25/03/2012

please RT...

On Thursday night someone broke in to our house.  They took our car, our computers and all my camera equipment.  I actually still don't think I quite believe it.  It has been the most surreal few days and when it first happened I honestly was just happy that our hard drives were still here and our cat was ok... I didn't care about anything else.  But now it's slowly hitting home...

When it happened we were out.. me and Pete had had such an amazing week.  On the Monday it had been my Birthday and our first wedding anniversary and on that Thursday we'd had the nicest walk around the park, had some good news about work, got dressed up, went out for a meal and then met up with a bunch of wedding peeps at a pub.  I even specifically thought at one point how I felt really happy, the business was going really well and I felt on top of everything..

At the end of the night we got out of the taxi and the first thing Pete said was "Where's the car?".. we stopped for a second wondering whether we'd parked it on another road (parking at our house is a nightmare).. but we both definitely knew that we'd parked it there... we then had a slightly confused few steps.. which then turned in to a run as we began to realise the car keys were in the house.  The house looked normal from the outside and when we entered the living room everything looked fine.. until I spotted a drawer to our little sideboard was open. That's when I knew.  We both ran through the dining room (where more drawers were open) and that few seconds up to my office was horrendous.  The first thing I noticed was the computer gone and then my camera bag.. but the total relief when I saw all my hard drives is indescribable.  We had had back ups of everything stored at a parent's house but we were about to move in to an office space so they had been brought back to put in the new office.. so the thought of them all being stolen.. well, we all know that it's actually not even worth thinking about.

We called the police, gave a statement and then the following day was spent calling insurance companies and finding receipts.  We now have claims waiting to be authorised so that we can start hopefully replacing things.

I find it actually quite weird how I've reacted to all of this.  When it happened I felt oddly calm and just kept saying "No way.." in a kind of surprised way.. I just could not believe that there was a space where the car should be, where my computer was.  I even asked the police should I not be reacting more to this.. one then said that we'd probably not sleep that night as someone had been inside our house, been through our stuff etc.. and actually quite a few people have said that that would be the worst feeling, but again, my weird reactions.. I'm totally ok with it.  I feel normal in the house, Pete had to go out on Friday night so I was on my own in the house and I felt fine.  I actually joked about how the burglars would be having a field day as they have a boot full of photo booth props including wigs and silly hats.. but today we've been going through just how much they've taken and looking at, realistically what will be covered.  For our insurance we get compensated for how much the item is worth now (depreciation etc) so it looks like we're going to lose out and it will cost us money.

This is where I struggle.  When we started this business we had no money.  Nothing.  I borrowed the bare minimum and we bought basic equipment (a couple of D90's and some basic lenses) and the first 18 months was incredible work wise but a complete struggle financially.  Over the past two and a half years we've worked our ass's off climbing that ladder.  Every single purchase felt like such an accomplishment... I remember getting my 5D and just feeling incredible.. even starting with a couple of memory cards to now having about ten still makes me feel so proud.  My kit still isn't extravagant..  I use a few lenses and that's it but we were about to maybe invest in a few more lenses, maybe another desktop.. and it felt that in the next few months we were finally going to be able to stretch our wings a bit.. all the hard work was finally paying off... and then this happens.  We take one step forward and then once again we have to take two steps back.  It really sucks.

BUT...really.. we're ok.  No-one was hurt, my cat is safe, the business will carry on as normal and we're going to remain positive about the whole thing.  When it happened (again, quite a weird reaction for me) I tweeted it.  I'm not usually like that but the response has been overwhelming.  We've had so much support and offers 100 times over to lend kit, laptops (I'm actually typing on Rock My Wedding's laptop right now), lifts to places.. everyone has been incredible.  I think we all need to remember that although Twitter can get a bit bitchy and annoying sometimes.. when the shit actually hits the fan we're all there for each other 110%.. and that's pretty special.

This is quite a rambling post but if one good thing could come out of this I'd really like it if everyone made an effort to look at their own situation... their security, their back ups, their insurance, record serial numbers and if there's anything that could be slightly better then DO IT.  I also want to say a huge thank you for all the kind messages and offers of help.. you really are the best family and have easily made this whole situation so much easier..

