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Sunday, October 7, 2018

Wealthy Hamptons Residents build lux panic rooms to hide from "MS 13"

Chivis Martinez  Borderland Beat from NYPost

There is a specter haunting the Hamptons — one that’s turning some of the priciest properties in the country into fortresses equipped with bulletproof glass, weaponry and panic rooms.

“I sleep with a gun underneath my pillow: a Walther PPK/S, the same one James Bond carried,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Group and Gristedes Foods, who has a vacation property in East Quogue. “[My wife] Margo prefers a shotgun. Although, once, she thought she heard something, got the shotgun out and shot through the door.”

The billionaire and his family, like others in the Hamptons, are shaken up over concerns that the vicious Salvadorian gang MS-13 is too close for comfort. In April, members of the gang massacred four young men behind a soccer field in Central Islip. Three months later, a Hampton Bays brothel raided by police was found to be tagged with an MS-13 sign. And in 2016, a man with MS-13 connections broke into a Southampton home and sexually assaulted a woman.


Last year, Southampton Town Police Chief Steven Skrynecki publicly expressed concern that the gang might spread further east. When he deployed police equipped with antiterrorism gear, including automatic weapons, along the perimeters of summer 2017 charity galas, locals took note.


One Southampton homeowner, who requested to remain anonymous for security reasons, recently outfitted her East End manse with bulletproof glass and hidden cameras throughout.

“[MS-13 is] in Suffolk County,” she said. “What’s an hour car ride? They are near.”

She’s not alone in her concern. “The home-security business is very event- and news-driven,” said Gary Blum, president of Armored Entry, a company that installs bullet-proof, super-secure windows and doors. “We get business when there is a tremendous amount of fear being generated.”

Blum’s products aren’t cheap, starting at $6,000 for a single window “that you can beat with a sledgehammer without making a dent.”

But the high price might actually be a selling point.


“The big thing [with homeowners] in the Hamptons is that if somebody has it, they [all] want it,” said Chris Cosban, a Long Island contractor who installs panic rooms in the area’s mansions. His company, Covert Interiors, charges between $25,000 and $200,000 for a standard space. (High-tech add-ons, such as fingerprint recognition, cost extra.) “There is a wow factor,” he said. “They like to brag about it.”

Herman Weisberg, managing director of the personal-security firm Sage Intelligence Group, said many of his clients look at their panic rooms like amenity spaces — doubling as home theaters, wine cellars or even gun vaults where weapons can be safely displayed.

“People used to open up their garages and show off their Lamborghinis,” Weisberg said. “Now they take guests to the wine bar in their safe room.”
Catsimatidis, who, in addition to worrying about MS-13 has also had his home broken into, is installing infrared sensors at his place. But that’s nothing compared to the security measures that Al Corbi, president of SAFE (Strategically Armored & Fortified Environments), an architecture-focused security firm, has designed for customers, including Hamptonites.

“I finished a system for $100 million,” he said of one West Coast project. “That sounds like a lot but there is nothing I know of, human or manmade, that could possibly harm this family for three generations, including global nuclear holocaust, a pandemic or a second Ice Age.” Plus, he added, “It’s like a Ritz-Carlton underground.”


Still, some East Enders feel their neighbors are going overboard.

“In the Hamptons, it’s hard to know if someone is an oligarch and lots of security makes sense, or if somebody is just paranoid,” said an East Hampton resident of means, who asked to remain anonymous.

He pointed to people such as billionaire investor Ira Rennert, who reportedly keeps a Hummer packed with guards at the edge of his 63-acre Sagaponack estate, which includes a 110,000-square-foot, 29-bedroom mansion.

99 comments:

  1. I guess that's a big downside to being really rich and showing it off in material assets. It makes you feel like a target and instills you with a much higher sense of paranoia compared to those who have far less to lose. Good thing it leads to more business but sad that so much money and assets are only used to help a few protect their abnormal lifestyles (and soothe their fears a little). I respect the rich people who abhor showing it off a lot more.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. After a while, the money the security companies are getting off their paranoid customers will look real small, they will be the ones making real profit when the time comes, not any MS member that could get paid for offering private security themselves.
      Private security Firms are making their own little wars for profit all over the world now, sometimes legitimized by real US armed forces, 4 or 5 of them got killed in africa not long ago, and they are provoking a few more wars for profit in Iran etc.

      Delete
    2. In this life you will end up dropping your guard no matter how equipped or armed u are. Don't try to fool yourself. Ask all the guys who are dead

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  2. Paranoia can destroy ya.

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    Replies
    1. So can penchi cholos, with nothing better to do.

      Delete
  3. “I sleep with a gun underneath my pillow”. Why not sleep with a conscience that serves to remind you of all the hunger and poverty ?

    “I finished a system for $100 million”. Meanwhile millions of children are homeless
    throughout this grand world of ours.

