Keeping your gear, and what to do if its stolden.

Recent theft from some of our members have brought up the rather painful subject of, what to do about theft. It is the very nature of Team Lockdown that we help other paintballers, often to the point of loaning guns and other equipment. Also we tend to leave our gear out in the open while we are on the field. I am glad to say that theft is a rather uncommon event in Paintball, but it does happen. Here are a few guidelines regarding security and Paintball.

 
1. Serial numbers, AKA 'S/N'
Manufactures put serial numbers on items for one reason. To distinguish that item to the exclusion of all other ones in the world.

"This Ego is mine to the exclusion of all other Egos in the entire world."  

That's a powerful statement in court!

If there is no serial number make one. Here is an idea. Use your initials and the last four of your address. Mine would be; JF133. Have it engraved or stamped in. Places like 'Personally yours' in the local mall will do it for about $20. Machine shops will do it for about the same. If you plan it right, the number can be a part of the decoration of the marker. Obviously don't put the number in an area that can be covered up or blanked out. And make sure its deep enough that paint or putty wont fill it in.

2. Serial Numbers.
Write the number down and keep it with your personal papers. I keep my numbers in my home safe. If you order a gun from a Internet site call them and ask if they could write the S/N on the invoice. If you buy a gun from a store make sure the S/N is on the receipt, if not ask for the store clerk to record the S/N on the receipt. If you buy a gun from a friend make out a bill of sale and you both sign it. If you buy through eBay, print the auction and keep shipment records. These documents are invaluable in court.

3: Take pics.
My 'cocker is unique, a pic will help ID it if it is stolen. Include air systems, drop forwards and hoppers. Make sure you get close enough to notice any markings or unique devices.  Also you might take a pic of you holding the marker, this proves ownership also.

4: If it is stolen.
ASAP, make an announcement to the players at the field. It is possible it was misplaced and some good hearted player moved it. Have the field staff contact the local Law Enforcement agency.  When the responding officer/deputy arrives ask to see if you can go through the insurance wavers at the sign-in shack. You may jog your memory about a name.

If its out of your vehicle our home, call and make a report soon. 

Make sure you tell the responding LEO the total retail cost of the entire gun setup or replacement cost. Most of the time the cost of our guns will fall into felony theft (Cal. 484PC Grand Theft, any theft more than $400) Ask that the gun is entered in NCIC for future reference. If the officer says its not a firearm and cannot be entered remind him ANY item with a S/N can be entered into NCIC. If there is a further objection make the report and contact a sworn member of Lockdown for assistance.

5. Get the report number from the officer/deputy
Write it down. Put this info into your gear bag and have it every time you go to a field. More on this later on.  

6. Contact local fields
Paintball guns need propellant systems, these need to be refilled at local Paintball shops. Usually Paintball shops hate thieves just as much as we do. Include the investigating agency and report number.

7. Post the info on the web
The Lockdown forums, McarterBrown, PBN, and the like...get the word out

8. If you see your gun at a field
Do not contact the subject yourself do not detain them either. It's possible the subject may have bought the item and not known it stolen. The subject must knowingly possess a stolen item to be in violation of the law. (Cal. 496 PC) Your only asking for a lawsuit or arrest if your wrong. Call the local law enforcement agency and tell them what is happening. If you can, write down all the info your can about the person(s) who has your gun include vehicle license plates and give this info the the dispatcher on the phone. MAKE SURE YOU SAY PAINTBALL MARKER, not real firearm. When the beat cop arrives let him/her do their job and don't get personally involved. Make sure they know its a felony case.  Provide the responding officer/deputy the agency name, report number, and contact name.

You wont get your gun back that day! Its evidence until the DA's Office says you can have it.

9. Cooperate with the District Attorney
Too many times we as a society say "I just want my stuff back" You will get it back but lets send this joker to jail! Don't let him/her steal another paintballers gun or equipment. Make them pay for it with some jail time or probation.

Call the DA after about three days, this allows the officer to finish the report an submit it to the DA for review. Contacting the DA and letting him/her know you wish prosecution will help the DA decide how to proceed. Ask the DA to include as a C.O.P. (condition of probation/parole) no Paintball gear or firearms.

10. Remember you may take civil action too!
Generally the cost of three time the amount stolen plus fees. The cost of small claims court is around $35 and when you win he has to pay for that too. It's a slam dunk case so you might as well hit the jerk in the wallet too!

As I said it's rare a gun is stolen when you think about it. But when it is, its a real monetary loss to the owner. Possibly a loss to the point of dropping out of Paintball. A few simple steps may help in the return of your gun and the arrest of the thief. 

As the Sergeant says...."Lets be careful out there."