I'm not sure if this is going to help at all but a few people have mentioned posting serial numbers of equipment just in case things turn up on places like ebay etc so below is all the information about stuff that was taken.  If you could pass it on and make as many people aware of it as possible I would be extremely grateful...

iMac Desktop - Serial no: VM817K99ZE2

Macbook Pro - Serial no: W8016RDXATN

Canon 5D Mark II Body - Serial no: 2031200165

Canon 5D Mark II Body - Serial no: 2831516721

Canon 85mm f1.2 lens - Serial no: 155579

Canon 35mm f1.4 lens - Serial no: 109527
(also has a filter attached that is actually stuck to the lens)

These are a few instagram photos from our lovely night out taken pretty much at the same time they must have been in our house...


76 comments:

  1. Said it before, and I'll say it again... just so glad that you're safe. Funny thing is that when bad thing happen you do think that you'll have a 'stock response' and then you are surprised by how well you handle it all. Hope the stuff gets found, but when bad things happen it is gratifying to know how loved you are by others and to get the support that you need.

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  2. So sorry to hear your news, its a horrible feeling when something like happens but it will get better in time. Don't let them get you down, you have an amazing talent and these people cannot change that. You should try your local cash converters and similar shops as sometimes they only sell them on close to the place they stole them from. x

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  3. Oh you two. What a bloody horrible horrible thing to happen. Feel so sad for you. Some people are such utter f*ckers. I hope with all my heart that you can replace everything or get it all back. If there is anything at all we can do.. xx

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  4. great post and advice emma - i am so sorry this happened to you but am glad you are all okay and keeping positive. [those wankers cant stop team case from conquering the world dammit] :) much love xxx

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    1. Really bad news :(
      I hope they find the people who did it!

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  5. is it weird that this is heart-warming and yet also so sad... I'm so pleased that you are all ok. I couldn't think of anything more violating. However, having your health is not something they can steal. Don't let them drag you down Mrs!! What evil and selfish people there are, shame on the human race. RT a million times over :)

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  6. honey i can't actually believe it ;( its beyond horrendous for all three of you, at least maximo was totally safe, always sounds soooo twee i know, but at least you weren't harmed in anyway. big love as always xxx

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  7. I know I've said this on twitter/facebook but really so sorry to hear about this. I will keep an eye out on ebay and the like for you!

    Still can't believe how heartless some people are - it's a few bucks for them but mean so much more to the victims. My parents house got broken into when I still lived there and I remember the sick feeling in my stomach when I realised what happened. Though I was only a teenager and had shit all - all the things I treasured were thrown all over the place, some even damaged. Police caught the person (a drug addict) eventually but most things have already been pawned off/sold including all my mum's jewellery she got for her wedding.

    Take care and just shout if you need any help. xxx

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  8. So sorry to hear this Emma. Horrible, just horrible. I've worked my bum off too (70+ hr weeks with two kids) so I totally feel for you. Let's hope this has a silver lining somewhere. Lots of love, Sarah P x

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  9. Sorry this has happened to you and your hubby, Emma. Hope they get what's coming to them. Sending positive vibes to you, hope it all works out well soon. xxx

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  10. you're an inspiration. no matter how you look at it - the situation sucks but you're determined to joke + be positive about it + THAT is just one of the reasons that you guys will turn this into a super minor bump in the road. not only that - you've given me (+ others) the kick up the ass needed to check security/backups/insurance etc. thoughts are with you, love you guys xx

    p.s did maximo look particularly suspicious when you got home? nobody has questioned maximo about this yet...

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  11. Sorry to hear, Emma, and I wish you best of luck in getting all/some of it back. I'm sure you'll be back up and running before long. Hope all turns out well.

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  12. yes, it's not pretty having the house broken into.My ex wife often described the event like being raped (our home had been violated)

    You can replace kit and car, you can't replace your health, car and hard drives with all your images on.

    Glad every thing that's irreplaceable is safe and well and it is all covered.
    Hope you are able to remain as positive as you appear to be, and that this just spurs you on to better and greater things.

