Idea for tracking Stolen tools.. Festool Registration check...

[anthonyz]

I Register all my Festool tools. I was at my local store, and someone had called in to let them know their Rotex and CT vac were stolen.  It would be great if Festool could have a webpage (OR AN APP!! ) where you could do a search on Registered tools, where you could report or find out if a tool has been stolen, it wouldn't have to list anyone who's tools are not stolen. That way, people who buy used tools are covered to know if they are looking at hot items that could be reported. People could then go into their own registration and release tools they sell if they offered that option. 

Just an idea which would benefit the whole Festool Community. It would be an inside block watch. People could request a serial number from buyers online to check tools before purchasing a used tool.

 

[AlexThePalex]

In Holland this exists for stolen bikes. You just enter the serial number on a website to check it.

Would be great if this existed for other stuff to. 

 

[ear3]

This has been a topic of discussion for a while, and Festool had previously said that they were working on something.  I guess they haven;t come up with anything yet:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-sales-dealer-area/central-page-for-stolen-festool-serial-numbers/msg350151/#msg350151

Good reminder though to ask for serial number before purchasing tools from someone second hand.  At the very lkeast you can call Festool and find out when and where the tool was originally purchased.

I Register all my Festool tools. I was at my local store, and someone had called in to let them know their Rotex and CT vac were stolen.  It would be great if Festool could have a webpage (OR AN APP!! ) where you could do a search on Registered tools, where you could report or find out if a tool has been stolen, it wouldn't have to list anyone who's tools are not stolen. That way, people who buy used tools are covered to know if they are looking at hot items that could be reported. People could then go into their own registration and release tools they sell if they offered that option. 

Just an idea which would benefit the whole Festool Community. It would be an inside block watch. People could request a serial number from buyers online to check tools before purchasing a used tool.

 

[anthonyz]

This has been a topic of discussion for a while, and Festool had previously said that they were working on something.  I guess they haven;t come up with anything yet:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-sales-dealer-area/central-page-for-stolen-festool-serial-numbers/msg350151/#msg350151

Good reminder though to ask for serial number before purchasing tools from someone second hand.  At the very lkeast you can call Festool and find out when and where the tool was originally purchased.

This doesn't seem that difficult to do. If a tool was not reported, it would not show up in a search, so no personal info. If it was, the owner could put whatever contact info they wanted, for them or their local police where they should have reported to after a theft.

With the Festolian community the way it is. Festool would be the tool to want, but not the tool to steal, as more thefts would be likely to be caught.

An added feature like this would be a great added selling point to an already great tool line,with knowing you have an added level of security in a good community of tool users. This is my biggest fear with the tool, is having them stolen, more than them failing.

 

[TinyShop]

There are several national (U.S.A.) theft-deterrent websites that allow the victims of theft to upload serial numbers of stolen goods. Most of these databases can be searched for free by regular folks. My guess is that once Festool discovered the existence of these sites, all impetus to provide a similar service to their customers went out the window.

A quick web search using "stolen goods database" will deliver numerous results.