so that the locking mechanism is now completely useless. The door cannot be closed
They would probably be impregnable to someone like you or me
As I said it was someone with deft mechanical skill.
It was completely shocking (to me at least) how it had been done
Quote: michael99000Why would the safes be “easily opened” ?
Someone other than you knew the combinations ?
If it's a safe built into furniture it has to be very weak. Anything under a TL15 safe and you may as well not have anything. The safes only purpose is to allow enough time for an intervening force to arrive. TL30 is worth the money. You need surveillance with immediate notification capability as it will most likely be disabled. A good safe will not be able to be installed in a HiRISE building without extreme difficulty.
You can open a lot of "safes" with a potato.
Quote: darkozI will continue tomorrow the sad tale
The list of five trusted "guys" were
One ex-girlfriend
One current girlfriend
My daughter
My son
My former son-in-law and father of my grandkids
Who else votes former son-in-law?
Quote: FinsRuleWho else votes former son-in-law?
I sure hope it's not his son or daughter or even current girlfriend because that would make the situation even more heartbreaking sad than it already is.
Quote: darkozThe locks were intricately opened using tools that removed a plate and then twisted internal elements
And yet with minimal damage. The damage was slight warps so that the locking mechanism is now completely useless. The door cannot be closed
They would probably be impregnable to someone like you or me
As I said it was someone with deft mechanical skill.
It was completely shocking (to me at least) how it had been done
I have no idea what all that means. Can you post a picture of that
Sorry darkoz to hear about your loss. I think Rigondeaux's advice hits the spot.Quote: RigondeauxShould that be a surprise? We forget how much money even $5,000 really is, never mind substantially more. The average bank robber nets $4330 for a far riskier operation.
In casinos (without a specific play in mind), I usually carry $8K-12K. Wallet only carries $2K-3K. Rest is in another pocket or non-wallet location. But I may have $100K-200K cash in car, home, storage unit, hotel safe (poker room or front desk), hotel room safe, and bank safe deposit boxes (Trouble here is if you need 24/7 access for a play).
This may be a lot more cash than most single-digit-millionaires or decamillionaires have in their homes.
Here are some security things that I do....which might help others.
(1) I do not rely on safes within my home to provide security. If substantial money is stored there, I use multiple unusual locations. Think of places no one would look, that have never been shown on a TV show, or recommended in any online article... (That's why I don't mention any in this post!)
(2) If cash is being transported in a car, again I use (a) multiple locations (b) unusual places. I've been lucky to have no house/apartment/hotel-room break-ins, but my cars have not been so lucky. 7 break-ins. Luckily the thieves have never found much money. Once I lost $200 hidden in the cigarette ash area (found when the professional thief took my car stereo...). One way I make thefts difficult is I leave my car trunk VERY FULL. Once when I was held up at gunpoint (not anywhere near a casino), the thief opened up my trunk...and didn't touch anything out of disgust - Didn't bother looking for (a) camera (b) laptop (c) cash.
When I am most nervous leaving cash in a car is when I have flown somewhere and am driving a rental car where I only have 1 rollaboard - fewer places to hide money & slow down a thief.
Once a car was broken into in the Bellagio garage 1st floor - directly under a camera - and security wouldn't even look on their camera to help me. Broke a window, and rummaged through my rollabaord. Didn't appear to have stolen anything. Disgusting.
Someone smashed a car in the parking lot of the casino/hotel where I was staying for a few days - $4,000-5,000 damage, hard to enough to shift the car 6"-12" on the ground - no response from security. They didn't even notice that the car got hit!
(3) Car - Almost no APs know what my cars looks like. In general, no one ever gets a ride. I drive a dumpy normal car to casinos because I don't want someone stealing a fancy car & getting an unexpected $100K bonus.
I really dislike the license plate cameras which many Las Vegas casinos now use.
I don't want casino staff to know what cars I drive either. Why?
