My house was burgled on June 26th. For reasons that escape me, the burglar(s) took my camera bag - goodbye M4-P, 35/50/90/135 lenses, light meter, the usual extra bits we all accumulate - but ignored an M3 body (no lens) lying on a nearby desk. Likewise my Visoflex 2 equipment, filters, flashgun in an equally nearby aluminium case. In the same month here in Adelaide, four other Leica outfits were nicked. Coincidence? How the hell could I have been targeted? I don't belong to any Camera Club, don't exhibit, always buy from the same camera shop (there are only two Leica dealers here) as I have for thirty-ish years. Any thoughts? Insurance has covered my loss to the extent of an R8 body, a 28-70 zoom, replacement lenses for the M3 and a new Light meter but I'd still rather have the originals back. Each piece has a story attached and I'd like to go on using the bits as well. Anyway, any ideas? Peter

-- Peter Phillips (peterph@camtech.net.au), September 30, 2000

Answers

I cannot comment on what precipitated the theft but now the thief knows what you have and they may come back. Strange as it might seem, thieves will often rob the same place twice or more as they now know the lay of the land and the potential rewards. So if the thief was not caught, it is time to upgrade your home's security. Window and door fastenings, inside and outside lighting and all that sort of stuff. It does not have to be Fort Knox, just uninviting so they go somewhere else. I would also keep an eye on used camera stores, pawn shops, eBay and classified ads, it is unlikely the equipment has left town.

Good luck

-- John Collier (jbcollier@home.com), September 30, 2000.

How raunchy for that to happen; sorry about your loss of Leica equipment and anything else the thief might have stolen. I'm not sure if it would work to have a category here for stolen equipment. (thoughts anyone?) We could try it but I don't know how effective it would be. Glad the insurance kicked in somewhat, but a loss is still a loss, especially the memories and stories behind certain bits and pieces.

Probably the photo.net Stolen Equipment Registry would be a good resource for us to use.

Other thoughts and ideas totally welcome.

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@mail.com), September 30, 2000.

I am sorry for your lost, and even more for the intrusion in your home, and your life... I am a camera dealer, and I really hate thiefs, and I would NEVER buy a stolen item, even at one cent ! My modest suggestion is to PUBLISH and PUBLISH endless the full #'s of your stolen cameras and lenses, warning as more people is possible. If you'll do that, there is an hope to get back them, or (almost) to make difficult their sale ! Good Luck, Luigi

-- Luigi Crescenzi (webmaster@leicatime.com), March 22, 2001.