Aquarium thief in Taylorville!!

[saltyseaman]

I bought a full aquarium set-up on Monday from a guy in Taylorville. We got there and packed up all of the equipment we could fit in the boxes we had. We took them out to the van and started working on the sump. We got it fully disassembled and cleaned and ready to go. We took it and some other equipment out to the van and then realized that we should probably get the tank into the van before the sump due to space constraints. We set it all by the van and headed back in to take the tank apart. When we came back out ...... all of the equipment we left sitting by the van was suddenly missing. They took:

50 gallon grey 4'x2' rubbermaid stock tank
50 gallon black rubbermaid-like stock tank
Turbofloater 1000 Multi
1 Ebojager heater and 2 Won Pro Titanium Heaters.
Iwaki 55RLT
Medusa Single Stage Temperature Controller
A HOB Overflow
A box of random aquarium equipment

The neighbor said they saw some younger people sorting through everything, but they left. Then a older guy, in his 50's according to the neighbor, pulled up in a red pickup truck and loaded it up.

They had a for sale sign in front of their house, so I am assuming that the guy thought it was some free stuff. .... :(

I called the police and filed a report. I doubt anything will come of that. It will be posted in the paper inder the thefts, so maybe someone will see it. I will also be placing a "Lost Aquarium Supplies" add in their local paper. Hopefully that will turn something up.

If anyone from the area hears of anything, please get ahold of me.

I'm a bit beside myself at the moment :( :sad1: :sad1: :mad:

Thanx everyone.

[DKKA]

Ouch!!

[Horace]

It was probably some garbage pickers man....if you have anything on the curb in our neighborhood it will be gone if it even looks remotely like its usable. I just had some guy come by this morning and take the rails for a 1970s garage door...people will take anything man.

That really does suck though! Sorry to hear that. How much cash did you lose?

[brad23]

Well that sucks,

I've had people take my kids old sand box, rotten sheets of wood, busted up chairs.

[lglamb]

Hmm... sounds like an excuse for a bike ride this weekend.

What kind of red pickup did you say?

Lowell

[saltyseaman]

The neighbor didn't know what kind of red pickup it was. He didn't pay that close of attention. :( . I went for a walk after it happened and looked it the bed of every red pickup I could see. ... There sure are a lot of those in Taylorville! I appreciate the bike ride though! If you do find it and they don't want to give it up, a simple call too the police will do the trick. They have the police report. Thanx Lowell :)

Horace, It's hard to say how much I lost. I payed for everything before I got there. I didn't get anything back because of the theft, understandably. I mean, it was me that took it all out there, not the previous owner. That is probably $900 worth of stuff if bought new at places with good prices. It's hard to put a price on used equipment like that, you know? Sux :(

Thanx everyone

[llewoh05]

you sure the seller didn't set you up? that is a possiblity. have heard of that many times. especially with high priced items. did you check the neighbors garage???

[saltyseaman]

I highly doubt that is what happened. The guy was getting out of the hobby completely, so he has no purpose for the equipment....... But, he did leave for a while in the middle of us taking apart the tank. Then I did see him hand the witness some $ ...... I am typically a pretty skeptical person, but I really don't think he took the stuff .... you've got me second guessing myself now ....... I almost want to call and ask him, but I feel that will be pretty offensive and the answer will be NO regardless. We'll see how things play out over the next week.

[saltyseaman]

On second thought, why would he hand the $ to the witness in front of me. That would just be stupid. It was his neighbor, so maybe it was some other debt they had going not involved with the aquarium. MAN this sux :(

[saltyseaman]

IF anyone is able to locate the equipment there will be a reward in hand for you. Here's where it happened

<center>
<img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mp/gr/mplogo.gif" width="99" height="13" border=0 align=middle alt="[ Yahoo! Maps ]"><br>
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/maps/extmap;_ylt=AmbNy_iMNO5OFjGizLQPvdNkDLMF/*-http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?name=&ed=tsFKM.p_0TrFgj5Di4ltwSk9e2RB.Fr0OK31cYQaTx1OGUBmHHywGMff0s36IEz_LjcvJvWT44MCq9mT.aWIJ7yw8nSqJc6Xf UobSBHeyJqHvGW8oyeU5t3kIctFQ7AxAH4A.Ifa8g--&csz=Taylorville%2C+IL+62568&desc=&mag=1&ds=n&state=IL&uzip=62568&country=US&BFKey=&cat=trav&resize=l&trf=0">
Map of
E Adams St At S Wyandotte St<br>Taylorville, IL 62568<br></a></center>

[lglamb]

Yeah, they were probably in cahoots with the local constabulary, too.

Probably all had a good laugh at that hippie dude.