Once I had my players card scammed for a fancy meal. Almost 100% certain it was a partial inside job. "Coincidentally", the casino had comped me to one of their presidential suites. What they probably weren't expecting is that I rarely let my points or comps go above $150 for just this reason...so there wasn't enough credit to charge another meal. The receipt was recorded in their computer. For my signature, someone drew a straight line.
I have been asked by other people (but always decline) to obtain high-level players cards for this type of scam (e.g. "Can you find me a Harrahs Seven Stars card Asian male or European female...for $100/200"). If a big player is staying at one Harrahs property, they charge the card at other properties. If a restaurant staff person is in on the scam, they wait until someone pays cash, and then run the players card.
When I had trouble with one casino in a car...I sold that car within the month. If that license plate is being tracked, I no longer drive the car.
(4) Do NOT split money after a play in a car in the casino parking lot. In one Indian casino case against an AP, they showed footage of him entering a car in the casino garage with other APs. Sometimes if playing with other APs, we drive separately away from the casino, and we meet 1-2 miles away before splitting cash.
(5) Do not carry cards of other APs. Some APs use multiple cards in their strategies. I don't. In general, I consider it too risky to allow anyone else to have a card with my name.
Since I've had 7 car breakins, I worry that if I carried cards of other APs, some other AP could get in trouble if my car is broken into.
(6) If I am going to take cash from a hidden location in a car (a) I take the cash out somewhere besides where I will park (b) If I need to take cash out of a parked car, I drive the car somewhere else, take the cash out, then repark the car. I assume someone can follow me on a security camera.
(7) If I'm leaving a casino and not comfortable carrying $50K-100K, I may ask for a security escort (I think I've only done this once or twice). Or enter & exit bathrooms, in & out of high limit areas, eat at a restaurant, stay in the casino playing for 30-60+ min. I don't usually use casino safe deposit boxes, but you could do that. Also have a friend in Vegas who professionally escorts people to banks or homes.
This depends on the area. When playing blackjack in the Western Casino (Downtown Las Vegas), it was so seedy that I wouldn't even bring more than $200. And I would walk there (so no one would see me leaving or entering a car).
(8) I usually don't send casino mail to home addresses. So neighbors don't get the idea that you gamble a LOT. PO Boxes can be as cheap as $40/yr (They rent by 3-month blocks). It also keeps the casino from seeing how expensive/cheap your house/apartment is when trying to pretend to be a "normal Joe" or a rich person.
(9) Some APs use codenames on smartphones. That way if casino camera zooms in on a smartphone, they don't see names of known APs (good for you and good for the other APs).
(10) I keep my casino bankroll to a very small fraction of my net worth (<10%). So if the cash is stolen, or if the casino kicks me out mid-play, I will be ok. For this reason, I do not play progressives over $10K. There have been some people kicked out of casino mid-play on a $50K or $100K progressive with staff collusion and a local Big Player who takes over the progressive. Some professional teams protect themselves by having unknown players as backup - sitting in a hotel room, so no one (casino or competitive APs) knows they are in the casino - If they are kicked out, their unknown partner can take over the game.
One of the guidelines I use is adapted from Stanford Wong on craps (Yes. He's not the best person to take advice from...). His suggestion was never have more than 5% of your bankroll on the craps table vulnerable to a 7-out. My adaptation is I like to do plays where I can never lose more than 5% of my net worth.
That way any one theft won't hurt.
Yes. I miss out when the $100K progressive drops early for a $90K win. Can't win'em all... :-(
(11) By being crazy-paranoid about this, even though my cars have had 7 break-ins, I've never lost more than $200 in this type of theft.
However other types of thefts have occurred.
(A) One casino booted me with $3,000 in points (was trying to race with a friend who had over 1 million points). I didn't think it would have been productive to sue them with a lawyer (costing $400-800/hr). That's another reason I rarely let points or comps rise above $150 for very long. If I accumulate $1,000 in points during a play, I cash most on the same day (but I also try to keep at least $100 in points on my cards). Sometimes it's impossible (or unwise for image purposes) to cash out most of the comps...
