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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Robbed in North Carolina
Margaret Bowles, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 10:12 PM on 12.04.09 |
->> The house I have been renting in Greensboro, NC was robbed today in broad daylight while I was out running errands and every piece of camera equipment I owned, lenses, lights, flashes, new MacBook Pro, G4, HP laptop, two monitors, back-up drives were all stolen. All my Christmas gifts, jewelry, and anything of value were taken, too. For those shooters in the North Carolina area, I had a 600mm, 400, 300, 200 1.8, 70-200, 16-35, 50 1.8, 100mm macro, ring light, three flashes, fisheye, 2 Mark II's and a Mark III stolen. Who knows where the gear will end up--maybe on Craigs list, maybe in a pawn shop. Despite losing my job earlier this year, I did keep up my insurance, thank goodness.
It can happen to you--even if you have it locked securely in your home. Lesson learned; be sure to keep your back-up drives somewhere away from your house. I backed up everything, but the drives were stolen. |
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Dirk Weaver, Photographer, Assistant
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 10:48 PM on 12.04.09 |
| ->> Margaret...I'm so sorry to hear that! I had my car broken into here in Charlotte a couple of years ago so I know exactly how you feel. I'll keep an eye out if I come across any equipment. I hope everything works out fro you. Once again, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. |
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Darren Whitley, Photographer
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Maryville | MO | USA | Posted: 11:31 PM on 12.04.09 |
| ->> Dislike! |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 10:27 AM on 12.05.09 |
->> Margaret;
Really sorry to hear about the theft. Keep an eye out on eBay - that's the modern version of a pawn shop. The 600 in particular - there aren't that many being bought and sold.
Hopefully the insurance will happen quickly.
Michael |
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Preston Mack, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | USA | Posted: 10:35 AM on 12.05.09 |
->> That is everyone's nightmare. So sorry to hear about that.
Good thing you are insured. |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 10:58 AM on 12.05.09 |
->> OUCH!!!
Margaret, so very sorry to hear this. Hopefully the insurance will be both quick and fair in a settlement. |
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Ron Metz, Photographer
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Tampa | FL | USA | Posted: 11:01 AM on 12.05.09 |
| ->> Margaret, I am a very frequent user of eBay so if you are interested in sending me the serial numbers of your super telephotos, I would be glad to keep an eye out for them. I agree with Michael, that equipment is very likely to show up there. |
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Mark Abbott, Photographer
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Durham | NC | US | Posted: 11:02 AM on 12.05.09 |
| ->> Margaret, So sorry to here this -Good thing insurance is still intact-will keep eye out in Durham |
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Jason Myers, Photographer
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West Palm Beach | FL | | Posted: 11:55 AM on 12.05.09 |
->> My place was broken into this past week also. They completely ransacked the place and got some of my gear. Desperate times are making people do desperate things.
I had most of my gear in THinkTank Airport International and locked to a stair rail...They tried cutting it, chopping it etc, but couldn't get it off..THanks Think Tank |
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Phil Hawkins, Photographer
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Fresno | ca | usa | Posted: 12:03 PM on 12.05.09 |
->> I always leave the TV and a light on when I go out, even over night, so my house will look like someone is home. I tell my neighbors when I go out over night, so they can be aware... anything I can do to make the house look like someone is home... so far so good over 7 years; insurance, etc. but having insurance doesn't replace stolen data... wow, I know this is a drag.
One encouraging thing; 600mm and 400mm lenses stick out like a sore thumb at pawn shops in NC...
http://tinyurl.com/ykkm5bj |
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Derek Montgomery, Photographer
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Duluth | MN | USA | Posted: 12:13 PM on 12.05.09 |
->> Margaret,
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Just thinking about the cost of all that makes my stomach sick. One thing you might want to think about is removing your address from your member page. If people with devious intentions figure out you are a photographer, they only have to google your name and look at your member page to see where you and your equipment are located. Just something to think about. Good luck getting your equipment back. I really hope things work out for you. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 1:17 PM on 12.05.09 |
| ->> Those lenses will never show up in a pawn shop. They are WAY too high end. I had a bunch of stuff stolen several years ago and the police acknowledged that gear like that (the pro stuff) is usually whisked out of state very quickly. Also, this sounds seriously like someone who knew a great deal about Margaret and her business. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being that cleaned out before. Good luck on recovering the gear and I am glad you were insured. |
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Steve Lindenman, Photographer
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Matthews | NC | US | Posted: 3:08 PM on 12.05.09 |
->> So sorry to hear about your misfortune, Margaret. Having insurance is the only good thing that came out of this incident. Your equipment can be replaced.
What REALLY breaks my heart is the fact that they have so many of your original files that you will probably never see again. This makes me take a long hard look at one of these internet file backup sites. Might be something to look at in the future.
