vito Posted December 1, 2021 at 10:25 PM Share Posted December 1, 2021 at 10:25 PM My wife and I went into Chicago today, something frankly that I try to avoid doing. But we had tickets for a venue that my wife wanted to go to. We parked in a "Valet Parking Only" lot near the venue, obviously leaving my car key with the valet, then proceeded to the venue itself. Of course I was armed, and concealed. At the entrance to the venue I saw that they were wanding everyone that was entering, so I returned to the parking garage, and asked the attendant for my key so that I could "retrieve something that I had left in the car". Obviously I was not about to inform him that what I was doing in fact was putting my gun into the car. The key was in the garage lockbox and all the parked cars were left unlocked. So I proceeded to my car, and without risk of being observed removed my holstered gun and put in under the rear seat so as to be out of sight and not likely to come to the attention of the valet when I returned later to have them drive my car out to me. Leaving a gun in an unlocked car, even in a closed garage where only the valets had ready access to the cars made me quite uncomfortable, but I felt that I had little choice. I returned to the venue and the rest of the visit went without incident, as did my return to my car and checking that my gun was right where I left it. I guess I should have called this particular place before ever leaving my home to ask if it was posted, at which time I probably would have been told that it is posted, and that all people entering would be subject to a metal detecting wand. I think I will do this for any future visits to Chicago where I am going to a specific location, although coming to that city unarmed for the day is not a good choice, in my opinion. But having my wife go by herself, and unarmed as she does not carry, ever, is a worse option for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubbacs Posted December 1, 2021 at 11:04 PM Share Posted December 1, 2021 at 11:04 PM Venue = ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Euler Posted December 1, 2021 at 11:22 PM Share Posted December 1, 2021 at 11:22 PM On 12/1/2021 at 5:25 PM, vito said: ... Leaving a gun in an unlocked car, even in a closed garage where only the valets had ready access to the cars made me quite uncomfortable, ... It's also illegal, although unlocked valet parking highlights the risks of valet parking, in general. It's like the valets are trying to make your car an easy target for theft. Does your car have a trunk? This story makes me ponder disconnecting my remote latch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy6862 Posted December 1, 2021 at 11:40 PM Share Posted December 1, 2021 at 11:40 PM (edited) My car has valet mode when turned on the trunk cant be opened you cant even change the radio station also a hidden compartment came as part of the car. I did not install it that locks and the car will only go a certain speed never tried that. Edited December 2, 2021 at 07:59 PM by Tommy6862 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagSlap Posted December 2, 2021 at 03:40 AM Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 03:40 AM Egads...what a goofball situation!!! I would suggest a lockbox in the car... I have one...granted..its simple box that tethers to the mounting brackets of the seat. Wont work against somebody determined..but its something. On a side note..I was at a thingy recently..... An ax throwing place...Had fun... No derpy gfz signs...no problem... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted December 2, 2021 at 12:50 PM Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 12:50 PM When going to “a venue”… it’s likely best to leave the gun locked up at home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vito Posted December 2, 2021 at 02:08 PM Author Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 02:08 PM The car involved is an SUV without a trunk. The glove box does not have a lock. Keeping a small safe under the seat, with a steel cable attaching it to the seat frame is a good idea that I will implement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Posted December 2, 2021 at 02:24 PM Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 02:24 PM Can you mention the venue so we know to stay away? I wonder if the "wanders" would even notice someone carrying around their ankle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2A4Cook Posted December 2, 2021 at 02:29 PM Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 02:29 PM Everything in freaking Chicago is posted, especially downton and near north, which I suspect is where your venue was. Stay the heck out of Chicago if you can. What even spend money there and