(B) Theft from temporary partnerships with APs may happen (especially if one person is not being watched during part/all of the play). Sometimes $1,000-3,000. Usually I keep track of the amounts, and consider it a "cost of business." With some people who have a track record of theft, they are never left alone during a play.
-----
Good luck everyone.
You could even make a deal with another trusted AP, to where you're splitting action on either getting robbed, up to (example) $20k. So if one gets robbed for $20k or more, then the other has to fork over $10k. Obviously not something you should do with just anyone, but if you trust each other, then it's free insurance.
Also, if you're hiding money at home, in your car, or even on yourself, one way to possibly minimize the damage is to have a decoy. If you have a bunch of cash in the trunk of your car, leave $500 or $1,000 in the center console -- that's probably the first place a thief will look...and after finding the loot, hopefully they'll leave without looking for the real enchilada. If you have cash at home, leave $5k in the most likely drawer to be searched drawer. Carry a give-up wallet with a couple hundred bucks that you can give someone if you get mugged.
It's less about preventing getting robbed but moreso -- when you get robbed, you don't wanna get taken for all the loot you got.
But the most important part is to be careful when you're in the casino. Watch out for shady characters or even regular people that're giving you attention. It's also a good idea to get a PO box and use that for everything, at least casino stuff. Doesn't take much for an employee to recognize you as a big player, check your address, and give that to an accomplice.
For big players, PO Box won't be a protection against employees figuring out your address.Quote: RSIt's also a good idea to get a PO box and use that for everything, at least casino stuff. Doesn't take much for an employee to recognize you as a big player, check your address, and give that to an accomplice.
Slot players need to give an address for W-2s ($1,200).
Most Indian casinos will probably Google you for any slot jackpot over $2,500 or $5,000.
I've been quizzed by friendly slot staff with details only available from Social Media...and told by the staff that their boss was behind the questioning.
Most addresses can be obtained for free using "full name" or "reverse telephone" search.
piplDOTcom (2004), intellius (2003), and similar websites.
People can also cause trouble with slot cards. One casino had a problem with about 200-300 stolen players cards and Google (or other search techniques).
To fix that problem, their players cards do NOT have full name anyone (first name & last initial). If you see casinos that do this, that's the scam they are protecting against.
Harrahs had a problem with stolen Seven Stars cards, so my host recommended using low-status cards in machines, and saving the high-status cards for restaurants & hotel functions. Many casinos are not sensitive to this. The slot machines actually show card level as you are playing, so staff can see who the high-status players are...but allows easier identification for card-thieves. One casino refused to print a low-status card for me!!
Quote: RSI thought I posted this before but apparently not. There are plenty of places to keep money. Casino front money accounts, safe deposit box at a bank, actual bank account, bonds or other investments, sportsbook mobile apps (at least in Nevada), gold/silver, and I'm sure I'm forgetting other stuff. If you trust someone else enough (like a parent), you could leave cash at their place too -- and it'd only get stolen by some freak accident (eg: not specifically targeted b/c they know there's cash there) or if your parents wanna screw you for whatever reason. I'm sure there are plenty of other ways to hide money that I'm not remembering right now.
You could even make a deal with another trusted AP, to where you're splitting action on either getting robbed, up to (example) $20k. So if one gets robbed for $20k or more, then the other has to fork over $10k. Obviously not something you should do with just anyone, but if you trust each other, then it's free insurance.
Also, if you're hiding money at home, in your car, or even on yourself, one way to possibly minimize the damage is to have a decoy. If you have a bunch of cash in the trunk of your car, leave $500 or $1,000 in the center console -- that's probably the first place a thief will look...and after finding the loot, hopefully they'll leave without looking for the real enchilada. If you have cash at home, leave $5k in the most likely drawer to be searched drawer. Carry a give-up wallet with a couple hundred bucks that you can give someone if you get mugged.
It's less about preventing getting robbed but moreso -- when you get robbed, you don't wanna get taken for all the loot you got.