So, what they gonna say when me and Annette start riding up and
down their streets? hmmm, better take the ex-patrol Crown Vic
instead of the bike... ...and have Annette put on her patrol blues
and badge, as long as they don't look close enuf to read the
"Parking Enforcemtent" part.
:)

[saltyseaman]

:lol: that would be awesome

After it happened I walked around a few blocks and looked in the bed of every red truck I saw. I'm sure it looked like I was trying to steal something rather than looking for something that was stolen from me.

[saltyseaman]

Allright, I placed an add in the Classified under Lost and Found in the Taylorville Breeze Courier

http://www.breeze-courier.com/

The lady said the paper is deliver to 5600 people, so hopefully that turns up something.

[redvipe2010]

I think you may have been set up. Why would anyone leave while you were taking the tank apart? I'm assuming you didn't know these people. I wouldn't leave a stranger in my house. The part about handing over cash to the witness, is really bizzar. I don't know many people in my every day life that would know what most of that equipment even was. And they were sorting through it, and decided to take everything? And there wasn't even a tank out there yet? What are the chances of someone in this hobby driving by and seeing that equipment? If I drove by and seen it, I certaily would know better than to think something that expensive would not be garbage. Doesn't sound like a garbage picker to me.

I would call the police back and let them know about the exchange of cash.

So sorry this happened to you, that is really horrible.

[saltyseaman]

The guy left in the middle of us tearing down the tank because he is diabetic and needed something for his blood sugar. He left us alone in his house because there is nothing in his house. He recently moved and all that was left in his house was the aquarium and related equipment.

I don't have specific details about the $ exchange. I was standing a bit aways from them when it occured, but I could see it clearly. One of the people that was with me was standing closer and when I asked him today about the $ exchange he said he overheard them talking about a partial payment for something that the guy that was selling me the tank was renting from the witness. Again, no specific details. One of the other people that was with me was standing two feet from them when it happened, but I haven't been able to get ahold of him yet. He should know exactly what that was all about. I'll update when I talk to him.

I also think that it's pretty ridiculous to think that all of the stuff out there was garbage, or even free for the taking. But, sometimes people are able to convince themselves of the most unreasonable things when they are gaining something. Either that or they were just thieves to begin with, in which case I really don't think I will be finding anything :(

Another thing I should mention is that the guy that was selling me the aquarium suggested that I call the police. ...... If this guy truly did con me then he played it off well, which makes me think that he didn't con me to begin with.

We will see what the add I placed today turns up over the next 6 days it will be listed. I offered a reward so maybe something will happen. Perhaps another conversation with the police is in order.

Thanx for your suggestions and sympathy .... this really is a bummer :(

[saltyseaman]

I can't stop thinking about this and running everything through my head, which really sux because I totally have more important things to be doing right now.

A couple more thing I thought of:

The guy that was selling me the tank was asking the neighbors if they saw anything, just like I was.

When the cop suggested that it may have been garbage pickers he was a bit argumentative about it and suggested it was more of theft. This is something that I am leaning toward more and more as well.

I guess that info could suggest he stole it as well as clear his name, depending on how you look at it. I'm thinking along the lines of him stealing it being more of a conspiracy theory than anything, but I guess sometimes those can be true.

[zlwags85]

the money exchange could have been over a rented airator for the lawns. I know at least 20 people who have rented them this season already with there neighbors. Just a thought. Sorry to hear of your loss.

[lglamb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7164444#post7164444 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltyseaman
IF anyone is able to locate the equipment there will be a reward



Wow. This whole scheme is working better than I hoped.

That Starphire is sure gonna look good in my living room.

;)

Lowell

[redvipe2010]

I would like to think that the guy is completely honest. Good luck, and I really hope you get all your stuff back. You should try to keep this post up at the top for a long time. Getting the word out may help get it back some day.

[saltyseaman]

Thanx Red. I appreciate your input

Lowell - If this "sceme" truly were the case, then this starphire would look 10x better smashed over your skull ;)

[ostrow]

Zak, man, you may be the only dude in this hobby with worse luck than mine. This totally sucks. I hope you get lucky and find the stuff.

One thing: did the seller have homeowners? If it's theft, and you lost $900, that may be one way to get relief. Just an idea. But he may not want to go that route either b/c it'd likely jack up his rates. Still, can't hurt to ask.

[blooper74]

I say you let me and some of my old special forces buddies roll into Taylorville to do some negotiating. If that doesn't work we can call in a tactical nuclear strike, I never liked Taylorville anyway. ;P

[llewoh05]

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=824368

even the chicagians know about this. and look one of them is selling the same stuff. ?????????

[ostrow]

I linked to this as I know folks here know Zak and have traded with him. Someone who doesn't know him I don't think made a bad joke (did you notice the "JK" at the bottom?).