    Remember I never finished middle school. So what would I possibly know???

    - Sol Prendido

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should probably finish middle school lol

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    2. Maybe that person also donates millions to charity for minority children.
      I don’t know either.

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    3. Sol socialista, i can dig it. Arriba el che guevara

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    4. I think you're very smart, Sol.

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    5. He in no way is obligated to give his money to foreigners.

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    6. Well thank you 8:32. And anyone else that has said thanks before. Although I will admit that many a times I do feel like a complete dumbass because I can’t seem to master certain things. Anyways thanks guys for all your comments. Even when we don’t always agree with each other. Thanks. - Sol Prendido

      Delete
    7. Chole, finish middle school,
      then get your GED and prolly go tu Collidge...

      Delete
  4. Rich white people got too much money and time on their hands.

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    1. very racist statement. there are those who have and those who don’t. they can do with what they want with their money.

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    2. Not a racist statment dont over exaggerat and they are a white couple with money unlessed he called them a slur instead of white then I would agree

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    3. Yeah, what's the "approval" process on comments for, if you allow this garbage? Being wealthy is called capitalist and fortunate; being racist and butthurt is called jealousy and self disrespect.

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    4. @ 11:02 AM racist how so?

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    5. @ 7:55 there you go stereotyping. Just because they are rich doesn't necessarily mean they are white. Keep in mind that there are rich people of different races. People that are poor are poor because the are either uneducated or lazy, which category do you fall under?

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    6. I totally agree 11:02 it was totally racist...But dammit it was true.

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    7. I thought the same thing 6:02

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    8. Thanks for allowing the comments even though not all agree with them or are politically correct. BB had been destroyed by the constant censorship of comments.

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    9. Racist. When someone wants to kill me i don't wait to see their Red Green Yellow i shoot. Pleae have all liberals get rid of their guns. And put in red porch light.

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  5. I can almost smell tha punkin Spice lattes and kale salad in this interview.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You got a problem with pumpkin spice lattes? My homies love those things!!

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  6. Who are these peoples guards, maids, gardeners, handymen, ect...
    This 'invasion' is a direct result of your 'dirty' war that the US waged in the 60's and 70's in central and south america, toppling various democratically elected officials and installing dangerous right wing autocrats who waged war against their own poor population, thus leading to the exodus you now see.

    Eat your heart out hamptonites!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You do make a valid point.
      The results of foreign intrusion for political purposes. But hey, what government does not play or have special interests when it pertains to Global security / positioning.
      For every action there is a reaction.

      Interesting comment 8:09
      E42

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    2. Yep. Everything has a cost. Even the cost of wealth.

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    3. 11:42 nobody spends what they don't got in "defense" like the US that spends more all by themselves than all the other countries in the world put together.
      Still no trillions of dollars in debt and expenses and loans got to keep the Russian puppets from the US government at all levels, and that is a SHAME like no mara invaders...

      Delete
  7. To build it, yes. To show it off, stupid.

    ReplyDelete
  8. They are definitely overreacting. And who would want to survive a global thermonuclear war?

    ReplyDelete
  9. MS13 was in culiacan like 10 years ago, trying to cause chaos. Guess how long it took them to disappear? Like 2,3 weeks.. so how long should it take the us gov to make them disappear? 1 stupid day? Fuck that shit. D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same thing in Juarez .. backnin 2010 MS-13 members were being deported to Juárez and were car jacking and extorting .. until someone took initiative and rounded up a few and proceeded to turn them all into human lard!

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    2. For those that do not know. El Macho Prieto was the one who killed the vast majority of them. Not him personally but his men, under his order and Mayo's. In Mazatlan 2003-2008 most "cholo's" were killed by Los Beltranes.

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    3. No they weren't, that is a blatant lie. Where is your proof?

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    4. Ok ms in culiacan no way, i don't even think jalisco or michoacan cartel will let these lowlífes play, cartel are a notch higher than these scum, but just a little notch.

      Delete
  10. Personally I hope MS-13 kills all of them. Worthless Wall Street scum.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How was this comment approved?

      Delete
    2. don't be silly ...think, I have faith you can figure it out.

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    3. American economy dries up without Wall Street and you and most of the free world too.Enjoy straving. Don't talk ignorant

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    4. 2:28 you want to supress comments?

      Delete
  11. Extremists is what I would call these individuals. Preppers who are using the MS-13 gang as an excuse to hide from the reality of world violence.
    Suggest a private island if one can't bear the thought of crime existing or medication!

    E42

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    1. ms13 lmao...i live in san diego and los angeles and maybe have seen one ms13 in my life. The US media exaggerates it bad.

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    2. Then you don’t know how to identify. Stay far away from all sides or are blind. Cause in LA they have members. In high numbers.