But the most important part is to be careful when you're in the casino. Watch out for shady characters or even regular people that're giving you attention. It's also a good idea to get a PO box and use that for everything, at least casino stuff. Doesn't take much for an employee to recognize you as a big player, check your address, and give that to an accomplice.
I've thought about that myself. Employees doing shady things in order to help steal money from a Gambler. Especially the very jealous, resentful ones who are bitter that someone won more than their entire year's wages in just an hour.
I have a lot of valuables.
I thought about a safe
but
I feel a safety deposit box is safer
Quote: terapinedWhy don't you AP's use a safety deposit box at a bank
I have a lot of valuables.
I thought about a safe
but
I feel a safety deposit box is safer
The flow in and out of large amounts of cash would mean constant trips to the safety deposit box.
The bigger the operation the more large amounts of cash need to be fluid and available
Quote: darkozThe flow in and out of large amounts of cash would mean constant trips to the safety deposit box.
The bigger the operation the more large amounts of cash need to be fluid and available
Convenience vs safety
I will always choose safety
I understood the money and valuables being taken. It was the casino cards that were most disturbing. All the suspects who knew the locations were also members of my crew who would know the cards were worthless without pins
I had to assume they were for leverage or possible future blackmail.
For certain, if the stolen goods ever got retrieved by the police that would be an even worse fiasco. None of the cards were stolen. I had no issues with criminality. Everyone was allowing me to use them. But police have this moral compass which would compel them to return the cards to the casinos and notify them of how they had been acquired ("we caught a thief and these were in his possession"). I couldnt even report them stolen ("yeah officer and besides money about a thousand players cards from multiple casinos in 100 different peoples names")
I made the painful decision not to involve the authorities. I was on my own with this one
5 suspects. The only people who knew the locations AND contents of the safes
My current girlfriend: known her for 3 years. One of my most trusted people she had risen quickly due to her savvy honesty and ability. Contrary to what my family thinks it wasnt because of great sex(I have had grest sex with others and they didnt get high positions)
She was also younger than my own daughter being about half my age. (For those who met me at this year's Spring Fling that woman on my arm was her)
My former girlfriend: friends for 25 years. One of the only people who helped me off the streets when I was homeless before my AP career began. Her children consider me a surrogate father. It seemed inconceivable she would now try something like this.
My daughter: very close. Just cant imagine. She was with my kids at her mother's house the entire day of the robbery
My son: we were just working out some differences that had kept our relationship rocky bur nothing that would make me suspect him of robbing me. Besides he had the perfect alibi. He was physically with me the day of the robbery while I clobbered the River Dragons
My former son-in-law: He was unfortunately the immediate suspect. It wasnt character-wise. He is a decent man with my daughter for 13 years. It was the circumstances.
The breakup was bitter with infidelity issues on both sides
That week was a big argument over his discovery of a family secret - my daughter had been seeing someone else and was getting remarried. The wedding was imminent-within the month. (My future son-in-law was accounted for. He and my daughter were at her mother's house with the kids the entire day of the robbery plus he had never been told the locations of the safes. My daughter was adamant she had not told him. Casino wise, I had him starting at the bottom just like everyone else. He knew very little about what I did)
My former son-in-law had told me he was moving to Florida where he had family for a new start. I had questioned him about finances and knew he was almost broke. So how was he going to make this supposed big move
My daughter had vehemently told him there was no hope of him getting the kids
He was also an auto-mechanic with tools. Out of all the suspects he had the most likely ability to open the safes
The night in question he was alone. The kids were with their grandmother. My daughter and her fiance were also there. She herself had told him so he knew my house was empty
His cellphone had been mysteriously off the entire day of the robbery
It would also explain the casino cards being taken. There was a possibility of a scorched earth mentality. If I am not benefiting no one is. A vindictive attempt to make everyone suffer like he was
It was most likely my former son-in-law. There was no 2 ways about it
His first ardent supporter was my own daughter. She couldnt be6he would do that. I pointed out the closest family members are the first suspects and listed all the reasons above. I mean, people have been murdered for those motives! Custody disputes, seeing an ex get remarried etc.