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  13. I'm so sorry guys. This really, really sucks balls. You two are amazing though and how you're dealing with it is truly inspiring. As someone who as been through a lot of setbacks, both financially and emotionally, I know you're going to come out so much stronger on the other side. xx

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  14. Sarah London Photog25 March 2012 at 20:01

    As horrible a situation as it is for you, and i really do feel for you - knowing exactly what its like to work your way up piece by piece of equipment and how amazing it feels to even get the smallest most basic thing, your post has really made me think and like you say asses my situation, especially as you are about the 4th person that ive heard of to have been burgled in the past fortnight (all diff areas), i have since cleared my laptop off of anything personal and made sure everything was backed up and am making plans and checking for all those other bits you mention too.
    I really hope you manage to get a lot of things back on insurance and that your outlay isnt too huge!

    There is some software you can load onto your computers which can be activated if they are stolen and images from the inbuilt camera can be emailed to you etc - im afraid i dont know what its called, but a google will prob find it. I saw it on a few progs a while ago and keep meaning to look into it and then forgetting!

    Thank you for your post as a warning to us all !!

    Best Wishes
    Sarah

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  15. I know exactly how you feel, we came home one Bank Holiday and wondered why the deadlock was set on the door, my husband clicked when he looked through the window to see the back door open. I was the same as you - I ran upstairs to check on the cats! It's just so unreal - you go into coping mode checking what's been stolen and dealing with the police, then it hits you...

    Even months later I would go looking for something only to realise it must have been stolen, the oddest thing was when we were going on holiday, we went in the loft to get the suitcases and.........you guessed it, stolen. No doubt to haul all my hard earned possession off to sell for their pathetic habits.

    It really makes you aware though, I have photographs of all my jewellery, a list of serial numbers for all high value electricals and we revaued the house contents insurance, it's well worth it.

    I'm sure it will take you a while to get over this but you sound like you have a remarkable drive to accomplish what you have already so good luck, you deserve it.

    best wishes....Paula

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  16. Wow, you were so calm but I felt quite teary reading that. So glad you have the positive attitude...and the back-ups!! Best Wishes, Sarah

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  17. Not nice at all.

    This site is worth checking http://www.stolencamerafinder.com/

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    Replies
    1. Owen Howells (Photographer, Pembrokeshire)26 March 2012 at 10:28

      What a great website idea, hope it helps Emma. I wonder if it post the serial of the lens too. Seen a few photographers posting the serials around the internet already so hopefully it'll help find the equipment.

      Best wishes and a speedy recovery to full equipment strength from us.

      Owen

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  18. Just heard Emma - so sorry and so cross. Glad you are OK shed a tear for you but you will come out stronger. Love Karen x

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  19. Hi Emma,
    So sorry to hear this, it's totally shit when it happens and I can totally understand how you're feeling....we have been through it numerous times at work, and it's hard....Dom and I have started from absolutely nothing as well, 7 yrs ago was our first break in in our brick shed office (the shed office that was a major accomplishment at the time) they took everything, a week later they came back, took everything again and trashed it totally..this was over Christmas, we felt so deflated, like someone is totally shitting on you from a great height when you are working so damn hard with a baby on the way, 2 months later our car was broken into, we wanted to give up as we also had a pretty major personal blow in the same year....7 good yrs on we are now in our shop, last Easter day, phone call from the police, they smashed the front door at 11am (next to a frigging church on Easter day) stole our computers, like you we just prayed the server wasn't gone, or the laser cutters damaged, luckily they weren't that bright...that same week our cat was then killed...so basically all I'm saying is it does totally feel like crap when someone does this, and you have the strangest years when it feels like it never stops, especially when you've worked so hard from nothing, but like you we had the same positive reaction, thank God our staff weren't in there and hurt, and thank God we back up, like you and most importantly we had to put a few bad weeks into context into some pretty amazing years. I'm so sorry for you for this as it's the time it takes out of your next week that is such an inconvenience, but rise above the bastards and you will be fine, I hope you get it all sorted. We had to pay out £1000 to get shutters installed (another credit card battered!), but it was worth it. One thing we've learned when you've been knocked down and knocked down, it feels excellent when you're on top! Big love to you both Helen and Dom (cutture) xx PS Shit sorry for the long 'all about me' comment! PPS This was my post on it last yr > http://www.cutture.com/blog/normal-service-shall-resume

