Reckon we should have a lost or stolen page - anyone unlucky enough to have gear nicked could post it here so that if any of us are offered items for sale we could check out whats hot? What you guys think?

Hmm interesting thought, although how many of us actually buy gear on spec or through dodgy contacts. Not many I suspect, but then if a forum member loses gear or has it stolen its another 200+ eyes out looking!

Tip-I keep all my equipments reciepts and collect everything about it eg: what fuses it uses,Bulbs it uses,serial numbers,model name and make-Ive put all this into a simple table so if something goes wrong at a gig I can correctly put bulbs and fuses to items quickly and theres no panic or fuss trying to get everything working again.

I know i went a bit off topic but the serial number has relivance.

Ps, I once saw an ad from a dj trying 2 advertise that his gear was nicked but he had know idea to what he had

QUOTE: Its a medium sized box with dark grey mixer and blue cd player in it!
-Umm I think he might have a good chance of getting his stuff back!!

And that £2.00 UV Pen from the market can be useful - for marking your Roadshow Name and postcode onto each piece of gear . So if it ever is recovered then you stand a very good chance of getting it back.

On the (very rare) occasion I accept Part Ex - I always check for this with a small UV Lamp.

QUOTE

On the (very rare) occasion I accept Part Ex - I always check for this with a small UV Lamp.

and those of you using UV lights in your show then can display your name & postcode to all your punters
Hmm, maybe could use this UV pen to write adverts on my gear

... was mainly thinking about if you are offered any equipment - I occasionally get asked if I am interested in buying stuff so if we did have a page where we could list serial nos etc if stuff is stolen it may be of use

..just to clarify - I dont mean we all post our equipment serial numbers - only if we have equipment stolen!!

Most of my more expensive equipment is marked by a product called DNA Fingerprint , you paint a small amount on maybe uderneath or inside equipment , and is invisable when it dries , in the clear liquid you paint on are whats called micro Dots all with printed serial numbers that are unique to you , when you first buy it , you call up the maker with the serial number from the products package , that number is then registered to you , If any lost or stolen items are handed , most police forces are now checking for these micro doted markings , and can check a central database as to who the micro dot serial number is registered to .

All my hi fi , tv's computer etc are all marked as well ..


getting you stuff back all depends on it ending up at a police station though !!

Interesting thought though mate, where did you actually buy it? Any links?

QUOTE (The Spindoctor @ May 21 2003, 12:38 AM)

Interesting thought though mate, where did you actually buy it? Any links?

I bought it from the Local Hombase DIY , but a search for security products should turn something up..

Here is the link



http://www.alpha-dot.co.uk/

I've revived this old topic, and merged the post below from the Insurance thread.

There are ways that you can prevent theft of your gear, and some that are just common sense. Some may also reduce any insurance premium and the odds of your equipment being stolen!.

(1) Buy a vehicle with good locks and make sure that it is left locked - even when paying for fuel

(2) Have a good alarm system / immobiliser fitted. Thatcham cat 1 systems may also get you a discount from your insurer. If you have a newish van consider a tracking system

(3) Don't have the van signwritten - it tells thieves exactly what is in the van, and may lead to a break in even when the van is unloaded. Consider professional magnetic signs that can easily be removed when parked or left unattended.

(4) Only keep the vehicle loaded when you are going to / coming from a gig, don't use your van as a place to store your gear

(5) Use mirror or tinted Window film on any windows which allow passers by to see into your van. Add a small "No tools or equipment are left in this vehicle" message on one of the rear doors. Using cheap peel off vinyl lettering will not damage your paintwork or the re-sale value!. Most local signwriters will do this for you whilst you wait.

(6) If you vehicle is left on your driveway - consider a cheap external CCTV camera (£24 B&Q - £16 Makro) this will deter theft and may also reduce your house premium. A Floodlight with P.I.R is also a good idea on your driveway or Garage.

(7) Inform your house insurer that you are keeping Additional Audio / Lighting equipment in your house / garage, you may find that cover will be added for very little cost against theft whilst the gear is in storage!.

(8) If you have an house alarm, add an RF sensor to it. This consists of a battery powered P.I.R type sensor (Which you can just place in the vehicle when parked at home) and a receiver which fits into an empty zone on your alarm panel. If the vehicle is broken into the house alarm sounds! - simple!. These have a range of around 100 Feet, are legal and very effective!. Cost - £50

(9) Write your house number and postcode on each piece of equipment in invisible U.V pen. (If you use UV Lighting - mark the underside of the gear!). Other marking systems are also a good idea.

(10) Don't leave your vehicle unattended, with the loading doors open when loading or unloading your gear. It takes seconds for any passer by to swipe a radio mic or Case of CD's - even when your only feet away!. Try and leave a roadie with the vehicle, or at least close the door!.

(11) Log all serial numbers, Makes and Models of Gear that you own. Photographs are also a good idea of very high value stuff. (The local police wouldn't know what a Pioneer CMX-3000 was!).