I didnt want him told we knew about the robbery but my daughter felt she had to question him. He called me immediately
He denied all involvement but hey we all know thats what would be said. However his impassioned denial did bring one thing up. He pointed out he never would harm his children and taking food out their mouths would be unthinkable. I didn't think he would harm his kids either.
I didnt know what to think. He was still suspect numero uno.
That first day I spent more time on the phone than ever in my life. Endless discussions with the upper echelon team members. The lower echelon team members were frantically calling. Some wanted to know more details or give their two cent sleuthing. Some wanted to know if future payments were affected (I would have the money for everyone i assured them and that wss true. I wasn't broke by any means). Some gave me offers to "handle the situation" once I knew who did it. I politely declined those offers. Im not trying to move my legit AP team into the realms of a criminal organization. No one was getting tortured and dumped in the East River (no matter how tempting)
By midday everyone was accusing someone else of the theft. It was clear the accusations were along prior personal fractures. Anyone who had a history or beef with another pointed the finger at that person. The accusations were not helpful and getting me nowhere
By evening however there seemed to be a consensus amongst almost everyone that is was my current girlfriend. Everyone thought she had slept her way up to a high position so she could go in for the kill
I was hearing this from my daughter. My son-in-law. My ex-girlfriend (naturally). My future son-in-law.
My current gf was the last person with me in the house before I left for my trip. I had actually opened the safe to show her the contents. To let her know how well I was doing. Yeah bragging i suppose
I had to concede the point that there was a strong possibility it had been her. But she had never done me dirty ("that makes this a perfect time to rob you" said my daughter)
I was going to have to make a very difficult phone call. I was going to have to question my girlfriend!
Quote: darkozAlright. Lets continue
I understood the money and valuables being taken. It was the casino cards that were most disturbing. All the suspects who knew the locations were also members of my crew who would know the cards were worthless without pins
I had to assume they were for leverage or possible future blackmail.
For certain, if the stolen goods ever got retrieved by the police that would be an even worse fiasco. None of the cards were stolen. I had no issues with criminality. Everyone was allowing me to use them. But police have this moral compass which would compel them to return the cards to the casinos and notify them of how they had been acquired ("we caught a thief and these were in his possession"). I couldnt even report them stolen ("yeah officer and besides money about a thousand players cards from multiple casinos in 100 different peoples names")
I made the painful decision not to involve the authorities. I was on my own with this one
5 suspects. The only people who knew the locations AND contents of the safes
My current girlfriend: known her for 3 years. One of my most trusted people she had risen quickly due to her savvy honesty and ability. Contrary to what my family thinks it wasnt because of great sex(I have had grest sex with others and they didnt get high positions)
She was also younger than my own daughter being about half my age. (For those who met me at this year's Spring Fling that woman on my arm was her)
My former girlfriend: friends for 25 years. One of the only people who helped me off the streets when I was homeless before my AP career began. Her children consider me a surrogate father. It seemed inconceivable she would now try something like this.
My daughter: very close. Just cant imagine
My son: we were just working out some differences that had kept our relationship rocky bur nothing that would make me suspect him of robbing me. Besides he had the perfect alibi. He was physically with me the day of the robbery while I clobbered the River Dragons
My former son-in-law: He was unfortunately the immediate suspect. It wasnt character-wise. He is a decent man with my daughter for 13 years. It was the circumstances.
