Posted on behalf of someone I know;

(Please feel free to forward this email to other relevant groups)
Hello,


In addition to having some preserved buses of my own, I am involved (as a
business venture) with RMC1496, which is an executive promotional vehicle -
http://www.limoloungeevents.com


Anyway, the bus was in London Bus & Truck at Northfleet from January to March,
receiving attention to various items. When I saw the bus afterwards, the little
brass handles which open and close both pieces of the front windscreen had been
removed, and a brand new hi-vis coat in packaging had been removed from the
saloon. London Bus & Truck are investigating, however it is obvious that some
routemaster preservationist has been in there, decided that RMC1496 doesn't need
its windscreen handles, maybe its owners don't even know what the handles do,
and that their preserved RM does, thus helped themselves.


With a yard that might have 50+ buses in it, Mark and his team can't be expected
to ensure souvenir hunters are kept away from buses all the time.


If anyone knows who may have done this, or knows of an RM that has suddenly
acquired winding handles, I would appreciate information in confidence.


The handles can be returned to the address on our website (which is The Lounge
pub, 1 White Horse Hill, Chislehurst) with no questions asked.


Failing that, if anyone has any of these handles for sale, I would appreciate
details and prices.


As someone who has previously worked as a manager for part of TfL, as well as
working with various operators, and always trying to help
enthusiasts/preservationists where I can, I am appalled that a routemaster
enthusiast / preservationist would repay such kindness in this manner.


For those who don't know, the MOT (either class 5 or class 6) becomes stricter
for a vehicle who's windscreen doesn't open - therefore potentially causing us
further expense.


Any assistance would be appreciated, and treated with confidence. Feel free to
email me direct. As an aside, I am always keen to hear from people who would
like to drive the vehicle (you need cat D licence, and also note that the
majority of our work is night time).


Regards
James

------------------

Mark

My bus number (if any): RM1414 (sort of)

Sad to hear that this has reared it's ugly head again.

I know I have made comments on this in the distant past as vehicles in my charge have also been robbed of removable 'souvenirs'

I do recall that a very thorough posting went on 'the other side' (also a while back) that suggested a lot of preventative measures as a result of theft of small and not so small removable items.

The best of these was marking parts with either a stamp or etching tool with the buses' number. It need not be brazen but discreet but enough to make it awkward to use on another property.

We lost bell pushes, grab handles, kick plates cab parts, blind rollers, badges, grille trims, lamp parts and even body panels over a few years. In the end the owner fitted infa-red CCTV and recording equipment. That seemed to work.