support that craphole's economy? I got out of the Southwest Side over 20 years ago, and that was 10 years too late as far I as I was concerned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted December 2, 2021 at 08:02 PM Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 08:02 PM On 12/2/2021 at 9:08 AM, vito said: The car involved is an SUV without a trunk. The glove box does not have a lock. Keeping a small safe under the seat, with a steel cable attaching it to the seat frame is a good idea that I will implement. Be wary of those devices. A buddy of mine had his carry pistol swiped in a matter of moments when “safely stowed” in one of those. Think heavier steel lockbox that takes at least 20 minutes to cut through. I have a fairly strong cage bolted down in the rear of my SUV. I still leave the gun at home unless I am certain it can be on my belt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagSlap Posted December 2, 2021 at 09:15 PM Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 09:15 PM (edited) If it was swiped 'in moments'...the attacker probably knew what he was preparing for... Carried bolt cutters? (Did he take the whole container?) Did he work open the box with a screw driver? A simple lock box will at least deter a smash 'n grab and prolly most valets.... Since I dont have a trunk and drive a lil hatchback** its basically the best I can do. I have no intention (at this time anyway) of building a safe and bolting it to the frame of a lil hatchback** ** My lil Hatchback... Edited December 2, 2021 at 09:19 PM by MagSlap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Posted December 2, 2021 at 09:28 PM Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 09:28 PM Don't need a lock box when you have a trans brake. I assume by the almost wheelie you do? That or maybe a 10" slick was on the back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ming Posted December 2, 2021 at 10:23 PM Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 10:23 PM On 12/2/2021 at 8:08 AM, vito said: The car involved is an SUV without a trunk. The glove box does not have a lock. Keeping a small safe under the seat, with a steel cable attaching it to the seat frame is a good idea that I will implement. A better idea may be a “Console Vault”. I’ve installed these in my last three SUVs. It’s very easy to do. As with any other option it won’t stop a determined thief with enough time, but may stop a smash and grab event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagSlap Posted December 2, 2021 at 11:19 PM Share Posted December 2, 2021 at 11:19 PM On 12/2/2021 at 3:28 PM, Jeffrey said: Don't need a lock box when you have a trans brake. I assume by the almost wheelie you do? That or maybe a 10" slick was on the back? No trans brake... On the pads... Auto w/3600 stall. Stage IV 4L60e..shift kit/cooler yada..yada.. 255/50 MT ET Streets on stock wheels.. 26 inch...small tire... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted December 3, 2021 at 02:23 AM Share Posted December 3, 2021 at 02:23 AM On 12/2/2021 at 4:15 PM, MagSlap said: If it was swiped 'in moments'...the attacker probably knew what he was preparing for... Carried bolt cutters? (Did he take the whole container?) Did he work open the box with a screw driver? A simple lock box will at least deter a smash 'n grab and prolly most valets.... Since I dont have a trunk and drive a lil hatchback** its basically the best I can do. I have no intention (at this time anyway) of building a safe and bolting it to the frame of a lil hatchback** They cut the cable and took the box. The box is easy even for me to open. These guys know where to look and what to look for. And yes… they carry appropriate tools. My buddy didn’t know he’d been hit until he noticed his gun safe was gone. They even locked the car back up for him. If you don’t have proper security, you risk loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Posted December 3, 2021 at 02:23 PM Share Posted December 3, 2021 at 02:23 PM On 12/2/2021 at 5:19 PM, MagSlap said: No trans brake... On the pads... Auto w/3600 stall. Stage IV 4L60e..shift kit/cooler yada..yada.. 255/50 MT ET Streets on stock wheels.. 26 inch...small tire... Mickey's hooked up nicely for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vito Posted December 3, 2021 at 02:39 PM Author Share Posted December 3, 2021 at 02:39 PM The venue was the “Van Gogh Experience” on Germania, off Clark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagSlap Posted December 3, 2021 at 03:19 PM Share Posted December 3, 2021 at 03:19 PM On 12/3/2021 at 8:23 AM, Jeffrey said: Mickey's hooked up nicely for you! Before the MT's I used used nitto 555R's...they sucked... It was always a dance...too much, they would break..too little, slow 60 foot... When they broke I would always have to get off it... (I've seen too many rear ends grenade, or wall kisses from people who dont know when to get out when they get loose... ) I never looked back after going with the MT's... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagSlap Posted December 3, 2021 at 03:27 PM Share Posted December 3, 2021 at 03:27 PM On 12/3/2021 at 8:39 AM, vito said: The venue was the “Van Gogh Experience” on Germania, off Clark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTHunter Posted December 6, 2021 at 06:30 PM Share Posted December 6, 2021 at 06:30 PM On 12/2/2021 at 8:29 AM, 2A4Cook said: Everything in freaking Chicago is posted, especially downtown and near north, which I suspect is where your venue was. Stay the heck out of Chicago if you can. What even spend money there and support that craphole's economy? I got out of the Southwest Side over 20 years ago, and that was 10 years too late as far I as I was concerned. DING DING DING !! We have a winner !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallbore Posted December 7, 2021 at 01:13 AM Share Posted December 7, 2021 at 01:13 AM Only thing that forces me to Chicago is their high quality medical care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted December 8, 2021 at 02:33 PM Share Posted December 8, 2021 at 02:33 PM On 12/3/2021 at 8:39 AM, vito said: The venue was the “Van Gogh Experience” on Germania, off Clark. I'd have gone unarmed on the possibility it is a museum. (430 ILCS 66/65) Sec. 65. Prohibited areas. (a) A licensee under this Act shall not knowingly carry a firearm on or into: (21) Any building, real property, or parking area under the control of a zoo or museum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmyers Posted December 8, 2021 at 03:36 PM Share Posted December 8, 2021 at 03:36 PM My wife and daughter went to the Van Gogh Experience. Yet, they went to it in St. Louis, MO. They enjoyed the show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vito Posted December 8, 2021 at 03:51 PM Author Share Posted December 8, 2021 at 03:51 PM I venture into Chicago very, very rarely. My wife enjoys an occasional visit to the Art Institute, where we have been members for many years. When we go there, I park immediately adjacent to the museum in the underground parking, always finding a handicapped parking spot right next to the stairs leading to the street level. Other than for that museum, I can't even recall going into Chicago except for this recent trip to see the Van Gogh Experience. Personally I would find it intolerable to live in that city and put up with the restrictions on my 2nd Amendment rights every day and almost everywhere, on top of the crime, high costs, heavy traffic, ridiculous property taxes, etc. I assume that there are many here that on occasion ignore some of the "posted" restrictions on the basis of "concealed means concealed" and "better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6". I am not encouraging or endorsing ANY illegal behavior, but it appears that sometimes common self preservation sense and Illinois law are in direct conflict with each other. Enough said on that subject. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepointbeing Posted December 11, 2021 at 08:47 PM Share Posted December 11, 2021 at 08:47 PM The Old Town neighborhood (Germania club location) used to be safe and fun. Sadly not anymore, or probably ever again. Be on especially high alert around there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r4ndy Posted December 12, 2021 at 11:16 PM Share Posted December 12, 2021 at 11:16 PM (edited) I had a similar experience also at the VanGogh this fall. Couldn’t find street parking after seeing they were wanding so went to the valet. Both our Highlander and Fusion have glove box keys, so I just locked it up and gave the valet the FOB only. Funny thing is I had my knife in my front pocket. When they asked us to empty pockets I held my hands up with wallet and key hiding the knife as best I could. They wanted my torso and sent me in. Edited December 12, 2021 at 11:16 PM by r4ndy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Euler Posted December 13, 2021 at 01:37 AM Share Posted December 13, 2021 at 01:37 AM CWBChicago CWBChicago said: ... A male valet attendant was at his post outside a restaurant on the 1200 block of West Hubbard around 9:09 p.m. when a gunman approached, according to the CPD representative. The offender reportedly went into the valet key box and helped himself to vehicle keys, including a set that controlled a white 2017 Mercedes Benz coupe parked nearby. ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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