The breakup was bitter with infidelity issues on both sides
That week was a big argument over his discovery of a family secret - my daughter had been seeing someone else and was getting remarried. The wedding was imminent-within the month. (My future son-in-law was accounted for. He had been with my daughter the entire day of the robbery plus he had never been told the locations of the safes. My daughter was adamant she had not told him. Casino wise, I had him starting at the bottom just like everyone else. He knew very little about what I did)
He had told me he was moving to Florida where he had family for a new start. I had questioned him about finances and knew he was almost broke. So how was he going to make this supposed big move
My daughter had vehemently told him there was no hope of him getting the kids
He was also an auto-mechanic with tools. Out of all the suspects he had the most likely ability to open the safes
The night in question he was alone. The kids were with their grandmother. My daughter and her fiance were also there. She herself had told him so he knew my house was empty
His cellphone had been mysteriously off the entire day of the robbery
It would also explain the casino cards being taken. There was a possibility of a scorched earth mentality. If I am not benefiting no one is. A vindictive attempt to make everyone suffer like he was
It was most likely my former son-in-law. There was no 2 ways about it
His first ardent supporter was my own daughter. She couldnt be6he would do that. I pointed out the closest family members are the first suspects and listed all the reasons above. I mean, people have been murdered for those motives! Custody disputes, seeing an ex get remarried etc.
I didnt want him told we knew about the robbery but my daughter felt she had to question him. He called me immediately
He denied all involvement but hey we all know thats what would be said. However his impassioned denial did bring one thing up. He pointed out he never would harm his children and taking food out their mouths would be unthinkable. I didn't think he would harm his kids either.
I didnt know what to think. He was still suspect numero uno.
That first day I spent more time on the phone than ever in my life. Endless discussions with the upper echelon team members. The lower echelon team members were frantically calling. Some wanted to know more details or give their two cent sleuthing. Some wanted to know if future payments were affected (I would have the money for everyone i assured them and that wss true. I wasn't broke by any means). Some gave me offers to "handle the situation" once I knew who did it. I politely declined those offers. Im not trying to move my legit AP team into the realms of a criminal organization. No one was getting tortured and dumped in the East River (no matter how tempting)
By midday everyone was accusing someone else of the theft. It was clear the accusations were along prior personal fractures. Anyone who had a history or beef with another pointed the finger at that person. The accusations were not helpful and getting me nowhere
By evening however there seemed to be a consensus amongst almost everyone that is was my current girlfriend. Everyone thought she had slept her way up to a high position so she could go in for the kill
I was hearing this from my daughter. My son-in-law. My ex-girlfriend (naturally). My future son-in-law.
My current gf was the last person with me in the house before I left for my trip. I had actually opened the safe to show her the contents. To let her know how well I was doing. Yeah bragging i suppose
I had to concede the point that there was a strong possibility it had been her. But she had never done me dirty ("that makes this a perfect time to rob you" said my daughter)
I was going to have to make a very difficult phone call. I was going to have to question my girlfriend!
Son in Law -330
Current girlfriend -180
The Field +210
Quote: darkozI was going to have to question my girlfriend!
Might as well call her your ex-girlfriend now. Whether she is guilty or innocent.
Quote: michael99000Son in Law -330
Current girlfriend -180
The Field +210
You really have a high house edge on your line.
You need to be factual about the evidence. Meaning that there was evidence of a break-in. If your girlfriend had access to your home is she capable of doing everything to get the money, and more importantly, why steal the players cards?
Clearly this has been in the works for awhile. Given the timing of your ex son-in-law and his circumstances, and his means, the motive is clearly there. As for your girlfriend what motive does she have at this time to do this? Hopefully you are using private detectives to help you out.
I am sorry that your family doesn't think highly of your girlfriend.
And I wouldn't rule out your team either.
And as a few people have mentioned, count your other blessings in life.
Quote: mcallister3200Sorry for the loss sounds horrific. Don’t mean to sound insensitive, but I don’t understand why you’re doing this here, doesn’t seem like a good idea or make any sense.
Sometimes it's easier to talk to strangers. Or sometimes you just need to "get it out". I'm guilty of it, too.
Bad run, darkoz. Nothing I hate more than a thief. The thought of it being a known entity and in your own home turns my stomach. Good to see it hasn't affected your creative writing; I'd be nothing but a string of curses and Homeland Security triggers right now.
Genuinely hope things get rectified and you come out on top.
Quote: terapinedConvenience vs safety
I will always choose safety [/
It's not convenience. Safety deposit boxes are not accessible 24/7. Opportunities present themselves whenever they pop up. Imagine finding a play of Friday of a holiday weekend and your bank is closed until Tuesday.