Good luck with your recovery efforts. I'll keep my eyes and ears open for you. |
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Nick Adams, Photographer
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Salt Lake City | UT | | Posted: 4:33 PM on 12.05.09 |
->> This would be a great time, to take your address of your member page. I mean really? What editor is going to mail you something or drop by your house for an afternoon chat? People can easily find your address on your member page, stake out you home, then break in when you leave.
Since my gear was jacked I made sure not to bring gear in and out of my house, so anyone watching doesn't know what I have or where I have it. |
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Peyton Williams, Photographer
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Chapel Hill | NC | USA | Posted: 4:46 PM on 12.05.09 |
| ->> Margaret...That is terrible to hear! Especially in regards to the images on back-up drives; those are the things that insurance can't replace. I agree with Chuck: It sounds like someone knew you were a photographer given how much of your photography gear was swiped. |
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Derick Hingle, Photographer
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Hammond | LA | USA | Posted: 6:32 PM on 12.05.09 |
->> Margaret,
Wow, it is awful to hear that happened to you, losing the files on all those drives as possibly as bad as losing the gear, as the images can not be replaced with insurance. I have my transmitted images backed up to photoshelter. I hope for the best in the recovery of your gear and drive. I know this must be devastating to you, I wish you the best. |
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Margaret Bowles, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 7:02 PM on 12.05.09 |
->> Phil, they waited for me to leave the house around 10 in the morning and then swooped in. They parked a car at the curb and just carried stuff out. The house was in a decent neighborhood, on a corner lot with no trees. Someone was watching me.
I did have some of my files on Photoshelter, but not all. It's just sickening. You work so hard and live a clean life, and it's all taken away in a flash.
Thanks to everyone for your messages. It really, really hurts. Please take the time to be sure you have all your equipment listed on your insurance schedules. I hope my list was current.
As for the serial numbers, I won't be able to get those until Monday. I really, really appreciate your assistance. |
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Jamey Price, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 8:08 PM on 12.05.09 |
->> My mouth fell open reading your list of stolen items. I am so sorry to hear that Margaret. I know our condolences cannot really make you feel better about this. My eyes will be open for your gear.
Just out of curiosity, did you have any security on your house? Like alarm system or anything like that? |
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Anantachai Brown, Photographer
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Jacksonville | FL | | Posted: 9:43 PM on 12.05.09 |
->> that's awful!
so does the insurance cover the amount to replace with new equipment or used?
what insurance company? |
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Diego James Robles, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Athens | OH | U.S. | Posted: 11:45 PM on 12.05.09 |
| ->> Congratulations Margaret! You have insurance. I actually stopped having nightmares about being jacked, I was once a long time ago, after purchasing insurance. It sucks you didn't have your backups somewhere else because a fire could have brought a similar outcome. Although it was out of your control, you were smart and covered your butt. I wish you luck recovering your awesome gear. |
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Margaret Bowles, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 11:54 PM on 12.05.09 |
->> I have always had a security system at my house in Houston, but I have been working temporarily in Greensboro and did not have one at the rental house there. I wish.
AB, I have replacement value insurance on an Inland Marine Policy with Nationwide. I hope they don't give me any grief. There is about $5000 worth of stuff taken that I know I will not be able to claim. |
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Brian Dowling, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 12:57 AM on 12.06.09 |
->> Was there a point of entry? When I used to rent an apartment, I would always change my locks because its pretty easy for a previous tenant to go back. This is also why I don't put up my address online.
I am a part of a group of about 15-20 photographers in Greensboro. Add me on facebook.com/bridow and I will try to help out if you can give me some more details. |
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Nick Morris, Photographer
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San Marcos | CA | United States | Posted: 2:19 AM on 12.06.09 |
| ->> Margaret, glad your okay and also as said very sorry about your loss. Most important though is you're safe. I just finished covering a Capitol Offense case here in San Diego CA and without going into the horrible details a woman such as yourself interupted a buglar and was brutally murdered. The jury came back two days ago with a Death sentence. The guy was stealing her X-Box and some DVD's. She left behind little boy and an incredibly brave husband. |
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Sam Santilli, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Philippi | WV | USA | Posted: 6:26 PM on 12.06.09 |
->> "Desperate times are making people do desperate things."
No, scum balls are scum balls in any style of economic times. This was a pro job, not someone who just got laid off and needs rent money as not to be homeless.
Address off of the member page is a good idea.
Hope they catch the low life that did this to you! |
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Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
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Boise | ID | US | Posted: 6:49 PM on 12.06.09 |
->> I know it's too late for you specifically, but an idea to help with this stuff might be to plant a GPS beacon in your stuff.
For example, stick one of those GPS-enabled cell phones for tracking your children, inside of a small hard drive enclosure so it won't get found, especially if you've got an extra pocket in a camera bag and you can get an old 2.5" drive enclosure.
