Has Anyone Ever Been Assaulted While Metal Detecting? I Was Yesterday Evening

[John-Edmonton]

Although I was fine, the event was nerve wracking. It did end with a sort of an amusing ending. Here is the short version:

I went detecting yesterday to try out a new set of headphones. I went to a nearby school, and was searching a hill, and while squatting to pinpoint a possible coin with my screwdriver, I felt a sudden "pain" in my lower back. I had been punched/kicked in the back for absolutely no provocation or reason. I turned around to see a tall male, 18-20 years old running away. I stood up and went after him for a moment yelling some choice words at him, then stopped , realizing he could easily outrun me. He was also attempting to drop his pants while running! High on meth maybe? I went to a different part of the school yard to continue detecting, when I saw the same gentleman from a distance coming towards me, only with two other buddies. This did not look good at all. I grabbed my digger, pretended it was a cell phone, punched in some numbers then put it up to my ear. When those guys saw that, they figured I called the cops and took off real quick! I had decided at that point that I had had enough excitement, to call it a day and went home. Luckily, no physical harm done.

So, my digger may have saved me from a most terrible situation! I think I may now consider seriously getting a cell phone.

I typed up a long report, and dropped off a copy to the school, the day care center and the nearest police station. The police opened up a file for any further issues related to this complaint. Life is so short.......

 

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[Terry Soloman]

Glad you kept your cool, thought fast, ad used your most powerful weapon - your brain! Bummer man. Glad it worked out and hope your back is OK!

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Sorry to hear that John. About 3 months ago I got knocked out in a local park, never saw nothing. All I remember was waking up with my left arm stuck to my head with blood.

I posted it here hysterically, and had to go back through after I calmed down.

Hoped no one else would ever experience that, but here you are!

Everyone else believe the danger yet?

Guard yourself! This is twice on TNet in 3 months!

 

[DeepseekerADS]

here was my thread on the danger. Wasn't 3 months ago after all. Must have concuissioned me....

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/e...undings-i-think-somebody-hit-me-ball-bat.html

 

[Jim in Idaho]

Terry, I was thinking exactly the same thing. John's, digger didn't save him...his cool and quick thinking did. Nice going, john!
Jim

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I know of 2 that were assaulted. One was robbed of his detector, wallet and jewelry, the other fought off his attackers but ended up with a concussion from being hit from behind.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

It appears it is more frequent than one would think. The only time I wear my headphones covering both ears now is when I'm in an area where I know I'm safe.

I'm not paranoid, but it is hard to trust the humanity around us these days. I blame social media, knock out games, deteriorated family systems, and on and on. This ain't the 1950's, 60's, 70's or 80's anymore. The world has changed around us. Kids are doing this for kicks. I may be on some Youtube video somewhere. They didn't do it to steal my stuff.

 

[MackDog]

If possible always hunt with a buddy. I work at the jail and know a lot of these types. If comfortable and legal get a concealed permit and carry. Numerous times I've been confronted while detecting alone and have bluffed my way out of it.

Always look around every so often and try to keep track of people and their proximity to you.

 

[Catanza]

That's why always like to hunt with someone ... Also I have a small shovel in my hand . People are crazy!!!! I was hunting a ripped up street in the hood , lady came out of the house what I think was a gun,two guys on the porch grabbed her . She was yelling white mf'er . Need less to say I got the hell out of there . Be carful out there guys and HH. Also if any one in my area needs people to hunt pm me

 

[ARC]

I read this post / thread earlier and could not respond.
But now that I can ... let me just start by saying...

Assault me while not looking...

I carry a 4+ foot tall... heavy wall stainless steel scoop... with a lip like a dull knife.

Enough said.

And as far as the "get the drop on me" and Kick me and run...

betta time your "duck" just right. heh

 

[ARC]

PS... I will add... I m a non- confrontational non violent type of guy...

Until assaulted.

Then... welp... i will defend myself.

 

[AlienLifeForm]

Damn. Can't say I have been assaulted physically while detecting. Verbally, probably a few times. Always watch your six out there!

 

[Cosmo3]

I do worry about the time I am bent over using my digger and retrieving a find. Someone could very easily sneak up on you from behind and render you unconscious. You could be armed, have the longest, sharpest digger in the world. It would not matter, there are times you are exposed.

 

[ARC]

In the words of a wise great master of mad gobs / amounts of gold jewelry... (heh)

"I pity the fool "

 

[DeepseekerADS]

PS... I will add... I m a non- confrontational non violent type of guy... Until assaulted. Then... welp... i will defend myself.

Well my friend, the absolute thing we need to remember is to always be aware of our surroundings.

I was in my own little world looking for something to delight me. Both ears covered listening for just the right sound, oblivious to the world. I had no idea anyone was around me.

You can't defend yourself if you're oblivious to the outside world. Now I constantly look around me and wear one ear covered when I'm alone.

 

[Oddjob]

Sorry to hear that, but it does happen, and I have had some attempt to rob me at knife point, mostly all have been asylum seekers in Europe and it did not work out well for any of them.


But it sounds to me like you where in an area for personal drug deal and where risking dead drops. See this in Europe hunting parks in larger cities, pay the dealer and a runner goes and picks up the product and hands it off to the customer directly or places it in another spot for the customer to pick up.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I know of 2 that were assaulted. One was robbed of his detector, wallet and jewelry, the other fought off his attackers but ended up with a concussion from being hit from behind.

On the two I spoke of both were after dark. One of them was a member here hunting south Florida beach after sunset and told his story here, the other I knew personally, he was hunting Daytona Beach after dark and was mugged returning to his car parked on a side street that emptied onto the beach.

He was from hit in head from behind and by instinct swung his scoop knocking one to the ground, his partner helped him to his feet and they ran. My friend went home but his wife insisted he go to the hospital and there they diagnosed him with a concussion.

I ALWAYS carry a firearm after dark and anytime I'm hunting land.

Sent from my P008 using Tapatalk

 

[smokeythecat]

My Deus headphones do not prevent me from hearing other things. I have had my head on a swivel since your post, Deepseeker.

 

[Freakin_Zincolns]

instead of a cell phone get a taser. I live in an area with lots of tweakers. I carry one and use it as a last resort. (no never had to yet)

 

[PirateLabs]

Having both ears covered in a public place is just asking for trouble in my opinion. There are so many low-life's around these days that I always keep one ear open in parks, woods, etc. Hell, in the deep woods all alone you might be just about to step on a rattlesnake but you can't hear it. I know we might miss some finds this way but, that is the price we pay I think. Suppose someone in the woods or the park was yelling for help? I would want to be able to hear stuff like that.

If I have a faint signal I can always slip on the other earphone for a few moments after checking around but, I never use both ears covered all the time as I do not trust my fellow man, nor animals that much.

Be safe fellows.

Bill