Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Our team trailer was stolen last night in Riverside, southern CA.

Be on the lookout for it or anyone selling robot parts.

If you have info, call me any time at 951.790.9216

Thanks

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

This is terrible.

Maybe teams in the area can send out an email blast to their team/supporters to be on the lookout for it.

-Brando

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

i would call the local news stations, and maybe the paper. THey might do a story and help you track it down.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Thanks for your suggestions, contacting the news was a good idea.

Email blasts have been sent to local team mailing lists and tons of shares on Facebook and twitter.

Getting a lot more action from social media than from the police unfortunately.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Good luck Sisk!

People in the world suck sometimes. :(

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

I hate it when team trailers get stolen... I remember when 1730's was stolen a few years back.

I hope it didn't have anything important inside...

---

This is why I suggest any team with a trailer invest in a denver boot or the like...

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

It's downright low to steal an FRC teams trailer (not that it isn't awful for anyone). I'll keep an eye out for it but I doubt it'll turn up on the east coast. You never know, though.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Do you have a picture of it so people can easily recognize it? I HIGHLY Doubt it will travel into Canada especially becuase it wont make it across the border but still...

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

The one in the first post isn't showing for you?

http://www.rsisk.com/TrailerWithDecals.jpg

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Re-Posted to Pirate4x4 Stolen Vehicle forum. There's a lot of members out in Riverside. I hope it is recovered!

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Actually some good is happening already (but no trailer yet sadly)

We are getting a huge amount of publicity, Channel 2 news is interviewing Dona right now
The police officer that took the report this morning wants to get his 9yo daughter involved in robotics
We have had offers from two teams to help replace the stuff we lost and an offer from The Holy Cows to lend us a robot for offseason events
Met one of our neighbors through a FB post about the theft
Over 50 reposts on Facebook

And who knows, we may even get the trailer back at some point ;>

This is definitely going on the Chairman's Award for unique ways to spread the message about FIRST

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

it actually isnt... it finally came up with a error thing tho.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

picture for those who can't see it

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Really sorry to hear about this Sisk... I have checked Craigslist - Inland Empire and nothing has shown up yet...

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

When the world gives you lemons make lemonade serve it at your press conference to expand the program. It's good to see you guys are making the most of a bad situation and I hope you get your property back soon.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Good luck! I hope it makes it way back to you soon.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Shared your memo on Facebook. We're 400 miles away, but hey, you never know.

If it does get found, get one of these ASAP!

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

I have spread the word to my team as well as a few other teams in the LA area that we are in contact with. If anyone sees it, they know to call the number posted at the beginning of the thread. I really hope that you guys find it soon!

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Speaking of trailer wheel locks, I was recently considering the acquisition of one. Does this model come well recommended? (I'm a little worried about the keys they use: aren't those the very generic type that used to be used to lock computers?)

I was also thinking of getting one of these to complement the wheel lock.

And does anyone know of a tiny, cheap, GPS tracking kit that one could install in the ventilation dome?

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

The trailer had one of these, not sure how it was bypassed http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower...7349&sr =1-35

And one of these, it was cut...
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-28...8243&sr =1-33

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

The problem with most wheel locks is that they can be easily defeated by removing the lug nuts and swapping in an un-locked wheel. Universal keys are also an issue. Anybody who steals a trailer has an entire vehicle that they can fill with security sockets, universal keys, and spare tires. Something like this and a locking pin would definitely be more secure.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

That's why I suggested a Denver Boot... they have a cup (or the like) that covers the Lug nuts and AFAIK they use a non-standard key.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Well I doubt it would end up in Missouri let alone KC but I'll keep an eye out, like someone had said earlier one of our trailers was stolen a few years back I think (wasn't on the team yet, not sure what happened for sure)