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  20. Really sorry to hear what's happened & I'm really glad nobody was hurt. Karma will catch up with whoever did it u may not be there to see it but it will happen, what goes round comes round. I hope the insurance company gets you sorted quickly it happened to my mum a few years back but unfortunately the thieves came back just after shed replaced everything with the insurance payout, that may be something you have to watch out for too as much as I don't wish to upset you any further it's not always something the police will tell you so you may want to think about upping ur home security & also visable security ie lights outside dummy cameras outside anything that they can see from outside that they know would make the job harder second time round to put them off from returning as I would hate you to have to go through this again. :-)

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  21. Emma and Pete - I was horrified when I saw your tweet on Thursday and still feel sick to the stomach that this happened to you. I know what it's like to start a business with nothing and build it up only for some shithead to spoil it. We've had our business premises broken into twice (equipment stolen) and our van broken into (tools stolen...we even had the entire engine stolen from another van!!) So I know exactly where you're coming from (had my house broken into only as a student but the thought of someone going through your things is horrendous - glad you're still feeling ok about your home at least)
    It makes me so angry that someone can do this to a truly decent hardworking couple like yourselves but you will get through this. You're safe and you have each other (and the cat) and that's all that matters at the moment.
    You have the most amazing talent Emma and you will rise above this, carry on and be even more brilliant than you are now. Those scumbags will amount to nothing.
    I hope something seriously good comes out of this crappy situation for you both
    Love Heidi xx

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  22. Hi Emma,

    I have followed your website and facebook page for a while now and I am so sorry to hear about this horrible incident! How horrible the world can become in one moment...however, your reaction seems to be exactly right. Why let the burgulars take your felling of safety in your own home or your positive attitude to life. Material possessions can be replaced (even though i can imagine your frustration at having to build up your collection of amazing equipment!). I am a regular Ebay shopper, so I will have a quick scout around when i am on the site this week! Fingers crossed the insurance cough up a large amount of money :) keep up your wonderful work, your photos are truly beautiful! They can't steal your talent hehe!!

    Love Olivia xx

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  23. big, massive hugs to you guys - there are some real bastards out there - the karma police will hunt them down for you!! really though, if i can do anything to help you guys, just shout, please!! xxxxx

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  24. Sending you a big hug! My house got broken into when I went to lunch once (I was only gone for 90 minutes). It was heartbreaking. I'll definitely be RT and posting this on facebook.

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  25. Hi Emma, hope the insurance do good by you and as a result of the blog the original equipment is found. My friend Rob has had it added to this online site. Hope it helps http://paper.li/GaryLWest/1327039059

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  26. They are some real douche bags out there but what can you do,right? You got to keep on pushing which I think is what you are doing.
    Glad your cat is safe and that you guys are alright.
    The same thing happened to Christine Meintjes (they stole her hard drives as well!) and they found the thief and were able to recover most of their stuff.
    Here's hoping it happens for you as well!

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  27. That is dreadful. I had a dream last night that someone stole my camera bag while I fell asleep on a train, and the panic in the morning as I rushed downstairs to check it was just a dream. So I really can't imagine what you must be going through. Hope they catch the little ~****~ xx

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  28. Brave girl writing this post, my heart was totally broken for you when I found out this had happened, seeing you tweet it and knowing you would be going through the emotions of first discovering and then realisation of what had happened made me feel really unsettled, I wanted to jump in my car and come and bring you blankets and cups of tea!

    This is the most horrendous thing and so utterly shit that it happened to two folk who bring so much sunshine and positivity into the lives of others. Going to spread the news of this post and hope that the police eventually find the total indescribably human beings that did this.

    I am just so pleased you weren't there/harmed in any way and that your cat is OK.

