Rash of N.C. avionic thefts (what would YOU do?)

[aelkins]

Read between the lines...
Numerous NC airports suffered avionic thefts by 'airplane system knowledgable' person(s) recently.
I guess that omits all RVers as their cruise range far exceeds one state.
However, that does spark my following question..
Let's say YOU happen to be making a $100 hamburger run. (tied down)
As you return to your RV, you catch someone walking off with your avionics.
You look around, and there's nobody there but you and the thief...
"What do you do?"...

(that reminds me, I might need to add a pistol and small folding shovel to my W&B documentation.. )
========================================

(via, faasafety.gov)
AIRPORT SECURITY ALERT!!
Notice Number: NOTC0814
Avionics Theft Alert : There has been a series of avionics thefts in North Carolina in March at numerous airports. They have occurred after normal working hours in aircraft parked in unsecured areas (not a locked hangar). These thieves are knowledgeable of aircraft systems and are removing King and Garmin series avionics without damaging the aircraft - in most cases. Please be on the lookout for suspisous activity. A complete stack of radios can be removed in less than two minutes. Check your aircraft to determine if any equipment is missing. Report any thefts or suspious activity to your local sherriff and the NCDOT at 919 840 5299. Ask for Steve Merrit or Tom Freeman. A good vigilence is a strong deterent.

[N8RV]

I'd be watching eBay for Garmin and King radios ...

[sonex293]

Anyone know which North Carolina airports? I'm flying out of Sanford/Lee County (KTTA) with the flying club there.

--
Michael Crowder

[ww2planes]

Evaluate the risk of the confrontation and take whatever action is needed in order to protect life and property. Be a good witness and remember all of the details that you can. Theives are persons of low esteem typically and have to prey on people at times that are advantageous to them, like when the victim is not there.

I would confront the person and if forced teach them a physical lesson that they will never forget. The typical criminal preys on those that will not defend themselves. That won't be me.

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by aelkins

(that reminds me, I might need to add a pistol and small folding shovel to my W&B documentation.. )

You mean the pistol and a CCW wasn't included with your FAA paper work? Mine was.

[grantcarruthers]

Well to answer the original question and in concurrence (sp?) with the direction I think you were going: It ain't illegal unless you get caught.

[brianwallis]

I'd be great if somebody could ref us the SN's and the PN's of the stolen avionics!!! As far as what to do with the crook.. well... take a picture if you can and call the police... a bunch of radios is not worth your life or a bunch of years in jail... Now... if they "fall down the stairs 8 or 9 times"... it's not my fault.. Promise!
Best
Brian

[frankh]

I might do the right thing...But its a fuzzly line between reasonable force/citizen's arrest vs going to oil and getting sued for battery!

Unfortunatly I tend to come unglued...Lets hope it doesn't happen.

Frank 7a

[dlloyd3]

Wilgrove in Charlotte was hit about 9 months ago. Half dozen planes lost 430's and a 530. They must have pre-shopped us, got everthing in one night taking nothing else.
I was talking to a local radio shop owner and he told me about one of his customers have a 430 stolen. His insurance paid for a used replacement which he bought a month later from a well known supplier in FL. By serial number it turned out he bought his own radio. FBI became involved.

[Bryan Wood]

The smart thieves don't take everything. An example would be to take a box from airplane A, and then steal one from airplane B to put into plane A. Now plane B reports a theft, and the stolen box from plane A never gets recorded and the serial number never raises any red flags. By the time anybody becomes the wiser months or years have passed. If you ever get into your airplane and routes you aren't familiar with are programmed into your GPS's get suspicious.