People who prefer safety rarely end up as pro gamblers.The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
Quote: AcesAndEightsI call BS on the whole thing, just a made up fantasy. Good writing though, enjoying it!
I stated emphatically that these were true events in the OP because even I find it difficult to believe what I just went through
And I sincerely wish it was some wild fantasy.
But sadly no. My life the last 6 days has been this crazy crime drama
Quote: FaceSometimes it's easier to talk to strangers. Or sometimes you just need to "get it out". I'm guilty of it, too.
Bad run, darkoz. Nothing I hate more than a thief. The thought of it being a known entity and in your own home turns my stomach. Good to see it hasn't affected your creative writing; I'd be nothing but a string of curses and Homeland Security triggers right now.
Genuinely hope things get rectified and you come out on top.
As the saying goes: "May God defend me from my friends; I can take care of my enemies."
Or that other one: "You can choose your friends, but not your family."
Quote: FinsRuleYou really have a high house edge on your line.
It's live betting on the next play, what do you expect?
ZCore13
Quote: FTBAs the saying goes: "May God defend me from my friends; I can take care of my enemies."
Or that other one: "You can choose your friends, but not your family."
For real. The last theft I suffered came at the hands of the son of a family my entire family is intertwined with. My ma shot rifle in school with his uncle, his grandpa was the local kind old man we'd go to for bicycle maintenance, uncle is still my mechanic for all my toys. I just rode wheelers with him last August.
3 months after the theft I watched the thief's body being carted out of the house.
Quote: Zcore13What if it's none of the above. Maybe someone that's been in your house (team member, friend, worker) left a hidden camera and just watched until they saw everything they needed. They then come back when you are gone, do the dirty work and take the camera with them.
ZCore13
Holy crap! I cannot see any flaw in your scenario! That's some messed up thing if that's what happened to Oz! O.O
A friend just had well over a million dollars worth of books stolen on New Years weekend. They were stolen in Florida but several turned up in Arizona a few days later.
People.are watching and listening. Bad people.
Three years ago, a comic dealer from Pennsylvania had a very successful show in Orlando. Driving thru South Carolina, they stopped briefly for gas and soon got a flat tire. A car pulled up, and robbed them at gunpoint. The robbers followed him several hundred miles before striking.
Last year, a neighbor stole my trash can and left theirs behind, which was crawling with maggots.
Those are the only two times I’ve been victimized.
Quote: FaceFor real. The last theft I suffered came at the hands of the son of a family my entire family is intertwined with. My ma shot rifle in school with his uncle, his grandpa was the local kind old man we'd go to for bicycle maintenance, uncle is still my mechanic for all my toys. I just rode wheelers with him last August.
3 months after the theft I watched the thief's body being carted out of the house.
Low level thefts between family members and friends are usually to support an addiction. Lack of the ability to think straight makes their suspicion obvious.
Sorry for his death. I assume he died due to an overdose?
The more I think about it I think it's the girlfriend. While the son-in-law had motive and means it takes a fricking cunning mind to take the players cards too. Usually when the motive is purely financial the FU component is missing. The attempt to mentally torture you by taking players cards however screams vindictiveness characteristic of an intimate partner. But why now???
Quote: gamerfreakSomeone stole my Pokémon cards when I was in 2nd grade.
Last year, a neighbor stole my trash can and left theirs behind, which was crawling with maggots.
Those are the only two times I’ve been victimized.
I've lost cell phones left in my car twice. Otherwise I've been fortunate. I don't have anything of high value to steal.
Quote: FinsRuleYou really have a high house edge on your line.
He works for boyd.
I calculated ~42% HE?
Edit: What’s the max bet on current GF?
Quote: boymimboLow level thefts between family members and friends are usually to support an addiction. Lack of the ability to think straight makes their suspicion obvious.
Sorry for his death. I assume he died due to an overdose?
Assumed correctly.
