Is there a reason why serial numbers are marked out in pics?
- Thread starter Leaky Waders
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Jorg I hear what you're saying and it's truly not worth a page and a half of debate but I assumed that the police have better things to do than come to your house after you file a report (which is a bad assumption depending on what city you're in). If they're going to come to your house then why put anything online?
The purpose of the online reports is to give you a number so you can file an insurance claim. If you answer the questions like "do you have any physical evidence?" and "do you know who did it?" with a "no" I'd be very surprised if you get a visit.
My experience is that many years ago I called when I had some stuff stolen and the police came and filed a report. A few years later I called to report my car had been broken into and damaged and some stuff stolen. I was told to file a report online and I got no visit. Both of these were in Ohio.
The purpose of the online reports is to give you a number so you can file an insurance claim. If you answer the questions like "do you have any physical evidence?" and "do you know who did it?" with a "no" I'd be very surprised if you get a visit.
My experience is that many years ago I called when I had some stuff stolen and the police came and filed a report. A few years later I called to report my car had been broken into and damaged and some stuff stolen. I was told to file a report online and I got no visit. Both of these were in Ohio.
doubleh
Member
BECAUSE. Because it is no one's business what the serial number of any firearms I own is. Not a problem though because I just don't post pictures of my guns.
wyocarp
Member
Is this a problem? Or just some of us being paronoid? What, is someone going to claim that I stole a gun? After all, I just have to look at my inventory and refer to who I bought it from. Most of my guns have paper trails so I really don't think it's going to work. Besides, there aren't a lot of people wanting to mess with gun nuts.
You try that and be sure I am coming after you, possibly with one of my other favorites.
You try that and be sure I am coming after you, possibly with one of my other favorites.
coloradokevin
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taliv said:
Wouldn't work with my department, at the very least.
We only allow online reports to be submitted for a few very specific incidents, mostly minor crimes/accidents with little chance for investigative success.
For example, a person can file a "Lost or Stolen Report", or a report for a non-injury traffic accident with less than $1,000 in damage. In any of the cases, however, there are NO investigative follow-ups, and the report is processed purely "For Record Only" (ie: so you have something to give your insurance company).
Any "real" police reports around here require that the person have direct contact with an officer (not by phone, or through a third party). And, you can bet that I verify identity on anyone who makes a report with me!
Still, I see no harm in hiding a S/N from an online photo, if someone is so inclined. It takes about 10 seconds of extra work in a photo editing program to accomplish such a task, so it isn't a real big deal!
Whatever the REAL reason, it goes back long before the internetz.
Gun magazines were substituting xxx for the final digits thirty years ago, and more. I recall wondering why back then.
That gives me an idea: think I'll pick out a nice car in a parking lot, and copy the VIN (visible on the dashboard) and plate number. Then I'll report it stolen. What a clever idea!
Gun magazines were substituting xxx for the final digits thirty years ago, and more. I recall wondering why back then.
That gives me an idea: think I'll pick out a nice car in a parking lot, and copy the VIN (visible on the dashboard) and plate number. Then I'll report it stolen. What a clever idea!
Duke of Doubt
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Here are two real reasons that haven't been mentioned. You all probably won't like the first one very much.
1. Some of your guns may actually have been stolen, many many years ago, without your knowledge. If so, the original owner is probably long dead. Do you want to stir that pot?
2. Some of your guns may be the object of a latent civil dispute. For example, during the process of separation, wife sells one of husband's guns to her brother, and another to a local pawnbroker. The guns are pre-marital property and therefore not hers to sell, but not "illegal" for her to sell. The sales are not discovered until after all property has been separated and the divorce finalized. Husband discovers the guns missing and calls police. Police record the serial numbers and take a report, though because they deem it a civil matter, they do not investigate or recover the firearms. Three years go by. You buy one of the rifles, and proudly post a picture on the internet with the serial number. A private investigator tracing several pieces of property for the husband finds your post a year later. Husband sues for replevin. Now, you've got a lawsuit on your hands, which you will probably lose along with the rifle. Do you really want to stir THAT pot? By the way, this sort of thing actually happens.
1. Some of your guns may actually have been stolen, many many years ago, without your knowledge. If so, the original owner is probably long dead. Do you want to stir that pot?
2. Some of your guns may be the object of a latent civil dispute. For example, during the process of separation, wife sells one of husband's guns to her brother, and another to a local pawnbroker. The guns are pre-marital property and therefore not hers to sell, but not "illegal" for her to sell. The sales are not discovered until after all property has been separated and the divorce finalized. Husband discovers the guns missing and calls police. Police record the serial numbers and take a report, though because they deem it a civil matter, they do not investigate or recover the firearms. Three years go by. You buy one of the rifles, and proudly post a picture on the internet with the serial number. A private investigator tracing several pieces of property for the husband finds your post a year later. Husband sues for replevin. Now, you've got a lawsuit on your hands, which you will probably lose along with the rifle. Do you really want to stir THAT pot? By the way, this sort of thing actually happens.
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