How can I check if equipment is stolen?

If it seems too good to be true... you know the rest.

If it does not come with a charger, case, all the normal accessories, was probably swiped off the side of the road.

I read a quote yesterday, can't remember who said it,

"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer, but wish we didn't"

I've found that if you ask the seller for serial numbers, they won't respond to your request, if it's stolen.

The police have a database of stolen equipment they use to investigate pawn shops, so you might be able to inquire with them, at least to see if it was stolen in US. Or, perhaps contact a US dealer with the serial number.

If it's a Leica and you have the serial number, you could create an account on Leica's myworld website (myworld.leica-geosystems.com).

Enter the SN in the equipment section. Back on the main portal page, the contact section will be updated. You could then e-mail the now listed dealer associated with this serial number. That dealer would have probably heard back from a customer if equipment stolen.

Leica has done an excellent job in creating this myworld website. Very useful and well designed. Kudos.

:beer:

I beleive Trimble has the same type of resource, from what I remember when our base was stolen. the post about asking for the serial number is great advice, if legit, the seller should have no trouble sending it to you, and then be sure to follow up with the manufacturer.

I have the SN from the photos they send me.
Also the receiver comes with case, charger etc.
So I suppose I am ok..

Thanks!

> I have the SN from the photos they send me.

You have a high definition pictures of the serial number or do you have to zoom to 400% to make out the number? If SN is clean and defined, I would still double check with the dealer if possible, that might provide you supplementary history of the equipment that you are planning to buy.

It's a long ways, Europe.

> You have a high definition pictures of the serial number or do you have to zoom to 400% to make out the number? If SN is clean and defined, I would still double check with the dealer if possible, that might provide you supplementary history of the equipment that you are planning to buy.
>
> It's a long ways, Europe.

Yes the photos are HD and very clear.
Also the shop (official Leica vendor) is very good and responsive.
I am located in Europe and the Sokkia vendor (the gps i am buying is a sokkia) told me that he can't check the SN. I guess they are not very well organized here.
Anyway thanks for the tips!