Thursday 30 May 2013

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5 Geeky Items You Own That Burglars Want

You might not realize it, but there's a particular type of burglar who specializes in pillaging your treasured geek artifacts. While you may be perfectly content to display your prized 1970s-era miniature TARDIS collectibles openly in your living room, you could be putting them in real danger by doing so. Here are five types of items that are coveted by geeks and thieves alike.

1. Action Figures
Image via Flickr by JD Hancock

Although some of your friends may poke fun at you for your prized action figure collection, you know just how much these "dolls" are really worth. Since your vintage in-box Chewbacca or Boba Fett figures are worth a pretty penny, it'd be smart to put them somewhere secure while you're away.

With the prices for sought-after action figure collectables ranging anywhere from $500 to $200,000 for the 1963 G.I. Joe Prototype, stealing one of these guys would make a burglar's day. It definitely happens, too; just last year, a collection of 80 classic Star Wars figures (worth approximately $30,000) was stolen from a home in England.

2. Stamp Collections
Image via Flickr by Itchys


If you own a book of stamps, it might be a good idea to throw them in a frakking safe. Those little sticky pieces of paper can be worth thousands, even millions. One might mistakenly assume their collection is at no risk, but they would be gravely mistaken. Take, for example, this true story of a deceased man's million-dollar stamps: In 2007, the family of Edwin Cherry discovered that their packed moving truck had been broken into. Cherry's life-long collection was gone forever, and the family was deprived of millions in inheritance.

3. Comic Books
Image via Flickr by ...love Maegan

Although much of the non-geek mainstream dismisses comic book collecting as a nerdy pastime, it's a no-brainer that these little paper booklets can be worth a veritable fortune. As you're probably already aware, some of those vintage Batman and Superman books can be worth more than $5,000 a piece (just as an example). Without a doubt, your beloved comic collection is at risk; take it from Nicholas Cage, who had his 2 million dollar comic book stolen in 2000.

If you have a collection of sought-after comics, you probably don't need a copy of Wizard to know how much they're worth. Many high-end collectors have been know to turn to quality security systems like those found at tophomealarms.com so they can rest easy.

4. Coin Collections
Image via Flickr by dichoheco


Would you believe that there's a coin worth over 4 million dollars? Yep, it's true. The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, in good condition, could net its owner almost five million big ones. With only five of these coins in the world, it'd take an "only in the movies" kind of heist to nab one. There are hundreds of other extremely rare coins worth anywhere from 200 to 500,000 dollars. Coin collectors, you better keep your silver and gold close.

5. Customized Computers
Image via Flickr by JD Hancock



You haven’t lived until you’ve built your own custom desktop. High powered processors, copious amounts of RAM and the best damn graphics card money can buy. Those who build their own computers will generally spare no expense on creating their own personalized masterpiece. After all, it’s where we likely spend most of our time doing..ahem..very important things. All that time and money spent means that burglars are on the lookout for these machines that can go for a pretty penny on the streets. Even worse, a more knowledgeable thief can use these powerful machines to get personal information about you or commit crimes online, making them that much more sought after.

Even if you weren't aware of their full value, it's a pretty safe bet that you've been collecting these things for year. Don't get caught with your pants down -- take the necessary steps to secure and, if necessary, even insure these valuable collectibles


About The Author:

Jake Fisher is a culture geek from Tampa, FL. He loves to write about tech, DIY, culture and anything geek related. He suggests tophomealarms.com to protect your precious geeky items! Follow him @jakemfisher