    Stay strong love, you're an amazing photographer, you're gonna be fine, you're brand and business will go from strength to strength. Everyone knows that. I hope you do too.

    Love you lots,

    Annabel xXx

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  29. Hey Emma and Pete - so sorry to hear about this - but so glad you are both (& kitty) ok. Your outlook is a credit to you - you are handling it I think in the best way possible - not letting it drag you down - I think there is nothing that could quell the beautiful bright stars that you both are :) So happy to hear of all the brilliant support out there for you...Happy Anniversary to you both xx

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  30. Hey you beautiful couple..Keep your chins up. Think everyones said it above, but glad you guys & Max are safe and unfortunately there's always going to be low-life scum out there, but its those scum that make you realise how amazing everyone else is! Can't wait to see you guys and well done for being so strong. Lots of love Hols & Kiwi x

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  31. Hi Emma & Pete,
    I couldn't sleep after you tweeted what had happened. What an awful situation. Just kept thinking ..don't they know how lovely you are ..get lost (or stronger words to that effect). This post is heartfelt and inspirational in making a bad situation take a hike & not let it get the best of you. Good for you guys. "What doesn't break you makes you stronger" ... Wishing you every success. Love Eve xx

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  32. Awful story, lovely people, have read and passed on through my facebook and twitter feeds. Power to social media that someone somewhere might be offered the goods with serial numbers intact and the culprits caught. The response though does restore our faith in how kind people can be, very good luck, Anne-Marie

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  33. Hi,

    What a violation of everything you have worked so hard to achieve, but common theft will never win out, at least you have the positivity to carry on regardless. Don't let them win, determination and effort can never be stolen. Natasha

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  34. Oh cr#p, only just read this Emma... I would feel sick for months if that happened to me, so good for you (and Pete) for staying positive and bouncing back. Sod the sad little robbers :)

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  35. Oh Emma, my stomach churned reading that. Lots of love and, well, see you this weekend?

    Kelly (& Somik) xxx

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  36. Sorry to hear about this. Stay positive, onwards and upwards. Great photography by the way!

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  37. My dear lovely Emma. When Seth and I read your tweet our hearts sunk, our jaws dropped and we both felt sick to our stomachs. We can't even imagine how it must have felt to stand there and see your hard work taken so quickly without a second thought. Especially to such a beautiful pair as yourselves, it couldn't be more unjust. But somehow I knew that being the beautiful and selfless people that you are, that the most important thing left in tact would be your cat baby and your hard-drives. It's proof of your beautiful temperament's but also how incredibly loved and supported you are by your community. The people who do things like this will suffer hardship and trauma their entire life, the repercussions of their terrible decisions. But you my lovely, despite the short term pain of it all will carry on, your life full of love, laughter, beautiful work and the support of those who care about you. Much Love T & Seth xo

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  38. Oh no, so sad to hear dear ;(

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  39. Terrible! I have retweeted resulting in multiple further retweets including this http://paper.li/PhotoMktMentor/1307143653 at least serial nos will be well broadcast. Let's hop the scum get caught.

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  40. hi emma, i only know you via rock n roll bride, but i cannot believe this horrible thing happened to you. much good vibes your way, from melbourne australia. xox. donna.

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  41. I am so sorry to hear you are going through this, we were burgled and went through the same emotions, really calm to begin with too. It took a while for it to hit home. Take care of yourselves and take any support offered as it is a really hard thing to go through. Kat shared this link and while I've read your blog a few times I don't think I've commented, but I would like to send love and positive thoughts your way.
    Corinne x

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  42. Hey Emma - just in case you missed my tweet in all the madness, this site might help you track your cameras down. Hope you're back on feet soon!

    http://www.stolencamerafinder.com/

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  43. Emma & Pete, I'm so so sorry, what a shitty, horrible, awful thing to happen to such amazing people. I know there's nothing I can say, which hasn't been said, but my thoughts are with you.

    I think you will have made a lot of people think hard and take action to improve their own security/insurance/back up situations (myself very much included).

    If there is anything at all you need you must ask and we'll all be rallying round to help.

