Is theft a problem?

[Steffen Dietzel]

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I'd like to tap once more the experience of you listers.

I am currently setting up a web site for a core facility and I am
wondering how much details I really want to have on the web.

On the one hand, the more information the users can easily find the
better, whether for planning of experiments or when writing the paper.
On the other hand, it is usually discouraged to publicly announce in
which room exactly which valuables can be found - and stolen.

So the question comes up whether theft of microscopes or parts is not
only a theoretical problem but also an actual risk. I don't expect a
confocal to get carried out without being noticed, not even on a
Saturday night, but possibly parts of it? Objectives, cameras maybe? Or
smaller, portable systems?

I remember one case of stolen objectives in Darmstadt, Germany, that was
discussed on this list in 2000 (*Subject:*used high quality objectives).
But other than that, I have not heard about any thefts.

Therefore I would like to ask whether you have experienced or heard of
other cases.


Steffen

--
------------------------------------------------------------
Steffen Dietzel, PD Dr. rer. nat
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Walter-Brendel-Zentrum für experimentelle Medizin (WBex)
Head of light microscopy

Marchioninistr. 27
D-81377 München
Germany

[Smith, Benjamin E.]

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After some laptops were stolen from the room next door, I installed a security camera in an obvious position in each room and have a clearly posted sign about the camera on the door.  I figure this is much more effective as a deterrent than a way to catch thieves, which is ideal in my book, as I'd rather not have stuff disappear in the first place.

While I have not had to use the cameras to catch thieves, it has proved rather effective at catching people who are not checked-out on the equipment trying to sneak in late at night to use it.  This alone helped me troubleshoot why one of our microscopes was in such a poor state.  I also guess this would constitute a theft of service, as they weren't logging their time either.

In general, theft rates vary greatly from institution to institution.  However, the fact that thefts may be rare at your facility is little consolation when a $20,000 objective or $10,000 server wanders off unexpectedly.

Cheers,
   Ben Smith



________________________________________
From: Confocal Microscopy List [[hidden email]] on behalf of Steffen Dietzel [[hidden email]]
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 8:55 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Is theft a problem?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I'd like to tap once more the experience of you listers.

I am currently setting up a web site for a core facility and I am
wondering how much details I really want to have on the web.

On the one hand, the more information the users can easily find the
better, whether for planning of experiments or when writing the paper.
On the other hand, it is usually discouraged to publicly announce in
which room exactly which valuables can be found - and stolen.

So the question comes up whether theft of microscopes or parts is not
only a theoretical problem but also an actual risk. I don't expect a
confocal to get carried out without being noticed, not even on a
Saturday night, but possibly parts of it? Objectives, cameras maybe? Or
smaller, portable systems?

I remember one case of stolen objectives in Darmstadt, Germany, that was
discussed on this list in 2000 (*Subject:*used high quality objectives).
But other than that, I have not heard about any thefts.

Therefore I would like to ask whether you have experienced or heard of
other cases.


Steffen

--
------------------------------------------------------------
Steffen Dietzel, PD Dr. rer. nat
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Walter-Brendel-Zentrum für experimentelle Medizin (WBex)
Head of light microscopy

Marchioninistr. 27
D-81377 München
Germany

[Tim Feinstein]

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*****

If you are purely looking for deterrence on the cheap, those little opaque
bubbles that cover ceiling cameras can be had for a few bucks.  An
institution where I once worked had a camera on the back door that was not
plugged in for quite a while (rumor had it for a decade or moreŠ), and
that seemed to work.

Best,


Tim

Timothy Feinstein, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
University of Pittsburgh Department of Developmental Biology





On 8/31/15, 10:15 AM, "Confocal Microscopy List on behalf of Smith,
Benjamin E." <[hidden email] on behalf of
[hidden email]> wrote:

