SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

I might be interested in the lens you have on your Minolta? Which one is it? You can PM me

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

I don't get you. Why are you so passive about this? You call the police and make excuses why they can't do anything. Did you actually file a report or did they dissuade you from that? You know it was one of the two guys--don't you? You don't call the guy's employer and we don't know why? I'm in the construction business. Did you hire two guys off the street? Is there another reason you are not pursuing the right remedies here? And now your insurance. It is a universal misunderstanding that any claim against insurance will increase your future insurance costs. This is not so. It may or may not. So far, I have had some major insurance claims and my rates were not increased. And, from a strictly economic analysis; your insurance reimbursement will cover your out of pocket 'possible insurance increase' for a number of years. You have insurance for just this reason. What are you waiting for? While I feel empathy for you; I am less than pleased with the hapless and resourceless victim you proffer.

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

Did you file a police report and do you have home owners or renters insurance. You might be covered for theft. Good luck.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

I worked for an independent insurance adjuster for a bit, and you are correct! Home Owners Insurance is usually state run, as far as rates and the increase of them are concerned. At least here in New Jersey and many other states where this company functions. That's how we earned our money. You can certainly, or should be, be able to make an insurance claim! Absolutely the answer here, IMHO! Do you have receipts, better yet for a claim! If not, that doesn't negate the claim by any means but it certainly proves your loss. Otherwise, they just ask for more information, by asking you some more questions just so they know you're not just making a frivolous claim. But get a police report!

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

If you didn't file a report with the police then why are you reporting it to us? If everyone had proof of who committed a crime the police wouldn't have much to do, would they? Yet they solve crimes all the time. You have no idea of the history of the guy. The police could show up on his doorstep at any time with arrest/search warrants. Having those serial #'s in the stolen property register could get your gear back.
BTW, ignore the arm-chair Rambo's who want you to pay the guy a visit. You could be the one to end up in jail. Or, worse. As I stated, you know nothing about the guy.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

I would always file a police report regardless and contact my homeowner's policy carrier and post on the forum what type of gear was taken and ser. no's if you had them to list.

I would decide weather to replace the items with similar gear or start from scratch and look to something more up-to date and tangible (even a high end cell phone ) and finally set up a Go Fund me site to try and raise monies for this purpose and solicit help from fellow members who may even have gear they would part with for you.......good luck sir.

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

I agree with all you say except the Go Fund Me part. He has insurance. Use it! Don't look for handouts here when you have options and there are people out there who have a real need for people who are willing to give...

Carnpo Loc: North Carolina

At one time I had a special insurance policy on my camera gear. Dropped it as digital cameras become obsolete so fast. Since then I have acquired several pro lenses. I am going to rethink this.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Well, you had a good run, 47 years. Sorry to hear about your bad luck. On the bright side, now, starting over in digital, the whole photographic world is open to you. Choose wisely and best of good luck with whatever you decide to buy.

fotobyferg

What he said...

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

might call police. then your home owners insurance

editorsteve

I'm on a condo board. All contractors we hire must be bonded and insured. Many states and localities require this for all contractors. If your contractor is insured, that is potentially another pocket to check.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Check the pawnshops in your county and around the area, facebook marketplace, craigslist, letgo, etc. But be prepared to buy back your gear unless you can prove it stolen. Unless there are "circumstances that prevent reporting" at least file a report (insurance company would probably want that before they'd take you seriously anyway). Hopefully you have serial numbers. Good luck.

If there is enough value involved to take it above the petty level to an elevated level of "grand larceny" (probably different in every state) that might change the way things are handled.

When ready to buy, there are probably many here who could help you put together a new kit on the cheap, or more if you are up for it $$ wise, and there are great bargains in the refurb arena, and major mfg. sales.

Never let workers have the run of your home and grounds w/o supervision. My little old lady neighbor lost thousands in family heirloom jewelery (diamond rings, pendants & broaches) because she let a "trusted" A/C guy have the run. We had told the neighbors we fired this individual because he was trying to rip us off to feed his opioid habit. Everyone said we were paranoid - not (we trusted him longer than he deserved). He was once a good guy, but no more. Of course, it is a "he said, she said" claim, there is no physical proof, no security video, etc. no one saw anything, but timing puts him there, and no one else came into the home. Just beware folks!! There are bad guys/gals in every walk of life, be aware.......

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Everyone always assumes their rates automatically go up when a claim is filed. In fact, that is not true. Contents coverage on a homeowners policy may be based on actual cash value or replacement cost. You should, at least, consult with your agent to see what he/she feels would be appropriate with regards to filing a claim. Not even attempting to go after this culprit, assuming you could prove the camera equipment was in your possession on the day the workers arrived and not there after they departed, should be proof enough to go to the employer to at least make the complaint.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

Nothing to think about really. You don't really need special coverage for your equipment, although it's helpful. I believe even if it were stolen from your car, your homeowners insurance would, or should cover it. May be different state by state. But your coverage will not, and should not increase with a claim. Often times people refrain from making a claim "saving" it for when they "really" need it. This certainly qualifies for needing it. Definitely make a police report, and if your workers were supplied by a company or even if they are covered by liability, you can bring it up with them. If it's a reputable company, they may take care of you.