It's a pretty slim chance it'll get separated from your other stuff too quickly, as long as the weight is similar to the other drives. |
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Margaret Bowles, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 9:43 PM on 12.06.09 |
->> I want to thank everyone for the support. Kent Smith lent me a camera body and 300mm lens so I could shoot the Panther game today, Patrick Murphy-Racey offered to ship gear to me, and everyone has been genuinely sympathetic. I learned at the game today that another regular Panther shooter had a stroke over Thanksgiving and is paralyzed on one side. It made me realize that as bad as my experience was, having gear that you can't use because you are paralyzed is much worse than having no gear at all. We're hoping for your speedy recovery, Craig.
The security suggestions are all excellent. It also made me very aware of my safety, which I have always taken for granted. We are targets with our expensive equipment. |
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Phil Hawkins, Photographer
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Fresno | ca | usa | Posted: 5:53 AM on 12.07.09 |
->> Hi Margaret,
So as to help others learn to be a bit more careful, how do you think someone knew to watch you? Or do you think it had anything to do with photography?
1) Do you have your car labeled with your photography business?
2) Do you load 600mm lenses out of their case at your car? (Someone could have seen it and followed you)
3) Do you have identifiable photography equipment loading in and out of your car or house?
Not criticizing, but I go to great lengths to stay off the public radar as a photographer to avoid just what happened to you.
I never load my car with cameras out of the photo bag. Nothing I load in my car or take in the house is outside a bag or carrier. I know a lot of guys who bring only the cameras they are going to shoot with and leave the house or car with $10,000 dangling off their shoulders. I had a cop tell me this is a great mistake at both the car and house. Plus, I never cease to be amazed at how many photogs plaster their cars with their business name! Huge ad for thieves in my opinion. |
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Margaret Bowles, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 8:43 AM on 12.07.09 |
->> Actually, I always carried my gear in and out of the house in my ThinkTank bag or in my LowePro backpack. The only thing that might have given away what was in those bags was a monopod stuck on the outside. I do not put an advertisement on my car. My 600 was always in a case, too. The address on my sportsshooter page was actually a mailboxes express address and not my home address.
In retrospect, here is what I think happened. I think people were casing the neighborhood and looked through the windows of the house and saw my gear. I kept the blinds shut in all rooms except the kitchen, and it didn't have blinds. It was a small house and I kept my gear on the floor of the dining room. Looking through one of the kitchen windows, you could see my stuff. In fact, someone could have seen me working on my laptop at the kitchen table at night. That silver MacBook Pro is like a beacon in the night.
What will I do to prevent a recurrence?
1. Never be without a security system and keep it on all the time, even when I'm at home
2. Lock my gear in a secure place and make sure it isn't visible from a window
3. Make sure I'm not visible when I'm working
4. Try to find a place to live with an attached garage so I'm not hauling gear in and out of a car in the driveway.
5. Back up all my files to Photoshelter and keep a back-up drive offsite
6. Never again walk alone at 1 a.m. from a stadium to my car
7. Keep everything insured and make sure the list has every item on it
8. Think like a crook and not feel secure ever again.
9. Continue to pay my $25 to belong to this community |
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Diana Porter, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 11:57 AM on 12.07.09 |
->> Margaret:
Don't just think about walking to you car at 1am - I was jumped after the Texans/Lions game last year in the afternoon. Three guys followed me from the media door and hit me in the media lot. It is never manned after a game. That's why I try to take a grip with me to the pro games. For security. The stadium security will normally not leave the stadium. After the Astros games, I always had someone from the ballpark walk with me to the car because the media parking is across the freeway. They never had a problem with it and were happy to do it. |
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Jeff Loy, Photographer
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Hurst | TX | USA | Posted: 12:54 PM on 12.07.09 |
->> Margaret,
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss. I've been there and it's a horrible feeling.
On the topic of break-ins/thefts, we've had a rash of burglaries in our neighborhood this year and the homeowner's association set up a meeting with police.
One of the things we learned is that thieves will scout a location for anywhere from several days to over a week to learn the residents’ patterns. Varying your times for leaving and routes, as well as keeping a low profile, as several people have mentioned, is the best way to throw them off. |
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Jamey Price, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 1:15 PM on 12.07.09 |
->> Thieves are also more desperate then they are smart, most times. Take those precautions listed and you will more then deter 99% of them. Thieves look for targets of opportunity so might want to throw a small can of mace in your gear bag or somewhere handy.
Hope everything works out for you... |
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Phil Hawkins, Photographer
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Fresno | ca | usa | Posted: 2:36 PM on 12.07.09 |
| ->> Sounds like you were a random victim of burglary that had nothing to do with photo gear. What a terrible tragedy. It's one thing to consider the loss of gear and images, but the emotional effect is going to be a long time in reconciling. And in my home state as well. Doesn't speak well of NC.... |
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