>*****
>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>*****
>
>After some laptops were stolen from the room next door, I installed a
>security camera in an obvious position in each room and have a clearly
>posted sign about the camera on the door.  I figure this is much more
>effective as a deterrent than a way to catch thieves, which is ideal in
>my book, as I'd rather not have stuff disappear in the first place.
>
>While I have not had to use the cameras to catch thieves, it has proved
>rather effective at catching people who are not checked-out on the
>equipment trying to sneak in late at night to use it.  This alone helped
>me troubleshoot why one of our microscopes was in such a poor state.  I
>also guess this would constitute a theft of service, as they weren't
>logging their time either.
>
>In general, theft rates vary greatly from institution to institution.
>However, the fact that thefts may be rare at your facility is little
>consolation when a $20,000 objective or $10,000 server wanders off
>unexpectedly.
>
>Cheers,
>   Ben Smith
>
>
>
>________________________________________
>From: Confocal Microscopy List [[hidden email]] on
>behalf of Steffen Dietzel [[hidden email]]
>Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 8:55 AM
>To: [hidden email]
>Subject: Is theft a problem?
>
>*****
>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>*****
>
>I'd like to tap once more the experience of you listers.
>
>I am currently setting up a web site for a core facility and I am
>wondering how much details I really want to have on the web.
>
>On the one hand, the more information the users can easily find the
>better, whether for planning of experiments or when writing the paper.
>On the other hand, it is usually discouraged to publicly announce in
>which room exactly which valuables can be found - and stolen.
>
>So the question comes up whether theft of microscopes or parts is not
>only a theoretical problem but also an actual risk. I don't expect a
>confocal to get carried out without being noticed, not even on a
>Saturday night, but possibly parts of it? Objectives, cameras maybe? Or
>smaller, portable systems?
>
>I remember one case of stolen objectives in Darmstadt, Germany, that was
>discussed on this list in 2000 (*Subject:*used high quality objectives).
>But other than that, I have not heard about any thefts.
>
>Therefore I would like to ask whether you have experienced or heard of
>other cases.
>
>
>Steffen
>
>--
>------------------------------------------------------------
>Steffen Dietzel, PD Dr. rer. nat
>Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
>Walter-Brendel-Zentrum für experimentelle Medizin (WBex)
>Head of light microscopy
>
>Marchioninistr. 27
>D-81377 München
>Germany

[mcammer]

While the corridors and "public spaces" may be bristling with cameras, cameras in labs may violate your institution's policies, end up being an invasion of privacy (even though people shouldn’t really have an expectation of privacy at work), or piss-off researchers.  I've even had one PI say that he didn't want scheduling software available on the web because people could see when his lab was or wasn't using equipment.

=========================================================================
 Michael Cammer, Microscopy Core & Skirball Institute, NYU Langone Medical Center
                      Cell:  914-309-3270     ** MY OFFICE HAS MOVED TO SKIRBALL 2nd FLOOR, Back right **
          http://ocs.med.nyu.edu/microscopy & http://microscopynotes.com/


-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Steffen Dietzel
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 9:56 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Is theft a problem?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I'd like to tap once more the experience of you listers.

I am currently setting up a web site for a core facility and I am wondering how much details I really want to have on the web.

On the one hand, the more information the users can easily find the better, whether for planning of experiments or when writing the paper.
On the other hand, it is usually discouraged to publicly announce in which room exactly which valuables can be found - and stolen.

So the question comes up whether theft of microscopes or parts is not only a theoretical problem but also an actual risk. I don't expect a confocal to get carried out without being noticed, not even on a Saturday night, but possibly parts of it? Objectives, cameras maybe? Or smaller, portable systems?

I remember one case of stolen objectives in Darmstadt, Germany, that was discussed on this list in 2000 (*Subject:*used high quality objectives).
But other than that, I have not heard about any thefts.

Therefore I would like to ask whether you have experienced or heard of other cases.


Steffen

--
------------------------------------------------------------
Steffen Dietzel, PD Dr. rer. nat
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Walter-Brendel-Zentrum für experimentelle Medizin (WBex)
Head of light microscopy

Marchioninistr. 27
D-81377 München
Germany

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=================================

[Alison J. North]

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*****

Hello listserver friends and colleagues,

I can't believe I'm already having to post another job ad, but it's for
a positive reason - another of my staff members is moving on to direct
his own core facility.  So if you know of anybody who would be
interested in a position in our merry center, please pass on the info
below....  Thanks!  Alison

_Research Support Specialist, Bio-Imaging Resource Center, The
Rockefeller University, New York_

The Bio-Imaging Resource Center (BIRC) at the Rockefeller University in
New York City is seeking a qualified and motivated full-time
microscopist, with particular emphasis on light sheet, multiphoton and
confocal imaging.The Research Support Specialist will assist in advising
and training users in all areas of optical microscopy, including
microscope set-up, experimental design, sample preparation and data
evaluation.The Specialist will also perform trouble-shooting, microscope
maintenance and miscellaneous laboratory maintenance and job-related
duties as required and will report to the Director of the
Center.Collaborative studies with RU researchers will also be encouraged
for motivated individuals.

Equipment in the center currently includes a LaVision Ultramicroscope
(light sheet system), an Olympus FV1000 MPE Twin upright multiphoton
system with dual NIR lasers plus GaAsP detectors, a Leica SP8 confocal
microscope, a Zeiss LSM 780 confocal microscope, and a Zeiss LSM 880
inverted confocal/multiphoton system fitted with Visiopharm confocal
stereology software.Other equipment in the facility includes OMX 3D-SIM
and Nikon STORM super-resolution systems, two DeltaVisions, an Olympus
CellVoyager, a spinning disk confocal microscope fitted with
FRAP/Photoactivation capabilities, an MMI laser microdissection system,
and various widefield fluorescence systems for live cell imaging.

