Interesting Idea For Tracking Stolen Camera Gear

A new Web site called RegisterYourCamera.com hopes to be a way for buyers and sellers of used cameras to be sure they aren't dealing in stolen goods. It's a pretty simple idea: You can enter the serial numbers of gear you own. If somebody steals something, you can report it stolen. You can also enter a serial number and check if somebody else has reported something stolen. Could be useful.

There's no charge for the service; the site also has classified section for buying and selling gear. The site is the creation of Jorge Torralba, who also created Rangefinderforum.com.

Comments

[Ray]

What a wonderful idea! I just registered a few items and they don't appear in public. After further reading I saw that they only appear to the public if marked as stolen or advertised for sale.

[Ray]

What a wonderful idea! I just registered a few items and they don't appear in public. After further reading I saw that they only appear to the public if marked as stolen or advertised for sale.

[Inter Stitial]

Are you serious? This is a wacky idea. When this site folds, what happens to your data? Are you really gonna give your name, address, and a list of serial #s to 10s of thousands of dollars worth of gear to some stranger? Is that site even secure? Sounds like it's just waiting to be hacked. Guaranteed some folks are gonna get robbed. Thieves don't care about serial numbers! Most stolen camera gear goes overseas anyway. Your best bet at protecting your gear is to insure it. I'm willing to bet some eastern european hack has already figured out a way into that site.

I.S.

[Ray]

I.S

I can see where you are coming from, but If I am not mistaken, when I registered no personal data was required. In fact it clearly states on the form that a serial number is ONLY required if you are going to post the item as a stolen item. Since I did not give any personal information, I am not to concerned. But in all honesty, what site is secure? At least I see a secure transaction when registering and logging on. Thats more than a lot of the forums I visit have. Anyway some good points.