I'm loathe to add $0.02 to this, as it seems counterproductive. That, and I don't understand the use and/or value of the pile of cards, or what point someone would have to take them. Is there value in the cards, or did they get their value by denying them to darkoz? I have no idea, so I'm just gonna be quiet.
I'll stick to hoping for the best and meaning it.
Sometimes you need $50K-300K for a play.Quote: terapinedWhy don't you AP's use a safety deposit box at a bank
(1) Safe deposit box is not open 24/7. You may be playing hundreds/thousands of miles away from your safe deposit boxes.
Generally I only leave "backup cash" in safe deposit boxes; e.g. if I take a few major losses, and need to resupply.
(2) If you bring cash and win the jackpot with only $20, you can look like a random lucky person.
(3) If you transfer that much to/from a bank, the casino knows you are a serious player - AP or regular gambler (and it may not fit your player image).
(4) ATM fees may be $60 for each $1,000 at a casino ATM (free at regular ATMs), and may not be able to raise cash limits past $3,000-5,000/card. Wire fees for larger amounts.
(5) If you transfer large amounts of cash into/out of a personal bank account, the bank may close your account for "possible money laundering". The bank won't prosecute, but they might say "We no longer want your business." It's better if you have a business account as a professional gambler - because banks understand that businesses may have large amounts of cash.
I won't say what I had in my storage unit, since I think talking about certain stuff online IS F&@(ing RETARDED. No need to tell the world how much of this or that you had/have and what you are doing at the casinos. But whatever, back to my story.
I had some problems with my neighbors( horrible people) and was in the middle of moving because of them. So I thought it best I store some valuable stuff in a storage unit including a safe.
One day I went to retrieve my stuff in the storage unit. I walked up to my locker with my key and opened it. I was stunned to see it wasn't my stuff inside. Obviously, I freaked out and I very upset. All kinds of strange stuff was running though my mind. I came to the conclusion they made a mistake and auctioned off my unit and then re-rented it.
I was furious, but nice, while talking to the girl who worked their. "How could this happen, I had valuable stuff in their" etc.
As it turns out, I went to the wrong locker next to mine, and well, my key worked in that lock. Needless to say, I went to my own locker and got all my suff out for good.
I know some people need cash on hand, but I suggest keeping as little as possible at home. Spread it out in many different locations including leaving some with friends and family. Even if you don't think you will get robbed there's also a chance of a fire.
You can also make multiple large slot tickets if need be. Depending on the location, they can be good for many months.
Every storage unit I've ever rented (nine), you provide your own lock or buy a lock. And you can lock your unit with TWO locks (if you like).Quote: AxelWolfOne day I went to retrieve my stuff in the storage unit. I walked up to my locker with my key and opened it. I was stunned to see it wasn't my stuff inside.
As it turns out, I went to the wrong locker next to mine, and well, my key worked in that lock.
The one time a scenario like this might have happened to me... Storage place called me because they needed to get in the unit to do some bug stuff. Since I was very far away, they asked for authorization to cut my lock and replace it with one of theirs. Next time I was in town, they gave me keys to the new lock. But my key should not have worked on a neighboring unit... Strange...
Locks are easy to pick for professionals.
Spread out in many locations. Yes!Quote: AxelWolfI know some people need cash on hand, but I suggest keeping as little as possible at home. Spread it out in many different locations including leaving some with friends and family. Even if you don't think you will get robbed there's also a chance of a fire.
I ASSUME any non-bank location can be burgled (e.g. hotel safe deposit box), so never have enough in one location to bother me.
There is a very remote change of bank safe deposit boxes being burgled.
I suggest never having more than 20% of your bankroll in one location. This may not work for some people's strategies.
Online theft is also possible, so I use 15 different bank/brokerage accounts.
Storage units are vulnerable to theft and FIRE. As are homes.
Bank safe deposit boxes are great if you don't need access 24/7, and are good against fire.
But if you lose your wallet (and drivers license), the bank might not let you in (even with your safe deposit key).
If you put a second person on your safe deposit box, they might take the money.
