Commiserations Al. It's frustrating to read of these occurrences. I wouldn't imagine there are too many "light fingered" astronomers about. That leaves mongrels who have no use for or idea as to what they've gotten, but because it looks expensive they'll nick it. It's gear that's nothing like a chainsaw or a mower you can flog off down at the pub for $20-. Sometimes I remember why I live out in the scrub. R Soles!
Shame its not UAE or similar, off with a hand!