Guys, just had this in a club bulletin, please keep an eye out :af
With all the news of late regarding theft of cabling and metal for the scrap market it is a sobering reminder that nothing is safe these days. And a recent event should have every modeller on their guard. All of us leave gear in our vehicles at some time or other and a recent victim is Richard Rawle whose van has been broken into and contents stolen.
He had enjoyed a flying session at a private Cotswold flying site and returning home late, left models in the locked van parked against the wall of his home. He had the foresight to remove the transmitter cases but left models overnight to be unloaded later.
Sometime during the night the locks on all the van doors were forced and a 1/3rd scale Balsa USA Fly Baby Biplane with Zenoah engine and Futaba radio was stolen. Oddly the top wing was left in van. The model is finished in WW1 Olive green drab covering and sports a damaged axle retained with three white cable ties. A bag containing Boomer chargers, and 35 Mhz transmitter was also taken as was Richard’s OD Zippo trainer in a bright orange and blue high viz colour scheme. This had an Irvine .40 glow engine and Futaba radio on board. Richard thinks thieves may have been disturbed as the top wing was let behind.
If readers have any information please let us know and we can pass the information on or contact your local police station. In the meantime these items may be offered on websites or to local model shops. Buyer Beware! You may be offered stolen goods, so check any second-hand goods for genuine provenance before parting with any hard earned cash.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but to safeguard your gear, please make sure you have your valuable models safely away and arrange insurance to cover replacement if you suffer such a distressing theft yourselves.
Steve
