BOLO: Theft of HD Production Gear

[Nick]

Helping to spread the word...

At the end of June, 2006, approximately half a million dollars worth of HD camera gear, decks, and lenses was stolen by a group of criminals posing as clients. The theft took place in Paris, France, at the Orly airport."Since the theft happened 6 months ago, the criminals have not since been apprehended and remain at large. They may very well strike again within the International HD community. We ask again that you read carefully over this notice in order to familiarise yourself with the techniques that these con men use and with the kind of HD gear in which they are interested. Stay alert for any suspicious activity and please contact us immediately should you discover any leads." Full story @ http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6686

[kenglish]

It is FAR TOO EASY for crooks, kooks, and con artists to pose as "clients" and "producers" now days. Anyone can set up a web site, print up some business cards, or simply post ads on various legit "actors/artists/models/crews needed" websites.

Be very careful. Check those prospective clients out before letting them near your stuff. Don't just take their word for it, or accept their vague "references". This could have happened to any of us. A friend and I, when we were in the Navy (1970's) nearly fell for this....a "record producer" in Memphis, wanting to do some inexpensive "album cover photos" at night, wanted us to meet later. We asked around, and no one in the local industry ever heard of him! Wonder how many SLRs he had stolen from amateur photographers this way?