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Your trailer was spotted in Atlanta a few hours later by another team that knew it was missing, and was recovered. Let's hope that happens here.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Ok, thank you for giving me a brief history lesson on my team :D And yes, lets hope it is recovered quickly and not damaged. With your decals on the sides it shouldn't be hard to spot.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

This brings up a good point. The thieves, if smart, would probably cover or remove the decals in order to make it look like any other trailer.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Well unless they used all dirt roads from the parking lot you guys store the trailer in, there has to be some video evidence of the car(s) that took it and which direction it was going. So the police, if they've looked that far into it and hopefully they have, should have some foothold on finding the thieves.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Well, we made it on the CBS news this evening and probably have a hundred shares on FB and two newspaper interviews. The word is out, now we hope for the best.

Huge thanks for the outpouring of support from teams around the area and across the country. fIRST is truly a family!

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Sure is. Anything we can do to help.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

I remember as well... Atlanta 2010. A couple of people from a Canadian team saw it and called the cops. It was found in a Junkyard that happened to have their fenced gate open at the right time IIRC. The people who spotted it were mentioned in the Speech that presented the WGP award. Classy.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Richard,
hope you guys find it soon and with everything intact.
Sorry to hear about the situation.

Was this due to your demo you folks did for the ISTE conference in San Diego?
Were you folks on your way back?

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Thanks Glenn,

Nothing to do with ISTE. We were running robotic summer camps at the church and we needed stuff out of the trailer during camps, so we left the trailer in the parking lot.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

You can pick those round key locks with a Bic pen in about 3 seconds. I'm surprised anyone still uses them. There is a youtube video showing how to do this to the old Kryptonite bike locks which is why those and vending machines no longer use them.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

The story is now out on the AP wire and made our local newspaper.

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/29/459...at-shoots.html

I hope we can find this fast. My fear now is that items will begin to be separated and in the case of the robot that was inside disassembled an sold in pieces somewhere. Keeping a lookout up here in Norcal.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Article has made its way to the LA Times web site now:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lano...riverside.html

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

We've got our eyes peeled for such a trailer here in the Silicon Valley. If they're going to sell stuff, it'll be here.

Not trying to take this off on another tangent, but the publicity for FIRST in this time of the offseason is pretty decent.

Hope your trailer and robot makes it safely back to you, Sisk!

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Story just aired on ABC7. I really feel for you guys, and it worries me about when we get our similar trailer later this summer. I really hope it is recovered with all the stuff intact.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

I plan to implement some of the security discussed on this thread including the wheel locks, a chain through the frame to something secure, and a location device in case it ever gets stolen again.

Got some good news today, homeowners insurance will cover the contents of the trailer, but not the trailer itself.

Time to start making an itemized list of what was in the trailer.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Did you not read any other posts before posting yourself?

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

If you decide to get a hitch lock, which you probably should, make sure to get one that blocks the bolts of the hitch. A lot of them only protect the lock from being removed from the hitch, but the thief can easily unbolt the hitch from the trailer tongue and bolt on a new hitch. Alternatively you could weld the nuts on the bolts, or weld the hitch to the trailer frame. If you ever need to change it you will have to grind it away, but it makes it much harder for the thief to take.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Oh, thanks for that. We were wondering how they might have gotten around our hitch lock. Great tip!

Had a false alarm today, someone reported on Reddit that they intercepted a police dispatch, recovery of a white trailer, grand theft. Hopes were high until we checked with RPD and it turned out to be another white trailer.

sigh....

Lots of great support from other FIRST teams, besides the ones in this thread. Big thanks to Andy x 2, Adam, RC, Jon, Jim, and others that have offered material and services.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Rick,

You might even want to take it one step furthur, form a 501 c 3 corporation. Home owners is nice in the fact that it will cover the team's losses, but it is a black mark against the policy holder personal policy and might even effect their rates.

I formed a 501, have liability insurance, insurance against loss while being towed (vs against the towing individual's car insurance), theft, etc...it's not that expensive but worth it.

