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During the 2022 Tucson Shows, the theft of
two Spinosaurus claws came to our attention.
We immediately notified our membership and
others through email and social media. Because
of the communications, the thief was caught in
just a couple of days, attempting to sell them
at another show to one of the AAPS members.
The thief was arrested, and one of the claws
recovered.
We immediately realized the potential of
creating Fossil Theft Alerts and sending them
out to the membership and others that signed
up for our newsletter.
To better prepare for any potential specimen
thefts during any trade shows, we propose the
following:
1. After setting up for a show, please
photograph your specimen layout for your room
and outside tables. Use a Photo
Scale in any images of valuable
specimens and keep those images until after
the show ends, in case an item turns up
missing.
2. Place signs at your booth/room that the
room is under video surveillance as a
deterrent. Download a Sample or pick up signs
at the AAPS Booth in Tucson.
3. If you discover something that has been
taken, put together photos and a description
and call the local police first (911). Then
contact our administrator, Alex Ruger, by
phone at (765) 914-4439 and follow up with an
email to rugerpaleo@gmail.com including
details and photographs.
Working together, we may be able to help with
recovery, especially if the thief attempts to
sell the stolen items. Past Fossil Theft
Alerts are listed below as a reference for our
members, researchers, and all fossil
enthusiasts.
March
2025 Canadian Ammonites, reported by Dr.
Frederic Lacombat,Interprospekt Group
December
2024 Multible Specimens, reported by Tyree
Lamph, owner "Utah Dump Digger"
June
2024 Multible Specimens, reported by Donna
Russel, Geological Enterprises
June
2023 Multible Specimens, reported by David
Guery, GeoFossils, LLC.
May
2023 Multible Specimens, reported by
Joshua Slattery
February
2023 Spinosaurus Claw, reported by Kendal
Martyn, Moussa/Geosource LLC
February
2023, Custom Knife, reported by Loren
Feldman, Feldman Custom Knives
February
2023, Arceocete Tooth Collection reported
by Dr. Jay Goldberg RELICS 2
November
2022, Multible specimens reported by Gary
Olson
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