|
Stealing televisions from hotels
Security video caught someone wheeling a 42 inch television set out the front door of a Hilton hotel in Vancouver WA. Apparently, the same person has also mistaken the amenities at two other hotels in Portland, taking two TV sets there also.
The 42 inch TV from the Homewood Suites in Vancouver was in a conference room. According to the general manager of this property, TV sets in guest rooms won't work outside of the hotel, but that one would. So, I am wondering: is this true of all hotel room TV sets, or just at Hilton? (No, I am not interested in a new career . . . );) |
OK. Here's the link:
Thief caught on camera stealing hotel TVs Surveillance video shows him nonchalantly walk into a conference room at the hotel. He then took a dolly from the hotel and wheeled out a 42-inch television and DVD player. He wrapped the TV in table cloths before taking it out to his car. Moments later he returned the dolly to where he found it on the second floor. After the theft, the suspect drove off in a green Ford Escort station wagon. |
Originally Posted by lin821
(Post 16562234)
This guy surely knows his way around the hotel. Never know getting a big-screen TV out of a hotel is that easy. :eek:
|
Originally Posted by Amicus
(Post 16561594)
Security video caught someone wheeling a 42 inch television set out the front door of a Hilton hotel in Vancouver WA. Apparently, the same person has also mistaken the amenities at two other hotels in Portland, taking two TV sets there also.
The 42 inch TV from the Homewood Suites in Vancouver was in a conference room. According to the general manager of this property, TV sets in guest rooms won't work outside of the hotel, but that one would. So, I am wondering: is this true of all hotel room TV sets, or just at Hilton? (No, I am not interested in a new career . . . );) |
I always find it funny that the hotels will insist they won't work if used anyplace else but in the hotel, yet every hotel remodeling sale and every hotel liquidation site always has televisions for sale. Like this release a few weeks ago from Universal Hotel Liquidators below.
I have no doubt that some are set so they will only work with the in house system, but I think it's either way fewer than most people think. Hotels are easy targets for anything that is not chained down. Usually fairly easy access, usually multiple entrances, and usually lax security as they usually don't question everybody coming in. Is somebody is fast enough, they can load a bell cart with the entire business center and be out the side entrance before security makes their pass if they are not watching monitors from a central point. Universal Hotel Liquidators Conducting Largest Television Sale in US History April 28th, 2011 NEW HAVEN, Conn., April 27, 2011 – — Universal Hotel Liquidators is a nationwide company that buys and resells furniture and appliances from hotels which are closing or undergoing renovation. This is great news for the consumer, since hotel furniture is generally stylish and well-made, and it is possible to find some amazing deals on everything from beds to carpets to electronics. Among UHL’s liquidation suppliers are such prestigious properties as Ritz Carlton, Sheraton and Hyatt Hotels. Now, Universal Hotel Liquidators is conducting a massive, blowout liquidation sale of tube televisions. Since 2009, the company has purchased over 8000 Philips, LG and Zenith tube television sets from hotels; we still have over 3000 TV’s that we need to sell in order to make room for new merchandise. The televisions were used in the finest hotels throughout the United States and range in size from 25 to 27 inches. Prices start at only $ 29.95, and the larger sets cost only $ 49.95. Come in soon, as the sets are going fast, with a limit of 4 per customer. As an added bonus, if you mention our roof-raising spokesman – the passionate Pastor Arthur from New Haven Teen Challenge – you will get a free television stand from the former 4 star Embassy Suites in Battery Park. Don’t miss this giant television sale, and while you’re at it, pick up some nice furniture and other useful household items, all for rock-bottom prices! |
They probably work outside of the hotel. However, every time they are turned on, they go to a channel you don't like at a really high volume. :)
|
Originally Posted by spd476
(Post 16572145)
They probably work outside of the hotel. However, every time they are turned on, they go to a channel you don't like at a really high volume. :)
|
Originally Posted by spd476
(Post 16572145)
They probably work outside of the hotel. However, every time they are turned on, they go to a channel you don't like at a really high volume. :)
|
Originally Posted by spd476
(Post 16572145)
They probably work outside of the hotel. However, every time they are turned on, they go to a channel you don't like at a really high volume. :)
and it will be an inappropriate channel at the wrong time!:D Regards TBS |
Originally Posted by cordelli
(Post 16571306)
I always find it funny that the hotels will insist they won't work if used anyplace else but in the hotel, yet every hotel remodeling sale and every hotel liquidation site always has televisions for sale. Like this release a few weeks ago from Universal Hotel Liquidators below.
I have no doubt that some are set so they will only work with the in house system, but I think it's either way fewer than most people think. Hotels are easy targets for anything that is not chained down. Usually fairly easy access, usually multiple entrances, and usually lax security as they usually don't question everybody coming in. Is somebody is fast enough, they can load a bell cart with the entire business center and be out the side entrance before security makes their pass if they are not watching monitors from a central point. |
Some flat screens in hotels incorporate a module that deciphers the signals coming in from satellite or cable. But if you pop the module out, the TV functions as a normal TV, AFAIK.
Theft of flat screens is a growing concern among hotels, mainly because it's a lot easier to grab a 40 pound flat screen than a 100 pound tube TV. Of course, given the fact that Marriott and others still have behemoth tube TVs in half their hotels anyway... |
So, if hotel room TV sets might actually work outside of the hotel, then what about the Bose stereos, found in Kimpton hotels?
BTW, if a TV or Bose suddenly went missing from a room, wouldn't a hotel just charge your credit card anyway? |
Originally Posted by The _Banking_Scot
(Post 16573006)
Hi,
and it will be an inappropriate channel at the wrong time!:D Regards TBS |
One time I checked into a hotel and there was no remote unit for the TV. I went to the front desk, they said they'd try to find one for me (they eventually did) but they have a major problem with keeping those in stock- people steal them constantly, they lost several each week.
Why would people steal remotes? |
You would be a fool to take the TV from your room, but if housekeeping has a bunch of empty rooms open or the conference rooms are unattended, that may be a better choice.
I don't get the remote thing at all, unless it's just wrapped up in your clothing and taken by mistake. It's just silly, that won't work with your TV. Good little story about what the most taken items from hotels are based on personal interviews at checkin from last year over at Gadling http://www.gadling.com/2010/06/14/to...to-plasma-tvs/ |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:27 am. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.