Medication Thief- Need Your Help!

[ladygenevieve]

I am sighing heavily as I write this. I searched this subforum for a potential answer to this question already and didn't really see any possible solutions to my problem, so I am hoping creating a post of my own will help.

I have a prescribed medication that is a controlled substance and it is being stolen from me. I bought a MasterLock 4688D luggage lock and a locking medication zipper bag to alleviate this problem and all seemed to be going well. I should add, this was after carrying the medication with me everywhere I went without the locked bag. Well, all in good time, I suppose..... the thief returned!!! The problem is keeping the culprit out while I sleep, or if I happen to accidentally leave the bag home.

After doing some reading here, apparently that pesky little TSA007 keyhole turns out to be nobody's backup partner. I looked at mine closely and it sure looks like it could have been tampered with...

I am angry. I am so so very angry. Now I want a new lock, one that is harder to get into. The alleged thief (not confirmed, 99% sure) has about 3/4 of her common sense, so something that could outsmart her. Also, nothing too heavy, as I might just end up putting it in a sock and clocking her with it. I'm kidding. Sort of.

Any help here would be appreciated, except for reminding me that my original purchase was stupid, because I obviously already know that
Thank you so much!

[greengrowlocks]

If your looking for a small lock with significantly more security this mini ASSA Desmo padlock may suit your needs. It's designed for luggage and is only slightly larger than what your using but it will offer much more protection from non-destructive attacks.

https://securitysnobs.com/ASSA-Desmo-Mini-Padlock.html

[Squelchtone]

Greengrows ASSA Desmo padlock would totally stop your thief but it is a $95 dollar item.

You said the thief can get meds while you sleep, are they breaking in your home as well or do they live in same home already? Do they have the keys?

This little combination box can lock to a bedpost, door knob, closet rod, or other items and you can store your pill bottle or two inside it. Also has 4 digit combination you can set, and no over ride keyhole for someone to fiddle with:

$21.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002YP1VC/

Good luck!
Squelchtone

[tpark]

Get a security container like this:


I got this one off of eBay - the lock can be manipulated but it takes time. It was around 40 bucks used.
The fingerprint or code lock boxes used for storing firearms might be workable too, but I don't know how much they cost.

[RDC-1]

I don't use a lock for this type of thief, in my profession I use a powder (light dusting on the object), once someone touches the item it turns their hands purple and takes about a week to wash off. Then you have caught them Purple Handed lol

Spy shops carry it.

[ladygenevieve]

Greengrows ASSA Desmo padlock would totally stop your thief but it is a $95 dollar item.

You said the thief can get meds while you sleep, are they breaking in your home as well or do they live in same home already? Do they have the keys?

This little combination box can lock to a bedpost, door knob, closet rod, or other items and you can store your pill bottle or two inside it. Also has 4 digit combination you can set, and no over ride keyhole for someone to fiddle with:

$21.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002YP1VC/

Good luck!
Squelchtone

We live in the same home. Thank you for the suggestion, I will definitely look into it

[ladygenevieve]

I don't use a lock for this type of thief, in my profession I use a powder (light dusting on the object), once someone touches the item it turns their hands purple and takes about a week to wash off. Then you have caught them Purple Handed lol

Spy shops carry it.

I was just telling my husband that I wanted to get some of that!!! I saw some used on CSI and I wondered where I could get some, lol, but I don't know what it's called. Purple handed, haha........ the search begins...

[demux]

ladygenevieve, does your suspected thief posess (or, in your estimation, have the willingness/ability to learn) any lockpicking, bypass, or destructive entry skills? If you think she has just got her hands on a TSA key for your existing lock and is getting in that way, it may not really be necessary to venture into the world of high security locks. You may well be able to stop her with something much simpler/cheaper that just doesn't have a well-known backdoor. If you're just looking for a small, quality padlock for your existing medication bag, you might consider something like the American A5530. This is certainly not high security, but it's a decent little lock, can be rekeyed as needed (and if you get one that Master hasn't cheapened out the core on, will probably even come with security pins), and can be had for around $20.

[Squelchtone]

I don't use a lock for this type of thief, in my profession I use a powder (light dusting on the object), once someone touches the item it turns their hands purple and takes about a week to wash off. Then you have caught them Purple Handed lol

Spy shops carry it.

I was just telling my husband that I wanted to get some of that!!! I saw some used on CSI and I wondered where I could get some, lol, but I don't know what it's called. Purple handed, haha........ the search begins...

Amazon, $10.95 , click From These Sellers link https://www.amazon.com/Ultraviolet-Dete ... 01D9EMB64/

[ladygenevieve]

ladygenevieve, does your suspected thief posess (or, in your estimation, have the willingness/ability to learn) any lockpicking, bypass, or destructive entry skills? If you think she has just got her hands on a TSA key for your existing lock and is getting in that way, it may not really be necessary to venture into the world of high security locks. You may well be able to stop her with something much simpler/cheaper that just doesn't have a well-known backdoor. If you're just looking for a small, quality padlock for your existing medication bag, you might consider something like the American A5530. This is certainly not high security, but it's a decent little lock, can be rekeyed as needed (and if you get one that Master hasn't cheapened out the core on, will probably even come with security pins), and can be had for around $20.

Thank you, that's a really awesome suggestion! I am keeping a list of all of these to see which is going to be the most helpful in the long run. I so appreciate everyone's advice!

[ladygenevieve]

I don't use a lock for this type of thief, in my profession I use a powder (light dusting on the object), once someone touches the item it turns their hands purple and takes about a week to wash off. Then you have caught them Purple Handed lol

Spy shops carry it.

I was just telling my husband that I wanted to get some of that!!! I saw some used on CSI and I wondered where I could get some, lol, but I don't know what it's called. Purple handed, haha........ the search begins...

Amazon, $10.95 , click From These Sellers link https://www.amazon.com/Ultraviolet-Dete ... 01D9EMB64/

Haha, I have the UV and the regular purple STAIN powders both on my wishlist now. I spent a little downtime at work doing some searching. Finding ways to laugh about this is really the only thing keeping me from throwing heavy stuff around the room in a rage. So... building a spy/CSI kit it is!

[Raymond]

I think she should load up something that will turn their mouth purple or at least mess with their digestion.

[GWiens2001]

I think she should load up something that will turn their mouth purple or at least mess with their digestion.

Used to be able to buy some pills at gag shops that would turn someone's urine bright green. That would mess with their head!

Gordon

[dll932]

Another idea might be to install a net enabled camera. I have a Wyze Cam, works well at night or in the daytime Very easy to hook up, cost me about $20. Wyzecam.com.