Stolen Gear the aftermath

[George]

Well the insurance company coughed up 2K without too much of a fight and due to most of the stuff being specialised sent me a cheque to replace the goods myself. Ive been laid low with a virus for a couple of weeks so its been a slow process spending the $$$, anyhows my purchases to date:

IBM T43 Thinkpad laptop

Skywatcher ED80

Canon 350D modded

2'' CLS filter

9mm illuminated EP

TAL x3 barlow

Some of the stuff has been upgraded from the original stolen stuff i.e. ED80 & modded 350D so I will not be able to replace everything but I wont be too much short and spending the extra on the upgrades was worth the loss.

Laptop is not left in the obs now and the cameras are stored in a small safe which is bolted to the obs floor & walls (too much effort to bring everything into the house). Ive also fitted an alarm and outside PIR lighting plus additional locks. Also installed a CCTV camera looking down the drive as this is the only access to my property so hopefully now any would be burglers casing the joint will be put off by the visuals. Also toying with getting a dog again, kids are on my side but the wife is not too keen....I'm working on this

[Black Shuck]

Pleased you got sorted quickly.

Have fun with the new gear.

Bill£

[supernova]

Very happy for you, and glad you are sorted. :hello1: :hello1:

Dont forget to plant a minefield around the obsy

enjoy.

Bernie.

[barkis]

It really is horrendous, the precautions one has to take to protect ones property.

I'm pleased to hear you have been reimbursed by your Insurance Company, to some extent anyway.

I do hope you never have a recurrence of this awful event.

There is no deterrent suitable at the present time, that even makes the thieves pause for a minute about any consequences they face if (Big If) caught.

I also hope you have not lost any enthusiasm as a result.

Best Wishes.

Ron.

[Stephen Green]

I am glad you have now got sorted and still with us(I agree with the minefield) :sunny: :sunny:

Stephen

[Sam]

Good to hear the insurance coughed up. Shame you can't shoot the scum bags that did it.

[saturn5]

Pleased your up and running again and hope you enjoy your new kit. As for getting a dog,get one that enjoys sinking his teeth into this It is sad that we have to resort to bolting things up like Fort Knox or getting guard dogs just to protect our hard earned investments.Then if your dog bites an intruder chances are you will be arrested because your dog took a chunk out of his ass,criminals have rights you know,or so the do gooders brigade tell us. :)

Like Ron, i hope this horrible incident hasn't curbed your enthusiasm.

[cygnusx1]

Unfortunately, locking everything up, alarms, fences, armed response cars have been a way of life in SA for as long as I care remember and no doubt will never change.

Welcome to the new reality.

[Lunar93]

nice to hear you got it sorted out

[philsail1]

Yes, good to hear you finally received some recompense for your loss, "upgrader."

Regards,

philsail1

[Paxo]

It really is horrendous, the precautions one has to take to protect ones property.

I'm pleased to hear you have been reimbursed by your Insurance Company, to some extent anyway.

I do hope you never have a recurrence of this awful event.

There is no deterrent suitable at the present time, that even makes the thieves pause for a minute about any consequences they face if (Big If) caught.

I also hope you have not lost any enthusiasm as a result.

Best Wishes.

Ron.

My sentiments as well, glad your sorted and hope you enjoy the new gear.

Best wishes

Steve..

[supernova]

Bring back the birch :x :x

[AndrewLincs]

Bring back the birch :x :x

Indeed, but with a rope and noose hanging from it !

Regards

Andrew

[michaelmorris]

Ive also fitted an alarm and outside PIR lighting ...

Glad to hear you're getting things sorted. Your experience has prompted me to review security for my observatory. I've beefed up the insurance and I'm putting better padlocks on the door.

I must ask, why the PIR light? The best evidence suggests that, in most cases, these just provide light for thieves to work by, create dense shadow for people to hide in, create green house gasses, light pollution and a whole in your wallet. A 500w light that comes on for a total of a hour a night (not unusual with foxes and cats roaming around) could cost over £25 a year just in electricity bills.