More…

Port Side of WR963 posted on our Facebook page yesterday. Taken around 1996 from what I’m told.

“Flt Lt TG Williams”

Yes, and sadly almost cetainly someone that heard about it via one of the aviation forums.

Sorry, evidence suggests otherwise. Thieves don’t usually lock up after themselves either.

Well thats nice to know, I don’t count myself as a thief either – indeed I am late 40’s, work in a professional capacity, have three degrees – and currently 4 active CRB checks!!

Professional qualifications don’t grant morals. The point was – I don’t know you guys on UK Urbex well enough to judge you positively or negatively on your character.

Comments in blue to avoid multiple quoting…

Rich

But showing that you can get access to the interior might….

No?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/8179584/Thieves-use-Google-Earth-to-steal-lead-from-churches.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4995293/Google-Earth-used-by-thief-to-pinpoint-buildings-with-valuable-lead-roofs.html

I think theres a difference between using Google Earth to figure out if a roof has lead on it or not, and whether you can get access. The Shackleton at Duxford had next to no photos taken of it, was padlocked, and still got pillaged by someone.

I’m not going to tar a bunch of people I don’t know as possible theives, based on their loose approach to boundaries. Last I heard trespass was still a civil matter, not criminal. How many of us have wandered onto an old wartime airfield? Or closer to home, climbed over a fence to fetch a football back? I have.

All I’d ask is that these Urbex chaps ask for access first to avoid damage to aircraft and property, and injury to themselves.

Originally Posted by richw_82
If they geniunely tried powering it up

Well, do you really believe that? 😉

Given that some idiot visitors in the past have tried to power our aircraft up (two I know of while I was sat in the aircraft with them – they were made to leave)… I have to say yes. It is a possibility.

I can see the attraction of abandoned places and machines, and Long Marston seems to be a regular fixture. Going over the wire at open museums though just smacks of being too mean to pay entry (and by doing so help preserve the aircraft) and flouting law regarding trespass. Most places would try and help you get night/evening/long exposure shots if asked.

I can’t agree that pictures encourage theft though. Unfortunately you find theives in all walks of life at all places, and if they can take advantage they will.

Rich

The bit that really worries me was the comment regarding the batteries being flat on the Nimrod. If they geniunely tried powering it up; that was a dumb move and pretty dangerous given that they don’t know the state of the aircraft.