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Stolen Flyer


Brian Freesh

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Tried to start out 2010 with a bang, didn't turn out the way I intended...

 

My Steadicam Flyer (2nd Gen) was stolen tonight out of my car in the Clairmont Camera parking lot (North Hollywood, CA for those that don't know) within a span of 10 minutes or so. It was in a Flyer soft case with a black trolly to roll on. Also in the case was an AB Lifesaver Dual Fast Charger and a Modulus 2000, and my custom arm posts. A BFD w/M-One was stolen as well as a Hill vehicle mount.

 

All my name labels will likely be taken off by the criminals (guess who's paying for etching next time), but the sled is uniquely identifiable by the 4-port power box located under the top stage. Serial numbers below.

 

If anyone hears of anything or sees anything, please let me know asap, thank you so much.

 

Sled: 024004S

Arm: 0208001A

Vest: FL0076V

 

Charger: 1600

 

Modulus: 2610

 

Waiting to obtain S/N for BFD and M-One

 

Power breakout box:

4873_577720786147_39604501_34353972_474243_n.jpg

 

Arm posts: 3",6",9",12" and have since been anodized since this photo:

4873_577720791137_39604501_34353973_4451936_n.jpg

 

 

Thanks guys and gals, fly safe, and put a GPS tracker in each of your cases. |-)~

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stolen tonight out of my car in the Clairmont Camera parking lot (North Hollywood, CA for those that don't know) within a span of 10 minutes or so.

Damn, sorry to hear. Was it a smash-n-grab or was your car unlocked? Looks like you had a few nice mods done to it... cause that don't look like the flyer my gran-pa flew.

 

-Alfeo

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Sorry to hear about your theft Brian! I don't know if you have tinted windows or not but I also keep a big piece of duvatyne folded up under my seat to cover my gear. Occasionally I've even gone so far as to thread a long braided metal locking cable through it all. At best you can hope to avoid prying eyes and after that make it tough for them to smash and grab.

 

Good luck!

 

Robert

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Thanks all. Car was locked and alarmed, and the alarm went off.

 

Alfeo, your gran-pa flew a Flyer? That's so cool! ;-)~

 

I like Robert's ideas, but I think I'll add boxing gloves that pop out of the door panels when the alarm goes off.

 

To add insult to injury, my Steadicam Operator's handbook was in my backpack, which was also taken.

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Sorry to hear the news. I can't believe that it was taken from that parking lot since it is closed in on 3 sides. Do they not have any security cameras in the lot? I hope you are able to recover monies from insurance in a speedy manner.

 

Years ago when I started I added a remote alarm pager to my cars alarm system. It pages me within a few blocks if the system is set off. Not that this would help a smash and grab, but since I travel with many heavy cases it alerts me to any potential break-in. Also I was able to receive a small insurance discount my first year (but not anymore). I used it mostly for the single night in a hotel as I traveled to a gig, then I realized that it would be best just to lug all my equipment into the room with me and not have any potential issues. It gives me a better piece of mind knowing that when I grab a bite on the way to a location, I don't have to be paranoid and keep a close eye on my vehicle at all times. Tinted windows are key, people won't steal what they can't see.

 

What I have always been dumbfounded by are the few Steadicam Ops that seem to advertise that their vehicle is loaded with expensive equipment. I remember when I took my first Steadicam workshop that two of the instructors had either a personalized license plate or a sticker on their car that literally told everyone that they were a Steadicam Operator????

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Thanks guys. There are security cameras, I got the footage today, there's a lot to go on, but no definitively useful shot. But more than I had hoped for, really.

 

Once I have more gear, expect my car to have tinted windows, a remote alarm notification (Might have caught the guy in the act actually, definitely would have had enough time to catch his license plate), a cable locking everything down, several crossbows, a live-in doberman, a few mace sprayers, an electrified surface, and maybe an espresso machine.

 

Went to Tiffen today and tried out the Flyer LE, unsurprisingly enjoyed it, with a few caveats. Once I have the insurance money, it'll either be an LE or pay off crippling debt and start renting rigs left and right. "Crippling" might be over-selling the point... Bummed that I'll have to wait a year for my breakout box mod if I want to save the warranty. Although, I figured I can have the box made, and attached, but have to just break out of the one port on the top instead of hardwiring it, until next year.

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Brian,

 

My heart goes out to you. A robbery is such a person thing every time, and a robbery of such a personalized, individual kit that is integral to your work is just about the worst robbery. I know I'll keep my eyes peeled on the east coast CL sites I haunt, and on eBay, for your stuff.

 

You've got a great idea in adding the breakout box and "soft-wiring" it for the first year. That's pretty cool! Who made your breakout box?

 

Anyway, I hope the weekend finds you in better spirits. Or at least consuming spirits....

 

Best,

Dana

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  • 1 month later...
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Hey everyone,

 

The battery charger has been recovered! The police are still investigating to hopefully locate the rest and/or catch the thief.

 

As before, if anyone happens across any of the equipment, please let me know ASAP! Thanks so much for keeping an eye out!

 

I'll let everyone know how this pans out.

 

Oh, and the BFD is #0519 Tx and Rx

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Brian, I am sorry to hear about the stolen Flyer and would like the thief to know (just in case he is monitoring this site) that if it turns up in my workshop; it will be returned to its proper owner and you will be dealt with properly.

I will post the list in my workshop and will check any Flyer system against it.

Terry West

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