    X x

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  44. Oh Emma! What a rubbish thing to happen to you guys, especially when you were out having such a lovely time!

    Your attitude is what makes you who you are, why people are drawn to and just what makes you so blummin well special.

    I'm sure the good to come out of this is being able to see just how loved you are, even by people who don't know you.

    Glad you, Pete and the cat are ok and how fantastic that your hard drives were ok too!

    Emma xxx

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  45. So sorry to hear about this Emma, I have been thinking about this a lot over this the last week as a neighbour's house was broken into.

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  46. Sorry to hear this Emma, I hope the insurance is sorted out swiftly. I can vividly remember a similar feeling when my parents house was broken into when I was seven years old, but as you say, no one got hurt ... and you have your back ups!

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  47. Alison Buchanan26 March 2012 at 12:54

    What a horrible thing to happen - just be so thankful you were well organised and professional enough to back up your hard drives - I hope that the insurance comes good and you can replace it all. It doesn't help the feeling of having your privacy and personal space invaded but you obviously have great friends and family around you. Take care.

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  48. Whilst I don't know you on a personal level Emma, I have followed your blog posts for sometime. To think that a fellow professional has encountered this amount of personal distress and shock really sent chills down me ( and that of my parents and partner, i spread the word about the post). I like many on here hope all your claims are sorted accordingly and you get back everything you are owed and more. I look forward to seeing more of your fabulous work which will hopefully be a cathartic process for you. best of luck with everything.x

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  49. im not sure what more to say but really just praying things will get better , as they always should, after this saddened event. though im way far from where you are now but sending you massive hugs and encouraging thoughts. things could have been much worst , so glad no one got hurt. knowing you since you started out, i know you can both go through this pretty strongly. take care emma & pete. xxx

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  50. So sorry for you both. I had dinner with the Lawson's last night and they told me about it. We haven't met before but I love your blog and your work and feel I just wanted offer a bit of support. We shoot Nikon so we're probably not a lot if use to you but there is a D7000 sat here with a 50 1.4 that you can use for as long as you like!

    I know it's hard but ALL things have a positive side to them and it could have been so much worse. Thankfully you guys and the Cat are all safe. At the end of the day all the things taken are just Stuff - they're only things and what's really important is the people you love and care about. I'm sure in a years time you'll look back and be strangely pleased it's happened as we always learn more from the bad things when they happen.

    Here's an idea: take everyone up on their kind offers of borrowing kit - get the insurance money - blow it all on a shopping trip to the Hambledon!!!!

    After that shoot everything on toy cameras, Terry Richardson style!!!!

    Best wishes and feel free to email if you would like to borrow the camera.

    Stu X

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  51. Emma, this is simply awful, just awful. I can't believe people can do this to other people. They MUST have known this was your business and simply didnt care how much aggravation they have caused you, let alone the stress.

    I hope you are both recovering from the shock and moving on and getting things sorted. And I am so glad your cat was ok !!

    Please do let me know if you need any equipment if you have any upcoming shoots until your replacements arrive, lenses etc ... I also have a spare PC if you need something urgently.

    Hugs to you all.

    Gill

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  52. Really sorry for you both. Hope you come out positive and stronger on the other side of this setback.

    mark

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  53. So Sorry to read about the brake in!

    we had exactly the same thing happen about 4 years ago some cameras / computers were taken but the loss of my wife sally's jewellery really broke my heart. As you say it all gets replaced in the end.....

    glad the cats ok!

    god bless the 3 of you :)

    David.

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  54. Emma,
    it may not help but ive added the serial numbers to my FB page,

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  55. As I tweeted... so sorry to hear about this! Let me know if I can assist in any way. Hope your insurance sorts you out for the most part.

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  56. Hope things get sorted.
    Two new 5d mk2`s are getting on for £5k.
    You mentioned your car but didnt give any details !
    I live in a small essex town/large village and not long ago there were a spate of break-ins where cars inc` a nice Mercedes and BMW X5 were stolen, keys taken but nothing else, presumably to order.
    The realisation that as the Americans put it, youve suffered a "home invasion" and not just a burglary hopefully will fade quickly enough.
    I like lots of us have nice stuff, cameras lenses etc, Ive never given thought to jotting down serial numbers till now. Timely reminder.
    Sentimantal values far outweigh monetary values and its a sad fact that only the insurance companies are the true winners. The low-lifes who do these things are bred with neither compassion nor consciences.

