Thieving Scum
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 806
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From: Maders UK
Which Airfield?
Could you tell us where?
If it is any consolation I had 2 headsets, a skymap GPS, a handheld transceiver and an EPIRB taken from the monowheel Europa I used to own when it was in the hangar at Bodmin 4 years ago.
I put notices up, informed the fuzz etc...
Nothing ever found.
What I learned from the experience was that it was essential to keep a record of all the serial numbers of all pieces of equipment as these often have to be quoted when updates/servicing/repairs need doing and are probably the best way to catch these low-life scumbags (more likely to get the people they've sold the stuff to and track the thieves that way). I had no serial numbers on that occasion
!
Good luck,
SB
If it is any consolation I had 2 headsets, a skymap GPS, a handheld transceiver and an EPIRB taken from the monowheel Europa I used to own when it was in the hangar at Bodmin 4 years ago.
I put notices up, informed the fuzz etc...
Nothing ever found.
What I learned from the experience was that it was essential to keep a record of all the serial numbers of all pieces of equipment as these often have to be quoted when updates/servicing/repairs need doing and are probably the best way to catch these low-life scumbags (more likely to get the people they've sold the stuff to and track the thieves that way). I had no serial numbers on that occasion
!Good luck,
SB
Thread Starter
Blah Blah Blah
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Malmesbury VRP
Update:
The airfiled Op's wont divulge a movement list to me. And they are reluctant to check or disclose CCTV footage if any exists.
The police have catagorised it as Burglary and not theft as it was stolen from a secure area. And they laughed when i told them it was parked next to the police helicopter outside the 24 hour manned police office.
The airfiled Op's wont divulge a movement list to me. And they are reluctant to check or disclose CCTV footage if any exists.
The police have catagorised it as Burglary and not theft as it was stolen from a secure area. And they laughed when i told them it was parked next to the police helicopter outside the 24 hour manned police office.
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Amsterdam
Not too surprisingly. You are not an official crime investigation agency. If a movement list and CCTV is released, it will be released to the police. So make sure you bug the police into starting a proper investigation, which should at least include the list and CCTV images.
It might be prudent to warn the airfield that the police has started an investigation and will come and collect CCTV images at a later date. I don't know the custom at your airfield, but typically these images are kept only for a day or three, after which the tapes are overwritten. A preliminary announcement of investigation should be enough to set them apart. If they don't set them apart, but overwrite them, you can later sue them for destroying evidence. Not that that brings your liferaft back of course...
It might be prudent to warn the airfield that the police has started an investigation and will come and collect CCTV images at a later date. I don't know the custom at your airfield, but typically these images are kept only for a day or three, after which the tapes are overwritten. A preliminary announcement of investigation should be enough to set them apart. If they don't set them apart, but overwrite them, you can later sue them for destroying evidence. Not that that brings your liferaft back of course...
Thread Starter
Blah Blah Blah
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Malmesbury VRP
Lets not get all sue crazy, this is England we are talking about. I don't expect to get my raft back or compensated. However if evidence turned up to prove it was an employee of the airfield then that is a different story.
I am more after finding the culprit for a little justice and shaming.
I am more after finding the culprit for a little justice and shaming.
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,598
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From: Amsterdam
I understand your feelings, but in our modern-ish society that's what the police and the justice is for. And they only do that based on solid evidence. Which you should try to prevent being destoyed accidently.
I'm not saying sue the airfield. All I'm saying that if they destroy the CCTV tapes while knowing that there might be evidence of a crime on them, that they're committing a felony as well.
I'm not saying sue the airfield. All I'm saying that if they destroy the CCTV tapes while knowing that there might be evidence of a crime on them, that they're committing a felony as well.
Pompey till I die
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 779
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From: Guildford
Well, I know it's frustrating but look....
... it was a life raft from your aircraft.
Are you sure it wasn't somebody who jumped over the fence to grab ? I'd be suprised if a pilot would steal a life raft to use. We're all so paranoid about safety a dodgy second hand life raft wouldn't inspire me with confidence. Sort of like flying an aircraft that's been "hot wired"
"Nah mate, nah worries, I've got both magnetos on have a crack"
On the other hand in the last couple of years my car has been stolen and my house burgaled twice, plus my 50cc scooter was thrown down the stairs of my local car park. All in all around £6000 of theft and damage, so in some ways, you could be happy that it was only £800 and not MUCH worse.
Are you sure it wasn't somebody who jumped over the fence to grab ? I'd be suprised if a pilot would steal a life raft to use. We're all so paranoid about safety a dodgy second hand life raft wouldn't inspire me with confidence. Sort of like flying an aircraft that's been "hot wired"
"Nah mate, nah worries, I've got both magnetos on have a crack"
On the other hand in the last couple of years my car has been stolen and my house burgaled twice, plus my 50cc scooter was thrown down the stairs of my local car park. All in all around £6000 of theft and damage, so in some ways, you could be happy that it was only £800 and not MUCH worse.
