At least they left my welders...

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Just had to post something about my house being robbed.  I've been out of town working in Arkansas for the past week and got a phone call today...  House was broken into, and they got everything...  All they left was furniture, and my welders   They did however, steal my victor journeyman torch kit...  It was brand new!  Apparently they tried to get my Pro MIG, but couldn't figure out how to unhook the regulator and gas hose.  They got my metabo, but left my porta-band.  All in all a really crappy day..  Just wanted to share with everyone.SA-250DLincoln Pro-MIG 140 w/spoolgunVictor Journeyman O/A outfitWP-26, WP-17, WP-9 TIG torches run off my SA-250Metabo grinders and all the other stuff...
Reply:To say that sucks is a gross understatement!  I hope you can get it back and the crooks get caught.  I'd be checking pawn shops for the torch and other stuff.  Hope justice gets done here, really sorry to hear that.Lincoln Pro Mig 180Everlast PowerARC 200
Reply:Sorry to hear that. Shame that a gun packing neighbor didn't see it and put a few ventilation ports in the punks.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:And people make fun of me when I walk inside for 2 minutes and lock my truck up!  That sucks! Hope the cops ( or better yet, you) find these monkeys and beat it out of them!
Reply:Sorry to hear it Delwelds,The answer is ID, ID, ID, everything.With clear heavy un-removable markings.It takes the dumbest and most desperate thief, or fence, to take the risks associated with just simply possessing what's clearly  "stolen property," and of course they'll be the easiest to catch too.Good Luck
Reply:The kits that use a stencil and a power unit to permanently etch metal start around $80.  http://www.etch-o-matic.biz/eom.htmThings that can't be etched (plastic cased power tools) can be engraved with a vibrator tool ($10 - $15).Having your name on tools should make them much harder to dispose of.I've been securing this house for about 6 years.  There are motion sensor lights on the corners of the house.  There's an alarm system that calls my cell phone and 3 other numbers if someone forces entry.   There's a programmable light controller that operates lights in various rooms (including the garage and porch) at different times on different days in a pattern similar to actual usage.  Current investment in security equipment is $300 - $350, all readily available online and easy to install yourself.And once upon a time, people didn't bother to lock their doors...John
Reply:When I embarked upon a career a few years out of high school, I got into security system installation and repair. Worked for some of the bigger names in the business and I saw a lot of people buying home security systems. Mostly just after they had been robbed.I still think they are a good investment. A LOUD siren placed in an area that is difficult to reach to cut the wire (like at the peak of your roofline soffit). A cellular phone dialer to back up the phone line is a must. Its just way too easy to cut your phone line. Let your neighbors know you have one and if they hear it to call someone.But really, its the little things that are just common sense security practices that help the most. Personally, I believe a few ADT or Brinks signs in your yard and on the windows of all your perimeter doors will do a lot to deter a break in (not the cheap generic stickers you see at discount stores or online either). The light controller thing is good but I'm not sure its worth the effort. The ID/engraving/etching idea is a good one but once they're inside they're going to do some damage, you can count on that.Another thing is to NOT post all your precious, valuable and extremely easy to sell welding equipment in online posting signatures. I mean come on... do you really think its difficult to read these forums for awhile and figure out generally where people live? Especially if you have pics in posts or links and references to your business. Its kind of like that old show on MTV Cribs. That was really just a home shopping network for thieves if you ask me. But, ego and pride do get the best of us all from time to time.Insure the he!! out of your tools. One day you'll probably need it.Eric
Reply:Originally Posted by Welding_SwedeInsure the he!! out of your tools. One day you'll probably need it.
Reply:Go check the local pawn shops in your area... That really sucks....I get nervous EVERY time I leave my house....Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:"Another thing is to NOT post all your precious, valuable and extremely easy to sell welding equipment in online posting signatures. I mean come on... do you really think its difficult to read these forums for awhile and figure out generally where people live?"You know I was wondering about that to...but most of us are to honest to have that type of mentality.Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Originally Posted by DemonSpeeder"Another thing is to NOT post all your precious, valuable and extremely easy to sell welding equipment in online posting signatures. I mean come on... do you really think its difficult to read these forums for awhile and figure out generally where people live?"You know I was wondering about that to...but most of us are to honest to have that type of mentality.
Reply:Sorry to hear about that, Hopefully they catch the Bastids.Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:well i guess i am one to advertise town and treasure. but since the farm is never left alone and guarded with someone that carries and is well versed in the use of what they are packing i am not to concerned. this was brought on because a couple of years ago i got hit for 400 gallons of gas in one night. the cops told me to make it look like i had no choice but to shoot the punks next time. i installed motion sensors and cameras at key points and most importantly got 3.2 dogs for security. 1 husky, 2 labs, and the .2 being a chihuahua that thinks he's a doberman  but that little sucker doesn't miss anything. if he goes after someone the others will attack whatever or whomever to protect the little guy.  the night i got hit i told the cops i would fire up the backhoe and bury punks and vehicle in less then an hour and save them the paper work. they were very cool with that idea. thankfully i haven't had to back that statement up and test their cool. and to think with the economy the way it is it is only going to get worse.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Originally Posted by brucerlike you have in your signature and your location in the top right corner?