I know, this is all "close the barn door after the cows get out" stuff, but good advice anyway.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

My Grandpa in San Diego works for law enforcement and is sending out an APB.

Good luck finding it!

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

I just saw this article about this while on the science section of Google News.

So sorry to hear about this, I wish you the best and hope that it is recovered soon.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Pretty certain sighting. Southbound Interstate 5 between Jeffery Rd and Dana Point sometime around 430PM on Friday

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Sure hope this is it :D!!!!!

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Send Ponch and Jon after them!

[commence confused faces from the youth]

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Confused faces commenced :confused:

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Travis is talking about a cop show from the 70's called CHiPs.
I used to watch it all the time as a kid.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Already called out Pete Malloy and Jim Reed.

So today we start the rebuilding process. Working on an itemized list of the contents of the trailer for our insurance. Our first virtual mentor meeting in the fall will cover the topic of securing team materials and what to do when they go missing.

Great pro-tip for trailer owners from Calista at SMaRT Education, paint your license number on the roof of the trailer. Thieves will probably not think to paint the roof, but police helicopters sure can spot the stolen goods more easily.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Better yet, add your Logo or something unique and easy to notice/remember... Somebody may see it from an overpass or the like.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

One Adam-12, One Adam-12, see the man about ............

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

If you check the first page of the thread or have seen the announcement on social networking sites, there was a photo included and they did have their logo on the side.

Richard, I'm so sorry you've not recovered the trailer. Let's hope this encourages other teams to make sure their trailers are secure and to prepare for the worst. It's really unfortunate that this happened to you guys.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Not on the roof... I meant putting both your license number and your Logo on the roof.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Thats a darn good idea! Our team just got a trailer, maybe we should do that.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

If the thieves were smart, they wouldn't have stolen a trailer ;)

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

not stealing the trailer would have been wise, not nessasarally smart.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

I don't see how any of this discussion is relevant to the original topic.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

unless they knew what was inside :/

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Just to clarify, there was a potential sighting of the trailer, but it was not clearly stated if this was the trailer or if it was not. Someone please clue me in.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

There have been two sightings of the trailer

FRI 6/29 430PM Southbound I5 in Irvine
SAT 6/30 245PM Eastbound 91 in Riverside near La Sierra

I spoke directly with both people that reported the sighting, asking questions about the trailer. I am convinced these were legit sightings based on their answers. Both reported seeing the graphics on the trailer. What is encouraging is the FRI sighting was about 50 miles away from where it was stolen while SAT sighting was much closer to home, about 10 miles. So I am assuming the trailer is still in the area and has not been altered as of Saturday.

There was one other sighting that I discredit, mainly because the "sighting" occurred before the theft while the trailer was still safely in the church parking lot.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Again, more hindsight but as the owner of Team Driven's trailer when we incurred our loss in Atlanta in 2010, I filed the claim of loss against the contents stolen from our trailer. Then, in Feb 2012, received a letter that my home-owners insurance would not be renewed when it came up for annual renewal in April. The 2 items sited in their letter were the 2010 Theft Loss in Atlanta and a storm damage claim in April 2011 resulting in a new roof and gutters on my home.

The idea of getting insurance other than via an individual is definitely a good idea!

Good luck in recovering your trailer AND contents, if any, as they can quickly become more valuable than the actual trailer!

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Robokong Road to Recovery

Picked up a replacement trailer last night....

Also have one of these on order...

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Could you please share model and source of wheel lock?

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

Dont forget a good hitch lock that blocks the hitch bolts, or weld the hitch to the toung of the trailer. That trailer has good locks on it as well.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

http://www.etrailer.com/p-WI491-491LNP.html

I checked the hitch, it is welded to the tongue.

Re: Be on the lookout for Robokong's team trailer
 

maybe someone on the team could look on Kijiji or craigslist to see if it turns up, I know its a bold idea but it might turn up on one of those sites.
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/durham/