The title explains it all..
I just thought I'd post this on here to vent a bit.
I went outside Friday morning to find a busted window to my car, a missing photo bag, and a missing iPod. This happened not 20 yards from the front door of my house. This is one of the only times I've left my bag in the car at night and I live in a quiet neighborhood. I had spent all day helping my grandmother run errands and I had intended to go shoot afterwards. We ended up taking too long, so I changed my plans and intended to shoot the next morning.
The photo bag was underneath a large cooler and a pillow, so there was no way to see it from the outside of the car. I can only assume this was a smash and grab attempt at getting an iPod. The police came and found three good prints. They're supposed to contact me if they find anything. I also gave them the serial numbers for everything.
It's a bit unclear as to whether or not insurance is going to cover this. I'll know on Monday, though. So here's a list of everything I don't have anymore. Wahoo!
The window will not be covered because our deductible is higher than what the repair bill was. And we are insured by AIG. I will definitely update with anything that comes up.
Alex--I live in Manassas and my in-laws used to live in Vienna so I know the area well. In spite of your loss I think this is a real lesson for everyone--never leave anything in the passenger area of your car--at least put it in the trunk. I don't know if your house is near Vienna Metro but any area near any Metro stop has a bulls eye on it for thieves who can be on a train headed for DC in no time. If I were you I'd check out pawn shops in Falls Church and Arlington although hopefully the police will distribute your serial nos. to them. Good luck with the insurance--did you have it covered on a homeowners rider?
Sorry to hear this, Alex. Some years ago I had over $5000 worth of dive gear taken so I know the feelings you must have right now. Hopefully the insurance will come through for you. Since my experience I put all my photo gear on a rider with no deductible.
I live over 8 miles from the metro station. I'm on a back road in the woods just a half mile from the point where Vienna, Reston, and Great Falls borders converge. I should have been more clear with my explanation. The gear was in the back seat of the car, and was completely covered. I drive a Toyota FJ cruiser. The rear passenger window is very small and tinted. This, combined with the fact that is was 100% covered up, means that there is no way the bag was visible from the outside. I'm calling pawn shops all around the county and haven't turned up anything yet. And to answer your question, yes, it is covered by our homeowners policy.
Wow, sorry to hear this. How many of your neighbors know you had this equipment? Even though you rarely leave your equipment in your vehicle it still could be some local kid .
OMFG, this is terrible. I feel very sorry for you. This is such an invasive and violent act. I am not sure about how your insurance company is going to handle this, but it is clear that this was a forceful break-in into your private property, so if you are insured against this...?
I also recently had a break-in to our car. Not as brutal and the loss is in no way comparable to yours. I also learned a lesson. Since then I always take my photo-back-pack with me during short stops when I am on a longer drive.
Seems we all have to learn it the hard way...
Alex--from that description I have pretty good idea where you are and I would agree that you may have been targeted out there. Not exactly the kind of location where someone walking by would do a smash and grab. I have similar concerns in that I drive a Tacoma and there is no place to stash anything out of sight. I'm thinking of buying a lockable steel toolbox and bolting it behind the seats or to the bed of the truck just to have a place to secure things. The only up side of this is you can have a good time going on a shopping spree to replace all that equipment--Larry
So sorry to hear of this. I, too, have been a victim of car and boat theft, and I can tell you, there's no way to describe the feelings you have. A very hard lesson learned, indeed. Hope you can get your stuff updated/back soon. Sharon
My sympathy is with you, I hope your back up and running quickly your a talented photographer I had a look at your website some great stuff there.
Andy
I am truly sorry to hear of this outrage, Alex. Having had a similar experience many years ago, I can surely identiy with your feelings of being violated.However, from, my experience as a former Police officer and Homicide Detective, don't expect too much from their investigation. Unless they have a diffinite suspect in mind to make comparisons with, fingerprints are usless (except on TV, where they solve the crime, with comercials, in 60 minutes) Many homeowner insurance policies cover this kind of theft. Best of luck toyou. :mad
Oh, man, that hurts. So sorry, Alex. Being victimized in that way feels like such a personal attack. From the description of the location of crime, it makes me feel like someone in the neighborhood has eyes on you and your stuff. Ugh. Chances are, someone else in the neighborhood knows who the "perp" is… Such things happen all too frequently… Sincere best wishes in recovering your sense of safety and security as well as your gear.
Posted by Ted Griffith on July 22, 2008 at 5:15 PM
I am so sorry to hear of this. I know you said that you were checking with the local pawn shops, but don't forget to look at the classifieds in the area papers for equipment like yours being offered for sale. With pawn shops regulated the way they are, it is more likely that the equipment would be offered for sale by a private party. I hope that it is recovered.
Discussion
17 repliesI just thought I'd post this on here to vent a bit.
I went outside Friday morning to find a busted window to my car, a missing photo bag, and a missing iPod. This happened not 20 yards from the front door of my house. This is one of the only times I've left my bag in the car at night and I live in a quiet neighborhood. I had spent all day helping my grandmother run errands and I had intended to go shoot afterwards. We ended up taking too long, so I changed my plans and intended to shoot the next morning.
The photo bag was underneath a large cooler and a pillow, so there was no way to see it from the outside of the car. I can only assume this was a smash and grab attempt at getting an iPod. The police came and found three good prints. They're supposed to contact me if they find anything. I also gave them the serial numbers for everything.
It's a bit unclear as to whether or not insurance is going to cover this. I'll know on Monday, though. So here's a list of everything I don't have anymore. Wahoo!
-Nikon D300 w/ vertical grip/cable release
-12-24mm f/4
-24-70mm f/2.8
-70-200mm f/2.8
-300mm f/2.8
-1.4TC
-4 Singh-Ray GNDs
-2 polarizing filters
-2 ND filters
-4 2GB cards
-iPod
-Albuterol inhaler
-Epi-pen
-Really cool stainless steel pocket knife
-Shooting gloves
Looks like somebody just had a payday... Here are some pictures.
ooohh and a 300 f 2.8 ouch!
You do not expect this but especially not when your camera is in your own yard and covered up!
<< It's a bit unclear as to whether or not insurance is going to cover this.>>
what insurance company do you have? would you please keep us posted.
The window replacement should be covered by your auto insurance.
The window will not be covered because our deductible is higher than what the repair bill was. And we are insured by AIG. I will definitely update with anything that comes up.
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that your insurer will cover the loss.
Larry
I live over 8 miles from the metro station. I'm on a back road in the woods just a half mile from the point where Vienna, Reston, and Great Falls borders converge. I should have been more clear with my explanation. The gear was in the back seat of the car, and was completely covered. I drive a Toyota FJ cruiser. The rear passenger window is very small and tinted. This, combined with the fact that is was 100% covered up, means that there is no way the bag was visible from the outside. I'm calling pawn shops all around the county and haven't turned up anything yet. And to answer your question, yes, it is covered by our homeowners policy.
And yeah, I certainly have learned a lesson..
I also recently had a break-in to our car. Not as brutal and the loss is in no way comparable to yours. I also learned a lesson. Since then I always take my photo-back-pack with me during short stops when I am on a longer drive.
Seems we all have to learn it the hard way...
Andy