[llewoh05]

i realized it when i read the chicago post then linked it back here. just like you surf our site, i surf yours. I just wanted to say that the chicagians are hearing about it. even a 2year old could piece it together. don't mean to be rude.

[saltyseaman]

Ostrow - Thanx Man. Hopefully the both of us have had our fill of bad luck. The homeowners thing was mentioned, but the increased rates and deductable thing are two reasons why it just wouldn't be worth it.

Blooper - that would be sweet :)


I talked to the other guy that I thought was a witness to the $ exchange. Turns out he didn't see it happen. Danm :( . I think I've grown to accept it all now. I'm not feeling very optimistic.

[hounddog01]

I would say to use your home owners insurance. It will cover items purchased and transported. I do not know what your deductable is but if you have replacement cost you will get all brand new equipment. I would file a claim. It will not count against you or anything.

[saltyseaman]

That would have to go under his homeowners insurance, as I don't have any. But .... if it won't increase his rates like you say, then maybe it will be worth while. I'll talk to him about it and see what he says. It wouldn't be worth it unless his deductible is $300 or so. Thanx for the info.

[blooper74]

Wow man you need to get some insurance. Even renters if you don't own.

[LegoZ81]

agree with blooper is you are in an apartment and some idiot tries to "toss a cigerette thru a screen" and burns down half of your building you are screwed (happened to a friend of mine in Normal the Pheonix building fire)

[saltyseaman]

Yeah, I sure do. I have the form right next to me, I have just never gotten around to filling it out and turning it in. That is now on my priority list.

[saltyseaman]

JUST GOT A CALL!!

SOMEONE FOUND MY STUFF!!

I'M OUT THE DOOR TO TAYLORVILLE!!

WOOHOO!!

[blooper74]

Yeah sure, someone "found" your stuff.

[ostrow]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7208291#post7208291 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blooper74
Yeah sure, someone "found" your stuff.

blooper: uncool post

Zak: :smokin: keep us posted. Hope it's not a wild goose chase.

[blooper74]

Why is it an uncool post? I meant it in a funny way, that's why I used the quotation marks. Odd I can say I will go in with my old special forces friends and "negotiate" and it is thought of as funny but "found" is uncool post. Maybe I am missing something, but it is funny how after he puts an add in the newspaper, files a police report, walks around the area that someone "finds" a bunch of aquarium stuff. I guess I am reading into this too much :P Oh well, at least he will get his stuff back (hopefully).

[lglamb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7208245#post7208245 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltyseaman
JUST GOT A CALL!!

SOMEONE FOUND MY STUFF!!




crap. there goes my starphire reward.

err, I mean...

YIPPEE! HOO-RAY FOR ZAK!!!


Lowell

[saltyseaman]

Yes, hoo-ray for me :D

It was a garbage picker. This guy must have been in his 60's. A friend of his family is the one that called me. She led me right to it. I knocked on the door, said "you have my stuff" , and he helped me load it all into my car after apologizing profusely. He saw it on the street next to a house that was for sale, put it all together in his head, and then into his truck. I guess he wanted to add on to his girlfriend's pond. It's all here, and looks as good as the day it was taken. It was an honest mistake. ..... a slightly mentally handicapped honest mistake, but an honest mistake none-the-less.

What a great feeling!! I'm glad this all worked out.

Thanx everyone. I appreciate your support.

:bounce1: :bounce1: :bounce1: :bounce1:

[pewter_jean]

I am so happy for you. Congrates. No on to the important business of setting it up! Yippe

[Benny Z]

sweetness!

[redvipe2010]

Wow thats absolutely amazing!!! I'm so happy for you!! And really happy that it was an honest mistake. Good luck with it. I hope it brings you many many years of happiness! You certainly deserve it after all the trouble you went through to get it.

Brenda

[alanscott]

Wow that is unbelievable. Sorry to hear about your loss, and hope you find out who did it, and they pay dearly!!

[lglamb]

did you leave the stuff out in the car?

are the doors locked?


:idea:

[ostrow]

Cool Beans!

(Sorry blooper honestly didn't notice you were the one who posted earlier).

Zak maybe you's right about the luck turning (gonna go back into SPS??)

[blooper74]

Glad to here it all worked out. I hope you didn't leave it unattended in your car :P

[saltyseaman]

Thanx Everyone :D . I sure am thrilled :) .

I agree, Brenda!

alanscott - I think you didn't finish reading the thread ;)

Ostrow - In due time, in due time. I have a large section of my reef left empty for that purpose.

Yeah Lowell ..... and Blooper ...., it is. Strange you should mention it .... How'd you know!?! OMG BRB! ..............

[blooper74]

It's an old jedi mind thing, we just know these things ;P