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    3. Ya because protecting yourself is just so bad right? Good for them... all MS 13 should be shot on sight.

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    4. No they don't their numbers are very small compared to the Mexicans in Black gangs that's what to dude was trying to say in cali ain't no Mexican or black scared of MS-13 please they ain't shit out here

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    5. Whatever jackwagons... as if the filthy rich in Latin American do not have far superior protection from the criminals there...reminds me of the narco juniors showing all their shit off on social media... funny how they are looked up to by many on this site... Carlos slime probably has a house in the Hamptons...
      And no I could care less about any of them but especially the criminals...

      Delete
    6. 2:33pm i live in nyc and out in the suburbs on long island they do have a presence but not as big as the mex and black gangs as you said.It is also true that the black and mex gangs have no fear of them as they havent really crossed paths yet and because the ms13 out here only victimize other from their own community and who have similar backgrounds...in other words,they know who to fuck with.

      Delete
    7. Carlos has made a Lotta money from drug trafficking, he prolly owns a few maras, and not only in mexico, his brother Julian was there in the thick of the DFS criminality in mexico, always keeping up appearances.

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    8. What you hugs are calling maras are a bunch of unemployed American citizens for the most part, and their most dangerous weapon is showing crack like the raper black brothas...
      En Jesús Maria, Aguascalientes, les quitan lo caliente a cintarazos en la calle "por parecer unos pinchis rateros" a esos pinchis "maras", pero pa' rateros, Wall Street...and no maras have ever carpet bombed any country back to the stone age
      See one on YouTube.

      Delete
  12. I live 20 minutes away and the only thing there is to worry about that town is getting hit by a drunk driver! Those jackasses are so smart who do they think is working on their house and mowing their lawns? if I were MS-13 I'd wait till they pumped 10 million into the Panic Room and then wait for them at the gas station down the street

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You make excellent points. The rich sometimes "unknowingly" make themselves crime targets.

      Shit happens to gringo tourists who reveal their wealth and ignorance.

      There are some perks in not having great wealth.

      This has been an age old problem worldwide and has been noted in many stories. Stories abound over time and place where criminals victimize the rich. In Mexico, for example, the rich are always wary of kidnappings and robbery.

      mexico-Watcher

      If you can't trust the gardner, pool boy, cauffeur, or maid ... who can you trust?

      Delete
  13. ms13 dont fuck with people unless their gang members, or targets if they were fucking with regular people especially in america they would all be thrown in jail and deported.

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    1. You did not fully read de article, Chivis, repeat to 329 the lady, that got raped in her home minding her own business. Also the people at the park..oh brother.

      Delete
  14. Get 2 or 3 big ass purebred amstaffs or rottweilers so if some idiot wants to come in your property gets torn apart. That goes for the athletes in l.a. that get broken into while playing games too. No respect for ms 13 cus they let rapists join.They shld be exterminated.

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    1. I know am surprised the mexican mafia allowed these lames to use the 13. They nothing but rapists and Child molesters is a fact.

      Delete
    2. Presa canarios are another great option.

      Delete
  15. lol exaggerate much? they should be hiding from all these white mass shooters that gun down people in schools, churches and concerts

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    Replies
    1. Lol I'll take my chances with that than going to Mexico and getting my head chopped off you racist ass

      Delete
    2. The left have no solutions. Just call everybody A Racist

      Delete
  16. An hours drive away?? That's like living in l.a and being scared of the violence in Tijuana lmao rich white people scare really easily. "I have the same gun as James bond " lmao yeah but you're not James bond you're an old out of shape white man who'd seen way too many movies lmao by the way that particular gun is terrible for self defense lmao

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @5:22 yea, I agree Walter PPK is a weak unreliable weapon, better off w a Sig sauer 229, or S&W M&P .. also a Glock (but they’re really ugly looking)

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    2. You idiot tj is is a different country than LA....

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    3. Don't have to be in my original 17 year old fighting shape to still shoot straight. I'm not saying I would look for trouble, but I'd hurt a fool coming to my house ;-)

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    4. 7:57 think he was referring to the distance

      Delete
  17. No matter how much they spend or how elaborate they make a shelter, shelters are only good until your food, water, ammo and oxygen run out then the shelter becomes a coffin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In America we have a phone to call 911, and we will not be stuck in a room, for days. But thank you for, your input.

      Delete
    2. Dude get real
      These panic rooms have telephones or some kind of way to call the police
      They will be there before the food is gone.

