Stolen equipment database for the public?

@sireath

Also, I think maybe having model name and number might be overkill. I think I'll change it to just "model".

I received a couple of reports, thank you! It has already helped me fix a few issues. ?????ÿ

Now that I've slept on it, and am looking things over again today, I'm feeling like I may be over-complicating it. I do eventually want to create a full-on equipment registry, where you could track your stuff before it is stolen. Then, if it is stolen, you can report as such. The registry would be very detailed, with itemized equipment listings. For these stolen equipment reports, I think we can simplify it quite a bit, making it super-easy to submit reports (and easier for me to build and go live faster).

For example, I'm thinking the equipment description could simply be a paragraph field, where you just describe what was stolen. You can include model numbers or whatever tickles your fancy.

I agree, great work Wendell and others.?ÿ I'm sure this will evolve as we go, as in most things.?ÿ It should/will take a fair amount of vetting before anyone can see the actual serial, for obvious reasons.?ÿ Can it be international, or is this too much to bite off initially??ÿ?ÿ

This may augment the RPLS, revamped items for sale system, that is sorely needed by professionals.?ÿ

?ÿ

Ralphieboy?ÿ

I'm an expert at overcomplexification. Sounds like you are on the right track.

Nate

Maybe it makes more sense for the manufacturers to do this individually??ÿ Maybe instead of a database of stolen items, one that lists the registered owner??ÿ Faro has a simple asset transfer form, maybe others do this.?ÿ Something for the seller to show a buyer that they are the legitimate owner.?ÿ?ÿ

I see some pitfalls, effort and unintended consequences to a national or international database of stolen items.?ÿ It is noble for Wendell to offer to take this on and for Nate to pull him in (o:

Ralphieboy

I doubt it that I "pulled him in". I threw some paper in his campfire, and it flamed up for a bit, but the fire was already lit, and sustaining this is where credit is due.

A single simple database, with a couple of extra "fields", for later use would be great.

So that it works good.

Keep up the good work.

Nate

@ralphieboy

Yes, I'd eventually like to have an equipment registry that offers more details (see a previous post, I think on the first page). I think a registry could be beneficial, especially if it offers a way to produce reports that could be sent to insurance companies, among other features.

So the latest version is available for testing... You can submit reports here: https://surveyorconnect.com/theft-report/

You can view submitted (and approved) reports here: https://surveyorconnect.com/thefts/ -- you can click on the individual listings to get a full listing for each.

Eventually, there will be an edit page for the submitting user, where he/she can indicate that the equipment has been recovered and details about the recovery. You'll see that one of the test listings is marked as partially recovered.

I've added the Theft Reports system to the main menu. I would appreciate it if you would submit your *actual* stolen items and provide some critique on the system. I'm still working on setting up a filtering system and some other features, but it will be super helpful to have several reports in there first. Thank you! ???? 

@jim-frame yes right said

@sireath

The UK have had a similar system for several years,  run by The Survey Association.  As well as theft it also has a section for "Atempted Thefts". The section of the report which describes the circumstances of each loss is particularly valuable as it can rapidly identify trends and also acts as a good "risk reminder" to other surveyors. It also identifies if the theft was: from roadside, break-in from vehicle, break-in at premises, whether surveyor was present at instrument.

I'm not sure how useful the map is in practice - the UK experience is that the largest cities (ie. London) have the concentrations of theft and the rest of the map is dotted with single incidents on a fairly random basis - so much as you might guess anyway.

@fairleywell

As far as Trimble equipment goes it is fairly simple to check a serial number in their database without having to contact a dealer. Go to www.mytrimbleprotected.com. You will need to create an account but it is a great resource for verifying if equipment has been reported stolen. Also handy for buying used equipment as it tells you the original sales date and the original dealer.?ÿ

Might be worth hiding an airtag in the equipment cases now a days like people are doing to their luggage and cars.

@wendell, Both links you posted give me a 404 error.  Did you take them down or change them?

Posted by: @eapls2708

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Did you take them down or change them?

I built it, but it stagnated and no one used it. When the site was totally revamped, I abandoned the project.

Too bad but understandable.  Seems like a lot of work to set up.