Theft at the DZ

[JohnMitchell 16]

Something about where I stash my keys in another thread got me to thinking. In our tight-knit, trusting sport, theft still occurs occasionally. What's been your experiences, and what do you do to protect your valuables?

Bolas, I don't want you answering "I wear a cup."

[AggieDave 6]

Remember that skydiving attracts all kinds of people. That includes people who do not have much money, have a mental problem, have a drug problem or simply has a problem with taking things that do not belong to them.

Theft is a serious problem and it occurs much too often. Take reasonable steps to protect yourself and insure your gear. Beyond that, go have fun and be sure to buy beer for your firsts.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[NWFlyer 2]

I'm probably a bit too trusting during the day - I'll leave my stuff sitting out in the hangar or packing area and not worry too much about it. My gear always comes home with me, or if I'm traveling it will get locked up in a car in the evening (if I'm camping) or in the hotel/residence where I'm staying.

I was surprised at the American Boogie this year to see rigs still stretched out to be packed the grass on Sunday morning after the big Saturday night party. To me, that's just asking for trouble - not necessarily because people will steal it, but because the same people who would carefully step over lines during the jumping day can get a lot less careful and respectful when they're drinking... I wouldn't want my stuff in the path of a bunch of partiers - my rig really doesn't need beer accidentally spilled all over it. If you don't feel like packing, no biggie, but at least throw the stuff in your trunk before you hit the beer truck.

Hopefully I'll never have to file a claim, but my gear would be covered on my renters' insurance for full replacement value (less a $250 deductible). I've ensured my renter's insurance coverage is high enough to not only cover my household belongings but also all my skydiving toys.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[JohnMitchell 16]

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I'm probably a bit too trusting during the day - I'll leave my stuff sitting out in the hangar or packing area and not worry too much about it.

If you don't feel like packing, no biggie, but at least throw the stuff in your trunk before you hit the beer truck.

I'm about the same. Another one of our household rules is "Don't leave the gear in the car in the driveway overnight. Bring it in the house/motel/hangar. " I've heard of too many car prowls where gear has been stolen.

AggieDave, very good points you made too. Any group will always have a few bad apples. Our sport is no different.

[theonlyski 8]

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I'm probably a bit too trusting during the day - I'll leave my stuff sitting out in the hangar or packing area and not worry too much about it. My gear always comes home with me, or if I'm traveling it will get locked up in a car in the evening (if I'm camping) or in the hotel/residence where I'm staying.

I was surprised at the American Boogie this year to see still stretched out to be packed the grass on Sunday morning after the big Saturday night party. To me, that's just asking for trouble - not necessarily because people will steal it, but because the same people who would carefully step over lines during the jumping day can get a lot less careful and respectful when they're drinking... I wouldn't want my stuff in the path of a bunch of partiers - my rig really doesn't need beer accidentally spilled all over it. If you don't feel like packing, no biggie, but at least throw the stuff in your trunk before you hit the beer truck.

Hopefully I'll never have to file a claim, but my gear would be covered on my renters' insurance for full replacement value (less a $250 deductible). I've ensured my renter's insurance coverage is high enough to not only cover my household belongings but also all my sex toys.

What kinda toys you got??

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

[millertimeunc 0]

Not that I don't trust the people in our sport, but there are a LOT of random tandem students coming and going at my DZ. I wear double-button cargo shorts and carry my valuables with me on every skydive, just to be safe. Ya can't be too careful!

The best things in life are dangerous.

[airtwardo 7]

I usually lock my gear bag(s) when I go up, I use a couple of those little luggage locks, not foolproof but may keeps kids out.

I also have a nifty retractable cable lock with a 4 digit combo that I picked up at an airshow years ago...I tend to lock my bags together if I'm going to be away from them for awhile. They would be a struggle to carry that way and hopefully would get noticed.

I jump at a good sizes DZ and there have been car break ins when the lot is full...I don't think it's any safer in the lot than the packing room.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[Andy9o8 2]

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I've ensured my renter's insurance coverage is high enough to not only cover my household belongings but also all my skydiving toys.

Quick thought, really for the benefit of anyone reading this thread who is counting their homeowner's or renter's insurance to cover a stolen or damaged rig: Many such policies require you to "schedule" - i.e., specifically list with the insurance company - certain items of particular value (for example, jewelry). (Note: this is over and above the good prudence to save all your receipts, etc. as proof of purchase and value.) People should check with their insurance agent about whether their policy requires them to "schedule" their rig(s) with their insurance carrier. If there's any doubt or ambiguity, do it.

[NWFlyer 2]

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I've ensured my renter's insurance coverage is high enough to not only cover my household belongings but also all my skydiving toys.

Quick thought, really for the benefit of anyone reading this thread who is counting their homeowner's or renter's insurance to cover a stolen or damaged rig: Many such policies require you to "schedule" - i.e., specifically list with the insurance company - certain items of particular value (for example, jewelry). (Note: this is over and above the good prudence to save all your receipts, etc. as proof of purchase and value.) People should check with their insurance agent about whether their policy requires them to "schedule" their rig(s) with their insurance carrier. If there's any doubt or ambiguity, do it.

Very good point. I asked specifically about that and my current insurance policy doesn't require it. But since I just became eligible for USAA (thanks, Dad, for joining and bringing me along with you

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[theonlyski 8]

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I've ensured my renter's insurance coverage is high enough to not only cover my household belongings but also all my skydiving toys.

