Safe Deposit Box Scare

[DCGuy1965]

So I notice a lot of people on the forum keep their collections of multle pieces in their bank safe deposit boxes. Fair enough. I used to do so myself as well as other items too valuable to leave stashed in my place. I was also fortunate enough to get one of the large boxes that was available as they are usually impossible to get. All good so far.

Now the fun begins. I bank with a small community bank and get the free checking, etc. nice folks to deal with. I recently received a letter saying they were acquiring another community bank and closing my branch and moving across the street. That includes my safe deposit box which would be under armed guards, etc. Well as much as I liked them I just got a funny feeling and given I was leaning on the fence about purchasing a safe this solidified my decision. Hence I purchased a top of the line nuclear blast proof top end safe and moved my pieces and other things and that was that. Only thing left was old tax stuff, important papers, etc. Also I found it to be a PITA to go into the box every time I wanted to wear another piece.

So fast forward to move day and after endless delays they finally moved. Problem was there were not enough boxes to accommodate mine and several others. Instead of sending me a letter they took it upon themselves to drill into the box to manually remove and hold in another temporary location. They claim they could not get I touch with me To this day I thank my instincts for taking over. Most people I tell this to were shocked and said I should be furious. Had my watches and other items been in there I'd have been enraged but thankfully they were in the safe. They also said I get 2 years free rent and apologized up down and sideways. Bottom line for those that use safe deposit boxes stay informed and make sure your bank has up to date contact info.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by DCGuy1965

So I notice a lot of people on the forum keep their collections of multle pieces in their bank safe deposit boxes. Fair enough. I used to do so myself as well as other items too valuable to leave stashed in my place. I was also fortunate enough to get one of the large boxes that was available as they are usually impossible to get. All good so far.

Now the fun begins. I bank with a small community bank and get the free checking, etc. nice folks to deal with. I recently received a letter saying they were acquiring another community bank and closing my branch and moving across the street. That includes my safe deposit box which would be under armed guards, etc. Well as much as I liked them I just got a funny feeling and given I was leaning on the fence about purchasing a safe this solidified my decision. Hence I purchased a top of the line nuclear blast proof top end safe and moved my pieces and other things and that was that. Only thing left was old tax stuff, important papers, etc. Also I found it to be a PITA to go into the box every time I wanted to wear another piece.

So fast forward to move day and after endless delays they finally moved. Problem was there were not enough boxes to accommodate mine and several others. Instead of sending me a letter they took it upon themselves to drill into the box to manually remove and hold in another temporary location. They claim they could not get I touch with me To this day I thank my instincts for taking over. Most people I tell this to were shocked and said I should be furious. Had my watches and other items been in there I'd have been enraged but thankfully they were in the safe. They also said I get 2 years free rent and apologized up down and sideways. Bottom line for those that use safe deposit boxes stay informed and make sure your bank has up to date contact info.

I don't get why your friends think you should be that upset. They apparently did notify you they would be relocating and you didn't close out your box and turn over the key. How else were they supposed to relocate the contents besides drill it? Sounds to me like the bank did have your contact info and informed you of the move.

Maybe I'm missing something.

[DCGuy1965]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

I don't get why your friends think you should be that upset. They apparently did notify you they would be relocating and you didn't close out your box and turn over the key. How else were they supposed to relocate the contents besides drill it? Sounds to me like the bank did have your contact info and informed you of the move.

Maybe I'm missing something.

Oh I knew the merger was going through. They claim they were going to move the entire block of boxes so no need to drill. That's where the armed guards would be playing the role watching the process. Moving individual boxes would be way too time consuming. The vault construction consisted of blocks of boxes that could be moved in sectional pieces. What happened was the capacity to accommodate all boxes fell short hence the drilling.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by DCGuy1965

Oh I knew the merger was going through. They claim they were going to move the entire block of boxes so no need to drill. That's where the armed guards would be playing the role watching the process. Moving individual boxes would be way too time consuming. The vault construction consisted of blocks of boxes that could be moved in sectional pieces. What happened was the capacity to accommodate all boxes fell short hence the drilling.

Gotcha. Well, obviously they had your contact info since they notified you to begin with. So it is odd they would change the plan and just go ahead and drill everyone's boxes without notification and giving all of you an opportunity to empty them on your own terms. Even if they didn't have your current phone number they should have provided time to at least reach you by mail.

[77T]

I think your experience is one of those 1/10th of 1% moments in life. Bad one no doubt, but so unusual...

With email, phone numbers, snail mail and smartphone apps everyone's bank has no excuse for being unable to reach a customer. I think they manufactured that excuse.