_Qualifications/skills required:_

Requirements include a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in biology or a related
field and a minimum of two years of experience in advanced fluorescence
microscopy, preferably involving in vivo or whole organ imaging, plus
experience with sample preparation and experimental design.Must have
excellent interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills, an
enthusiastic approach towards new techniques, motivation to maintain a
broad knowledge of state-of-the-art imaging technology and the
flexibility to interact with a diverse group of researchers.Strong
organizational and multi-tasking skills are also essential.

_How to apply_

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a beautiful
working environment. Please visit the URL below and apply to job code
IRC18289.Please make sure to upload your resume, a cover letter, and
your salary history.

http://www.rockefeller.edu/hr/jobs

For specific technical questions about the BIRC’s instrumentation or
services, please feel free to contact Dr. Alison North, the Director of
the BIRC, at: [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>.

T/he Rockefeller University is an Equal Opportunity Employer -
Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans/



--
Alison J. North, Ph.D.,
Senior Director of the Bio-Imaging Resource Center and
Research Associate Professor,
The Rockefeller University,
1230 York Avenue,
New York,
NY 10065.
Tel: office ++ 212 327 7488
Tel: lab    ++ 212 327 7486
Fax:        ++ 212 327 7489

[jerie]

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>On Behalf Of Steffen Dietzel
>Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 9:56 AM
>Subject: Is theft a problem?
>So the question comes up whether theft of microscopes or parts is not only
a theoretical problem but also an actual risk.

no problem so far (17 years) for expensive parts. Consumables, immersion
Oil bottles, lens tissue, cover glass stocks, tools, chemicals yes, always
an issue, Lock these away and only provide in minute amounts. Damage
through careless use and/or ignorance was an issue as well. In case a very
similar microscope is used close by, some objectives tend to diffuse there
which can be annoying, but doesn't justify a BigBrother scenario imho.

Abraços, Jens

Dr. Jens Rietdorf, visiting scientist @ center for technological
development in health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
http://br.linkedin.com/pub/jens-rietdorf/6/4a3/189/

>
>

[Arne Seitz]

I've been working for nine year in open access microscopy facilities and theft (of equipment) has not been an issue.

Nevertheless equipment might disappear on a "temporal" basis because it is used elsewhere (stage inserts are a typical example). Labelling usually helps to remind users to bring them back.

Best
Arne


 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Steffen Dietzel
Sent: lundi 31 août 2015 15:56
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Is theft a problem?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I'd like to tap once more the experience of you listers.

I am currently setting up a web site for a core facility and I am wondering how much details I really want to have on the web.

On the one hand, the more information the users can easily find the better, whether for planning of experiments or when writing the paper.
On the other hand, it is usually discouraged to publicly announce in which room exactly which valuables can be found - and stolen.

So the question comes up whether theft of microscopes or parts is not only a theoretical problem but also an actual risk. I don't expect a confocal to get carried out without being noticed, not even on a Saturday night, but possibly parts of it? Objectives, cameras maybe? Or smaller, portable systems?

I remember one case of stolen objectives in Darmstadt, Germany, that was discussed on this list in 2000 (*Subject:*used high quality objectives).
But other than that, I have not heard about any thefts.

Therefore I would like to ask whether you have experienced or heard of other cases.


Steffen

--
------------------------------------------------------------
Steffen Dietzel, PD Dr. rer. nat
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Walter-Brendel-Zentrum für experimentelle Medizin (WBex)
Head of light microscopy

Marchioninistr. 27
D-81377 München
Germany

[Guy Cox-2]

We have had thefts from individual offices and so, regrettably, we have to advise everyone to lock their offices when they leave them.  In terms of the equipment rooms, they are all behind a card access system so we do know who has been in and out.  We did have a problem with high-end objectives being borrowed (and always eventually returned) so we had to move to a sign-out system for them.  I think there would be potential legal and ethical problems with security cameras.  

                                                          Guy

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Steffen Dietzel
Sent: Monday, 31 August 2015 11:56 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Is theft a problem?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I'd like to tap once more the experience of you listers.

I am currently setting up a web site for a core facility and I am wondering how much details I really want to have on the web.

On the one hand, the more information the users can easily find the better, whether for planning of experiments or when writing the paper.
On the other hand, it is usually discouraged to publicly announce in which room exactly which valuables can be found - and stolen.

So the question comes up whether theft of microscopes or parts is not only a theoretical problem but also an actual risk. I don't expect a confocal to get carried out without being noticed, not even on a Saturday night, but possibly parts of it? Objectives, cameras maybe? Or smaller, portable systems?

I remember one case of stolen objectives in Darmstadt, Germany, that was discussed on this list in 2000 (*Subject:*used high quality objectives).
But other than that, I have not heard about any thefts.

Therefore I would like to ask whether you have experienced or heard of other cases.


Steffen

--
------------------------------------------------------------
Steffen Dietzel, PD Dr. rer. nat
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Walter-Brendel-Zentrum für experimentelle Medizin (WBex)
Head of light microscopy

Marchioninistr. 27
D-81377 München
Germany