Quick thought, really for the benefit of anyone reading this thread who is counting their homeowner's or renter's insurance to cover a stolen or damaged rig: Many such policies require you to "schedule" - i.e., specifically list with the insurance company - certain items of particular value (for example, jewelry). (Note: this is over and above the good prudence to save all your receipts, etc. as proof of purchase and value.) People should check with their insurance agent about whether their policy requires them to "schedule" their rig(s) with their insurance carrier. If there's any doubt or ambiguity, do it.

Very good point. I asked specifically about that and my current insurance policy doesn't require it. But since I just became eligible for USAA (thanks, Dad, for joining and bringing me along with you

Let me know what they say, I have USAA as well.

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

[AggieDave 6]

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Very good point. I asked specifically about that and my current insurance policy doesn't require it. But since I just became eligible for USAA (thanks, Dad, for joining and bringing me along with you

I have USAA and they won't allow an individual rider on the policy for skydiving gear. They won't cover sports equipment, except through the normal policy with normal deductible. Jewelry, antiques, etc, sure, but not our gear on a specific rider.

Beyond that, USAA has been outstanding on everything else.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[shah269 0]

In this sport....really?
I may be a bit new to this sport and to this community but really in this sport? Steal?
Skydiving is just attempted suicide until the chute opens up and even then......well....you never know.
Maybe it's me, and who I am, but I believe in flying clear.
People reduce their carbon foot print but in this sport....perhaps people should work to reduce their karmic foot print.

Life through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds is necessary to ensure happiness and to keep chaos at bay.

The only thing that falls from the sky is birdshit and fools!

[NWFlyer 2]

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I have USAA and they won't allow an individual rider on the policy for skydiving gear. They won't cover sports equipment, except through the normal policy with normal deductible. Jewelry, antiques, etc, sure, but not our gear on a specific rider.

This is how my current policy treats my skydiving gear as well. I'm fine with paying the deductible, as long as it's covered after that.

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Beyond that, USAA has been outstanding on everything else.

So I've heard. I was psyched when my dad joined and told me I was also eligible (for some reason I'd figured it was only available to dependents).

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[theonlyski 8]

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In this sport....really?
I may be a bit new to this sport and to this community but really in this sport? Steal?
Skydiving is just attempted suicide until the chute opens up and even then......well....you never know.
Maybe it's me, and who I am, but I believe in flying clear.
People reduce their carbon foot print but in this sport....perhaps people should work to reduce their karmic foot print.

I'm reminded of a saying

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There is only ONE thief in the Army, everyone else is just trying to get their shit back!

But, I dont think its quite the same for skydiving

At MY dz, Ill leave my gear in the normal area the staff and the regulars keep their stuff, nobody messes with it (other than the occasional 'log book entry' ) most students dont go to that part of the building, so its pretty well safe.

While I'm at Spaceland, I only really bring in what I'm going to use that day in an aviators kit bag, leave the rest in the truck, once geared up, I put the rest of my stuff away in the bag and zip it up.

I think most the things that get 'got' are a target of opportunity, someone sees it, sees its not being watched, and grabs it as quick as they can. 'Outta site, outta mind' works well!

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

[NWFlyer 2]

Guess what? Skydivers aren't special. Just as there are good people and bad people outside of the dropzone, there are good people and bad people on the dropzone. And remember, not everyone who sets foot on the dropzone on any given day is part of the "community" so even if you rely on the sense of community to keep your stuff safe (which is naive, I think), it's not a gated community, so remember that there are tandem students, their friends and family, observers, delivery people, locals who come out to the boogies because they hear there's a good party, random other visitors ... and suddenly your sense of "community" is blown to hell.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[airtwardo 7]

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In this sport....really?
I may be a bit new to this sport and to this community but really in this sport? Steal?
Skydiving is just attempted suicide until the chute opens up and even then......well....you never know.
Maybe it's me, and who I am, but I believe in flying clear.
People reduce their carbon foot print but in this sport....perhaps people should work to reduce their karmic foot print.

Just because we hold hands don't think we're friendly.

...I know people that are armed in free-fall!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[dzdaveu47 0]

Theives suck ass! Help watch out for them. I'm all
for a brutal beating when caught. I didn't see nothin
officer.

Read icculus, the helping freindly book.

[monkycndo 0]

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...I know people that are armed in free-fall!

Other than some members of Pieces of 8, I think we are all armed.

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[airtwardo 7]

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...I know people that are armed in free-fall!

Other than some members of Pieces of 8, I think we are all armed.

Now they're called "20% Off"

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[JohnRich 4]

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I know people that are armed in free-fall!

I carry two of them on my person at all times.

[monkycndo 0]

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I know people that are armed in free-fall!

I carry two of them on my person at all times.

You are the only person I have ever seen with holsters sewn into his container.

50 donations so far. Give it a try.

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Jump an Infinity

[The_Don 0]

Theft at the DZ just might get someone killed...


Not that there's anything wrong with it...

I am NOT being loud.
I'm being enthusiastic!

[JohnMitchell 16]

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I carry two of them on my person at all times.

That could explain your fall rate.

[JohnMitchell 16]

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Theft at the DZ just might get someone killed...


Not that there's anything wrong with it...

Handle it the old Montana way.

Shoot, shovel, and shut up.

[airtwardo 7]

At the 1st FB convention a wuffo was caught during the party stealing a rig...he got a FREE skydive!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~