Reply:Originally Posted by DemonSpeeder"Another thing is to NOT post all your precious, valuable and extremely easy to sell welding equipment in online posting signatures. I mean come on... do you really think its difficult to read these forums for awhile and figure out generally where people live?"You know I was wondering about that to...but most of us are to honest to have that type of mentality.
Reply:"most importantly got 3.2 dogs for security. 1 husky, 2 labs, and the .2 being a chihuahua that thinks he's a doberman  but that little sucker doesn't miss anything."  That's funny...Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Originally Posted by Welding_SwedeWhat "type of mentality" would you be referring to?E.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welding_SwedeI still think they are a good investment. A LOUD siren placed in an area that is difficult to reach to cut the wire (like at the peak of your roofline soffit). A cellular phone dialer to back up the phone line is a must. Its just way too easy to cut your phone line. Let your neighbors know you have one and if they hear it to call someone.Eric
Reply:Few years back some low life got my box of mechanics hand tools out of my truck.  It really gets to ya don't it?  There is'nt much lower that stealing a mans tools.  I think they ought lop off a few hands, maybe that would make them think.
Reply:Originally Posted by AircamperaceAll good advice Eric. What sort of cellular phone dialer are you talking about? Somthing like this? http://www.securitysystemspro.com/Pr...T-A100&click=2
Reply:Irrigaton pipe, diesel pumps on tandem trailers  etc are routinely stolen here.  Price of AL pipe is high. so, they pait the whole rig odd colors. One company uses pink, the  next one has a ghastly lime green.   That's hard to remove and  very obvious. Might deter a bit for your shop equipment;.   Pawn shop owner "So, you got this pink Lincoln welder with Joe's Welding stenciled on it  where zactlee???"  Thief "duh"Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:PapaLion,Your comment reminded me of a certain lady electrician. She had problems with the guys borrowing her hand tools, but not bringing them back. So she spray painted all of her tools bright pink, and never had problems with them not coming back again. It worked for her! No guy would be caught dead with a pink screwdriver in his pouch.I had someone steal a bunch of my hand tools one time. About a month later my son was in a friends pawn shop and spoted my circular saw on the shelf. He called me and I positively identified it to the pawn broker. Then I called the police to have it picked up and returned to me. My son and I then started going to all of the pawn shops in a 20 mile radius and located about 60% of what I had lost. I was fully insured, but I liked what I had and wanted as much of it back as possible, so it was worth the time that it took us to go around to the pawn shops. When the police picked up everything for me it became very clear who the thief was as his name was on every pawn shop record. When they went after him, they found some more of my stuff that he hadn't pawned yet. He did time for it, but he only served about 2 months when he was released. A week later he and another guy were totally drunk, sitting on a railroad track, and both were killed. (Justice served?)CharleyLast edited by CharleyL; 09-07-2011 at 12:10 PM.Miller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by CharleyLA week later he and another guy were totally drunk, sitting on a railroad track, and both were killed. (Justice served?)Charley
Reply:Originally Posted by stevenstiltsTo say that sucks is a gross understatement!  I hope you can get it back and the crooks get caught.  I'd be checking pawn shops for the torch and other stuff.  Hope justice gets done here, really sorry to hear that.
Reply:Originally Posted by DemonSpeeder"most importantly got 3.2 dogs for security. 1 husky, 2 labs, and the .2 being a chihuahua that thinks he's a doberman  but that little sucker doesn't miss anything."  That's funny...As a side note, don't leave a pet dog in your shop. They usually end up beaten to a pulp, dead, or stolen and used for bad things. Wifi video cameras are good. Hi-Def stuff gets pretty good detail these days. But there really is no stopping a determined drug addict. They've nothing to lose. But it is quite satisfying when you do catch them and give them something that will be a reminder until they die.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welding_SwedeIs that your idea of justice? 2 lives lost for your hand tools? Must be an awesome set of tools.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120I don't leave my dog at the shop overnight, hell, she'd probably lick anyone to death but, I've got one or two lil surprises in store for anyone that thinks they'd like to enter afterhours...
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderAs a side note, don't leave a pet dog in your shop. They usually end up beaten to a pulp, dead, or stolen and used for bad things. Wifi video cameras are good. Hi-Def stuff gets pretty good detail these days. But there really is no stopping a determined drug addict. They've nothing to lose. But it is quite satisfying when you do catch them and give them something that will be a reminder until they die.
Reply:Good advice on the stenciling tools with my initials...  I see all the tools at work like that, but have never thought to do it on my own.  I also had a video surveillance system hooked up at the house, but they stole that too...  So now there's no way of knowing who did it.  They obviously had a lot of time.  They got all my computers (except my laptop), all my music recording equipment(nearly $20,000), and some guitars, amplifiers and microphones.  They also got my gun safe complete with guns, ammo, and some gold and silver.  Been a really sickening experience.  On the point of stealing a mans tools...  I DESPISE people who steal another mans tools whether it be on the job or out of their home...SA-250DLincoln Pro-MIG 140 w/spoolgunVictor Journeyman O/A outfitWP-26, WP-17, WP-9 TIG torches run off my SA-250Metabo grinders and all the other stuff...
