Well, so comb the pawn shops? Contact the newspaper for a human interest story on a “bewildering theft” that would do the person who stole the equipment no good? Offer them a way to anonymously drop off the equipment, and walk away? Maybe the equipment would be returned, no worse for the wear?
That sucks, but I can’t say I’m surprised some lowlife would steal some expensive looking equipment left sitting around. It’s not like a crack head knows about the secondary market for scientific devices.
There’s only one pawnshop in that town (and they work with the police), but I intend to talk to my manager about an ad or leaving a posted sign around the area. Thanks for the tip anyway, though. I appeciate it.
Ironically, it looked like a cheap peice of crap in a plastic shoebox.
Well, whaddaya know? This morning on NPR’s Sunday show "Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me," host Peter Sagal related a “news of the weird”-type item about a cell phone thief in Germany who was nabbed when the cops called that number and said he’d won a free case of beer – where should they deliver it? And the dumb schmuck fell for it…
Also strangely, both of the above links to the German true-crime story above are dated April 27, the same date as my posting! I’m sure it’s just a coincidence, but [cue Twilight Zone theme] it’s an eerie one.
Do check Ebay. let’s just say that a sensitive part from a sensitive project turned up there after being stolen and someone got a visit from some very humourless gentlemen.
I have a wonderful sense of humor, thank you very much ! 
Yes, and Craiglist. Pawnshops too, but the Police might do that last for you.
pawnshops are rarely a good bet. People who steal stuff dont like to provide id, and pawnshops tend to turn them in to the cops when they try to pawn stolen stuff. Ebay, Craigslist, flea markets. Much better ways to sell stolen stuff.