Stolen equipment database for the public?
It could be a "work in progress", adding fields as needed.
Unless things have changed since I set up my first Access database, that's frowned upon. It's better to plan your database first, then implement it. Fields can be added, but doing so can have unintended consequences.
I do have room and the ability for changes down the road, but it's certainly best to have a clear plan for the database up front. I'd say it's considerably more forgiving than Access though.
To help Wendell get it going, suggest all the stuff that should be included in this fine new tool. Since some say "start it right", let's all help.
Lost, found, or stolen survey equipment registry.
Entry number:
Legit owner, or person who found name:
Email:
Date of loss, or finding:
Brand:
Description:
Serial number:
Story of loss:
Pics of equipment:
Special notes:
Links or url to police report:
Resolved? Y/N
Story of resolution:
Is Bigfoot a suspect?
Weather at time of found/loss?
Condition at time of loss, or found:
Ok, somebody else chime in!
Nate
Ok fellers, here's what I have so far: https://surveyorconnect.com/theft-report/
Consider this a beta, and there's no way for you to view the submitted reports yet. But feel free to play with the form and even submit some fake stuff (make sure it's obviously fake so I can easily identify it for deletion later). At some point, I'll share a viewable list of reports with you, so having some fake samples in there will be great to help me test. ???? ????
If you run into any errors or whatever, please feel free to report your findings here. I appreciate your help!
Great work trying to start this database. Here are some comments. Hope it doesnt discourage you.
1. It seems it applies to America only. How about other countries? I do know that in Europe it is quite prevalent as well.
2. Is there a need to write the value down? Do you take purchase price which could be awhile ago or after adjustment for depreciation?
3. I am quite confused with the model name & model number. Does it mean for e.g. Leica TS16. The model name is TS and model number 16? maybe you could have prefilled columns for common ones then set as others for not so popular models.
4. Same comments for the police report and the incident details. Maybe make it more generic so it applies worldwide?
But great job wendell!
Must it be limited to certain manufacturers instead of a fill-in-the-blank? If that list must be used, add lots of other names.
County may not be applicable for everyone.
Just as an FYI - Trimble has a pretty good database of equipment that has been sold. If something gets stolen, report it to your dealer and have them contact Trimble. Trimble will then list it as stolen in their database. I have reported a half dozen robots as being stolen over the past few months.
If you are purchasing used equipment, contact the nearest Trimble dealer and have them do a serial number search. If it has been reported as stolen, the serial number will be flagged as such.
I was filling out the form under Slate Rock and Gravel and at the last entry, my screen went black and froze chrome, for what that is worth.