Reply:i don't leave my dogs in the shop. they run free on the farm by day but at night they are put in the yard behind a fence except the .2 (house pooch) but they don't miss anything from there. to many coyotes and a few cougars sighted to leave them out at night.  if they go off i go out packing and they go with me. just read last night in the local paper that the county i live in and the neighboring one because the theft rate is so high are requiring all sellers of scrap to produce valid id, be fingerprinted by the buyer, signed affidavit of ownership from seller, and license of vehicle, plus if they don't have a business lic. or employers number they withhold payment for 3 days till the cops have checked out the seller and items sold. if that takes hold everywhere it should be a pretty good deterrent. the buyers are the ones that are behind the new procedure because they are tired of getting stuck with the loss if it is returned to the rightful owner.  like everyone i hate new laws or rules but things are getting out of hand.thought i would add that they recovered 2 bridge beams from a construction sight and a bunch of guardrail stolen right of the posts on several highways.Last edited by jbmprods; 09-07-2011 at 04:34 PM.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Originally Posted by Welding_SwedeIs that your idea of justice? 2 lives lost for your hand tools? Must be an awesome set of tools.
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldingMachineIt's not like he was driving the train..
Reply:Originally Posted by con_fuse9 Just remember, dogs are not smart enough to distinguish      between a burglar and a girl-scout trying to sell cookies. If the dog      bites the wrong one, the victim will own your shop.
Reply:That really does blow that something like this would happen while your out working to take care of you and your own.  Well being a welder I would take things into my own hands and give the next guy something to think about.Welding Supervisor Department of Corrections.
Reply:So sorry to hear of your misfortune.  Think back about anyone who may have been to your place recently that has never been or doesn't often come around.  Sounds like someone that knows you and knew what you had but didn't really care if they steal from you.As a much younger ladd, I once had some tools stolen by a person that had never been in my grandfather's barn (where my tools were) before.  Fortunately the tools were recovered.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:There's a lot of WeldingWeb history on this topic. Hope you don't mind if tonight I search and paste instead of type.  Originally Posted by denrepIn my experience, heavy permanent and bold marking of tools and equipment pays big dividends. Not only does an honestly misplaced or lost tool quickly work its way home, but outright theft is greatly deterred.Most serious theft is planned or "cased" in advance, and everybody knows that simple possession of stolen property can carry as heavy of a penalty as the theft itself. When a prospective thief reads a friendly warnings engraved in tools, he can't help but think about an easier mark.When tools are heavily marked with the right wording, so that possession can't be easily explained away with simple BS such as "I didn't know" or "I bought it" or "I found it" the risks are too high for most thieves. For those still willing to try it, the tool's fence value is destroyed. If despite fair warning, a thief or fence takes his chances, the ID can quickly lead to trouble.  Although there's supposedly honor amongst thieves, one small word in the fine print seems to void all such contracts: "Reward"Good Luck
Reply:Gotta get a tough attitude about lending your tools, alot of apprentices don't have their own, and use wreck or steal yours, mark yours with a color specific to you in knurling, put your SIN number so if they are stolen the cops can return them, cover your stuff with canvas or old bedsheets, so anyone walking in to your shop cannot identify everything you have.Get yourself a dog.
Reply:Originally Posted by CharleyLPapaLion, A week later he and another guy were totally drunk, sitting on a railroad track, and both were killed. (Justice served?)Charley
Reply:Were you insured DelWelds? Sure hope so. On the bright side, you can get some new tools! The engraving thing is good, but if a thief is in a hurry, he ain't looking closely for names. The thief I caught, that got the permanent limp, was coming out of my neighbours back yard with a totally rusted axe with Bob's name in huge letters on it. Stupidity is hard to factor in. But one shouldn't steal things that can be taken from one, and used against them. Theoretically, of course. Good advise is to taken pictures or even better, video of every room in your house. Full 360* walk around. Opening doors and drawers to record contents. This will document everything in a format that is hard to dispute by scum-bag insurance adjusters. Watching the video over and over will remind you of more and more stuff. Some insurers will pressure you to give a loss list within a short period of time. Once you submit a list, they refuse add on's. Make three copies of the video and give too to family. DO NOT SAVE ON AN ONLINE DATA BASE!!!!Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but a video is worth a ton against a shyster adjuster.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:That sucks about your house, I had that happen to me once as well, just wanna find the first person and beat the **** out of them.I currently have two gps units in each trailer for tracking them if they come up missing.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:Yes Bert, I am insured, and luckily I kept most all of my receipts for my tools.  The ones that cost the most at least...  The claims adjuster came by on Thursday and it seems like they are going to cooperate with me.  Once she got to my house and saw that I wasn't just making this stuff up, she seemed pretty willing to pay on the claim.  I'll let you guys know how it goes, heck if they cut me a check for everything that was stolen I may just add an Invertec V350 to my list of gear!SA-250DLincoln Pro-MIG 140 w/spoolgunVictor Journeyman O/A outfitWP-26, WP-17, WP-9 TIG torches run off my SA-250Metabo grinders and all the other stuff...