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: North of South
Odd one that , Not saying Bristols chaps are pooh but if the aircraft is not in a building or part of a building then it cannot be a burglary at all nope never no chance , anyone interested in a rebbutle or a go at bristol cops please see Section 9(1)(a) Theft act 1968 .In a hangar fair does but it wasnt was it ? Thats like having a bike nicked from your garden , not a burglary that is it ? however if it was in your shed .....
Gcolyer, as advised by backpacking type , do pursue this and make sure the police do have the knowledge that there may be cctv and movement list in existence for the very reasons mentioned ,CCTv will not be kept forever and while this may be ultimately undetectable you do at the very least deserve a fair stab at it, oh and backpacker , FELONY? how i wish we had those in this country
Gcolyer, as advised by backpacking type , do pursue this and make sure the police do have the knowledge that there may be cctv and movement list in existence for the very reasons mentioned ,CCTv will not be kept forever and while this may be ultimately undetectable you do at the very least deserve a fair stab at it, oh and backpacker , FELONY? how i wish we had those in this country
Thread Starter
Blah Blah Blah
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Malmesbury VRP
It is not impossible that someone could have bunked the fence.
However it would mean having to cross a very busy lit dual carraige way and climbing a very high fence which is literally on the kerb of the dual carraige way, with out being noticed. Then navigating through a small woods and several buildings, accross a flood lit apron over looked by the tower and the police building, and then doing the same in reverse to get back out.
However it would mean having to cross a very busy lit dual carraige way and climbing a very high fence which is literally on the kerb of the dual carraige way, with out being noticed. Then navigating through a small woods and several buildings, accross a flood lit apron over looked by the tower and the police building, and then doing the same in reverse to get back out.
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Small dot in the Caribbean
Well, sorry about the loss, maybe airport staff took it and sold it to a pilot who didn't know better?
Yes, you need more than that;
Part 1: The crash
Don't put much fuel in your aircraft, scream mayday, force an emergency landing by a river or sea or something, stay stranded for 9 hours, swim in the river/sea as if you were looking for food in the river but you didn't have your raft so you got swept away by the current, hold on to a rock till you get rescued (at this point, call a friend who is in on this and tell them to call the emergency services, let them tell the police they may know where you are so you can prepare for your big entrance to the press room), watch out for cramps of course, the steak you had when you landed may affect you.
Part 2: Post-Rescue
Act like its been the worst day of your life when you get rescued. Go to your press conference, tell them that a raft would have helped you so that you wouldn't have almost died. Tell them you plan to sue, and get the world outraged.
Scenario 1:
Some one fesses up. (hope not)
OR
You sue the Special Branch for the raft (always overestimate the value, say its a limited edition, say it was sentimental), sue them for distress, sue them for everything you can think of (best route).
Simple right?
A preliminary announcement of investigation should be enough to set them apart. If they don't set them apart, but overwrite them, you can later sue them for destroying evidence.
Lets not get all sue crazy, this is England we are talking about.
Part 1: The crash
Don't put much fuel in your aircraft, scream mayday, force an emergency landing by a river or sea or something, stay stranded for 9 hours, swim in the river/sea as if you were looking for food in the river but you didn't have your raft so you got swept away by the current, hold on to a rock till you get rescued (at this point, call a friend who is in on this and tell them to call the emergency services, let them tell the police they may know where you are so you can prepare for your big entrance to the press room), watch out for cramps of course, the steak you had when you landed may affect you.
Part 2: Post-Rescue
Act like its been the worst day of your life when you get rescued. Go to your press conference, tell them that a raft would have helped you so that you wouldn't have almost died. Tell them you plan to sue, and get the world outraged.
Scenario 1:
Some one fesses up. (hope not)
OR
Scenario 2:
Simple right?
Thread Starter
Blah Blah Blah
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 927
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From: Malmesbury VRP
Filton is a secure airport, I don't see how it could get anymore secure unless you have a platoon of gaurds pacing the perimeter and grounds 24x7
It is strict PPR and a designated airfield. it really is a good airfield and Flight Op's are a great crew.
As for the raft it was a 4 man raft in a compact case. It can easily be carried by a one armed Bandit
It is strict PPR and a designated airfield. it really is a good airfield and Flight Op's are a great crew.
As for the raft it was a 4 man raft in a compact case. It can easily be carried by a one armed Bandit
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 910
Likes: 5
From: England
If you find your liferaft in another light aircraft leave it their, and inflate the bastard!
If we had a robust and efficient CPS, Judges who were in touch with the society they serve and sentences that make your skin crawl you would not be having to post this thread.
It is not your fault the raft was taken, it was the ruling liberal elite in there Harringey mews busy eating rice and knitting yoghurt. Right on my arse.
If we had a robust and efficient CPS, Judges who were in touch with the society they serve and sentences that make your skin crawl you would not be having to post this thread.
It is not your fault the raft was taken, it was the ruling liberal elite in there Harringey mews busy eating rice and knitting yoghurt. Right on my arse.
Joined: Apr 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 1,264
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From: Surrey, UK ;
Have you looked on eBay ?