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  57. I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Perhaps you could try using this in a few weeks to see if they're posting photos anywhere... http://www.stolencamerafinder.com/

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  58. WE'VE SET UP A FUND TO HELP EMMA AND PETE RECOVER!

    WWW.WEHEARTEMMACASE.COM

    Please visit to donate and show your support!!

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  59. Bad times... Hope you get things sorted.

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  60. This not good, but is one of the reasons we all have insurance. Hope it all gets sorted out asap.

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  61. This is awful!!!
    I don't know if this website can help you find your camera http://www.stolencamerafinder.com/ I hope it does!

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  62. Hey Emma, so sorry to hear about what has happened. Thinking of you.
    Matt

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  63. Thanks for posting this, and for being detailed and taking the time you relay the full story - it really brings it home.
    I will sort out my own situation having read this.
    Sounds like you've had the help you need, but if you need more, I'd be happy to help.

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  64. Horrible horrible horrible news. :(
    They can take everything you own, but they will NEVER have what you have.
    (That amazing talent, the drive, the love, the life...)
    Really hope you get back on your feet sooner than you think and i'm glad you're all safe and sound.
    C'mon insurance company. Cough up. Massively. Make it all okay again.

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  65. Horrible reading this I am so sorry you lost your equipment. Thank God you are safe - that is the most important thing.
    x

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  66. Amanda (Big A!)28 March 2012 at 11:05

    Lovely Emma & Pete - I've only just heard/ read your dreadful news. You poor souls. I can't believe how pragmatic you are being. I went to pieces when it happend to me and it was before I was self employed, so it was only personal stuff. I'm always out and about in the car near you if I can be of any help taxi'ing either of you around and apart from that will offer huge Brummie hugs when I see you. Big love to you both xxx p.s. I have a laptop here that rarely seeing the light of day if you want to borrow it but it looks as though you might be ok.

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  67. hi Guys, I am so sorry to hear what has happened, you poor things. You are being so strong and positive, good for you (don't let the bastards get you down). I am sorry to be abusive but what a bunch of scum bags that did this!I know you have a tremendous amount of support but wanted to offer the same to you, kit, computers, anything like that just shout! Thoughts are with you xx

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  68. I am so sorry for you both. That is awful news and after seeing you both build something amazing out of nothing over the past few years it is heartbreaking to see you suffer such a horrible setback. Sending you all my love and thoughts x

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  69. I am just starting out as a photographer. Im in high school and your determination is very inspiring for me to work hard at this new passion for me. Im still saving up for my first camera. A nikon coolpix l810 or a nikon d3000. Thanks For you Inspiration, and I hope you recover as quickly as possible! :)

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  70. Wow, I can't even imagine what I'd do. I'm glad that you and your cat are all right though -- that you all are. I love following your blog and photography and I have every confidence that you'll get things all back to normal as soon as possible :D

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  71. Worth looking at this advert Emma?

    http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/canon-eos-5d-mk-ii-professional-slr-camera-kit/99166615

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  72. Oh flipping heck, you poor guys. Thank goodness you are ok & your cat. I'm a big believer in karma. The things they haven't taken are your inspiration, determination and awesomeness! Xx

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  73. God that's just awful. Really really feel for you and I hope that you are starting to get everything back on track.

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  74. Really sorry to hear you got burgled, it happened to us 3 times and my main priority was the cat too. Our cat had been asleep when they broke in (breeze block through the patio doors), he was terrified and has been quite a nervous cat ever since. In the end we moved somewhere quiet. I've never forgotten it though. I am sorry you had to go through it but your advice and practical approach is really important when so many people read your blog. I believe in Karma so whoever it is that broke into your house isn't really a person with feeling or morals. Keep on being an inspiration x

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