      Delete
    3. We have a safe room or panic room in one of our homes that is very isolated. Cell phones do not work in the panic room because of the wall material. so the security company installed a special cell phone the connects under our bridge leading to the home, it can't be seen but the antenna sends the cell signal to the panic room. it works great. 5.00 a minute! and BTW is is a simple room, not like these stupid panic rooms in hamptons ..it has the phone and a couple of weapons locked on the wall safe. We are on acreage high in the mountains. the house is over 10k sq feet and the room in on the lowest level of four floors behind the elevator. in the room is a hatch in the floor that leads to the lowest basement and outside. I spend a fair amount of time alone there or with my daughters or gran babies. so my husband built it after bad guys did try and break in. They were spooked when realizing someone was in the house, alarms and lights blaring, our security and the sheriff came and we saw on a couple of the cameras there were two would be burglars, dressed in black with gloves and ski masks. they actually came thru the woods not the street. the streets are private and the entire surround is gated and with many hi def UV cameras . So we built the room after the bad guys. . I was afraid for a while but got over it and never used the room in 15 years.

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    4. Good for you, Chivis. Glad you can stay safe. I adore you. <3

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    5. Dang let’s have a house party Chivis’s crib... somebody’s gonna have a panic attack in the panic room baking with bad cabbage...

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    6. Chivis I thought you live in Mexico? Theres no sherriffs in Mexico..?

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    7. We own an international business and have homes and offices in multiple countries but I am American and consider US "home"

      thank you 7:58! love you back ❤

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    8. By multiple country business Chivis really means Transnational Drug Trafficking Organization. She's one of those people from Culiacan that people talk about being bigger then Chapo. That's why she's so interested in his case, making sure he doesn't spill the beans on her familia.

      Lol Jk Chivis. Thanks for all you do :)

      Delete
  18. que tiene que ver esto con la guerra del narcotrafico.???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will post outside the wheel house of narcos from time to time. In this case I was compelled to post the absurdity, The Trump administration has hyped MS13 over the top to the ridiculous. there are only 8 to 10k ms 13 in the entire united states. there are much greater gangs in size and threat.

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    2. Fearmongering is always a capitalist best friend. - Sol Prendido

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    3. 8-10k thats it?

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    4. Even one MS 13 gang member in the US is too many. We don’t that garbage here. They need to back to where they came from.

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    5. Right you are. Just like BB has over blown violence in old Mexico. Right

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    6. 11:24 you mean LA? many are US citizens..

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    7. @11:24, actually, MS13 is one of our great exports. Read a little playa. Know why they were started in the first place. Like any other gang, the name became bigger than the cause and the rest is history.

      Delete
    8. 11:24 Maras ain't buying 100 billion dollars+ worth of US weapons to anihilate their poor broke ass neighbors,
      somebody needs to see shit from the proper perspective, they are US citizens too, many of their parents emigrated to the US as consequence of foreign US POLITICS and wars on Latin America.

      Delete
  19. Here in Mexico. Having money and nice things can get you killed also. It happens all the time. They even have strict policies at all schools and especially where the children come from families of even modest wealth are guarded as the children leave so that they will not be kidnapped for ransom. You can hear the teachers calling the children's names on blow horns outside, and then make sure each one safely enters the car that has been waiting in a ling line.

    ReplyDelete
  20. What the hell with all the white people hate. White people ain't the issue. Greed and selfishness it the trouble and all peoples have that knucklehead.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Such a stupid article, I can understand prepping and having survival and security measures if you have the money to do so but MS13? Since when did they carry out any robberies or home invasions on the elite in the hamptons? The examples of recent crimes are the exact type of crime they're always known for, some Salvadorian teenagers kill some other Salvadorian teenagers to get in the gang but end up just doing life. "A MS13 tag was on a wall in a brothel"- OMG cause for alarm! These guys must be listening to too much Trump and started believing this nonsense.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Same wealthy liberals, (it is Connecticut after all), who snag guns first half assed sniff of a threat, but will be guaranteed to push for taking guns out of everyone else’s legal hands. These people are emotionally weak, which is also why that must flaunt something as degrading as paying for a multi million dollar security room. Hey everyone, I’m weak and can’t or won’t protect myself, is what these security rooms tell me.
    Finesse

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    Replies
    1. Dam! That’s exactly right... and get this, people are transported to Connecticut on ferries... it is a popular place for important members of the LGBT community...
      GC

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    2. 8:41 - Both sides play these games. Dont fall into right/left trap setup by extremists and shitty politicians. This is all smoke and mirrors for the elite to continue pushing us towards an Orwellian state. Divide and conquer.

      Phelpso

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  23. ms is just another la street gang no diffrent from any large gang in the area media hypes them up

    ReplyDelete
  24. I used to build them...the smart guys built wine cellar by the plans then brought us in blind and out again at night blindfolded....I liked not knowing.. one had escape tunnel and stairs that collapsed...all nuts...

    ReplyDelete
  25. many salvatruchas in laredo texas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. can't be many, estimated numbers for all of Texas is only 500 members http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2017/09/texas-gang-assessment-tango-blast-tops.html#comment-form

      Delete
  26. You don't have to be rich to get robbed

    ReplyDelete

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