Dossile

I would do a few things. I would definitely report the thefts to the police, Google reviews along with any other review organizations that cover your area, and the Better Business Bureau. I would then report it to the owner of the company. I guarantee that a negative rating and review to Google Reviews claiming theft and a negative report to BBB will cost him more than your camera gear and he knows it. Ultimately he is responsible for who goes into your home.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

Go check some local pawn shops for your stuff.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

Ha! Good idea!👍

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

By the way, folks, browbeating this "victim" and admonishing him for what he did not do or could have done is not helpful. " Woulda, Coulda, and Shoulda..." are my least favorite words. What happened and whatever mistakes were made are all in the past and all the OP needs to know is what to do going forward to recover his loss and prevent recurrence. Oftentimes, perhaps older folks become traumatized when these things happen to them and may not react as quickly and aggressively as they should. Some folks are more trusting and may not take enough precautions... it happens! All we can do, here online, is encourage the OP to pursue all legal and sensible means to recover his loss.

I can tell y'all, if anyone tried to rip off this old geezer (ME), they would leave my premises in a police car and possibly an ambulance. I won't however, foist my attitude or methodology on others.

Have a heart, folks- don't rub salt in someone's wound.

Just for reference for folks who want to practice preventative procedures:

Keep your valuable gear well secured and certainly not in plain view, especially if you have any kind of unknown visitors to your home or business premises. Make certain you have comprehensive insurance on all your gear. Keep a list of serial numbers and since we ARE photographers- do photograph all your stuff. It helps in identification for the police if recovered and to substantiate insurance claims. It's best to vet contractors, serve people and tradesmen before hiring them. Reliable companies BOND their employees and carry insurance.

Nowadays, wireless alarm systems and security cameras and not terribly expensive and do not require complex installations. Lock up your stuff, lock your doors when you are away or distracted and don't make the work of sneak-thieves and burglars easy.

dpfoto Loc: Cape Coral, FL

File a Police report, including the serial numbers. Start looking for it on Craigslist, pawn shops, and ebay. If you do find it, have the seller charged theft or possession of stolen property.

Streets Loc: Euless, TX.

Is there no police in the Catskills? That is the first thing I would think of.

rplain1 Loc: Dayton, Oh.

I would change insurance companies. I had the same thing happen though in my case it was a break-in.
My camera case with camera, lenses, filters, etc. was stolen along with a couple hundred cd's. The insurance company paid the full replacement cost for all and my rates didn't change by a penny.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Sorry about your misfortune. That’s a bummer. Pm me about the price on the canonette. Thanks

gmango85

When I have some workers at my house I make it a point to clean my 45 in their presence.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Were these two young men employees of some legit business, or did you hire them off the street without knowing who they were?
I'd do everything I could to track down the bastard and make his life hell if I didn't get my camera back pronto.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

Go to your insurance company and the police. The increase in insurance should not be a deterrent to making the claim, you are going to pay premiums anyway. Also, the insurance company's check will give you some of the money toward replacement camera equipment. As for the police they are there to solve crimes and help victims see justice. Your tax dollars pay their wages so they are employed by you.

I had a recent experience of a scumbag advertising a camera and lens online for which I offered, made a deal and sent him the money then he did not send me anything, has shown me the the local police will (and did) make inquiries and have made some progress in getting my money back. My case isn't yet solved but there have been some advances.

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

Call the police and report it and stay on their asses. You are a professional right ? This is a tool of your trade, right ? Call the police before the thief has a chance to sell, trade, whatever, he may still have it is he thinks you are such a puss that you will not do anything about it; depending on where you live this maybe the case; surprise him ! Your livelihood has been robbed. Get the damned police involved and stay on their asses to get you stuff back. Do you hear me ? What in the hell have you been paying for all your life ? you have been paying for these services the police are suppose to provide and please remind them of that too. You have a good case and get after it. Get your stuff back fellow Hogger. I really hope you do. Really I do. You should not have run around looking for it pawn shops etc. This is Polices job. I hope you have the serial number(s) , this will seal the deal. Good luck bro, get on it Ok.

aggiedad Loc: Corona, ca

I have the majority of my photo gear covered with a separate personal property policy with State Farm. They cover replacement 100%. Thankfully I’ve never had to use it.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Surely you can trace the guy through the flooring company. Didn't you call the police?

domcomm Loc: Denver, CO

Yes, it is a large, well-known flooring company – but they hire another company to do the installation. The guy that did not return had been talking about some of my photos on the walls and said he liked to take pictures, so I'm sure he's the one that took it.

This is a secure condo building, so no one else could have gotten in except those two that I let in.