So I get a free pinball and a free discrete tracking device too. Too cool.

Where do you keep them ?

First problem I see is when you locate the pin, you'll need cops and a warrant to go in. Proof of ownership, etc.

LTG : )

People have done it with phones and laptops but they always seem to have issues convincing the police to do anything.

I think it's a great idea and would think having the serial # would be enough for 'probable cause' for the police to at least look into it.

there are GPS tracking devices for cars, I think less than $200. I believe it can use a pay-as-you-go phone so you're not paying a monthly fee. But again, even if you track where it is, it sounds like it's hard to proove it belong to you. Also, unless you make it REAL discreet, I'm pretty sure the new owners are going to remove it immediately.

Agreed! Great idea

It's OK to take the law into your own hands sometimes

Cheap guns are priceless

It does not help much and I am not sure the cost would be beneficial unless the location is making good money. However, like any business you need insurance. I have all of my pins insured. Yes, I have home owners insurance Which would cover the pinballs based on how much insurance you have. However, I have a separate policy just in case of any fires, theft (You most likely wont' make it out) anyway I did not want it on my home owners because I wanted it to be separated as then my wife can use all the money to rebuild and my poor pins get left out. The policy is really not that expensive it's all based on what you value your games. It's an idea but like I said I am not sure what kind of money your making at the locations. I think the GPS idea is a great one. However, it is going to have a monthly fee for GPS service. And once powers cut from the GPS, you're only going to have about 24 hours to locate the game. My suggestion would be to go to the location and add cameras along with a DVR cheap, but you might be able to find on eBay. One dozen half-dozen another. Sorry this sucks!

Yeah, I'd never change or remove any of that.

How about I come over to your house, write down serial numbers, make receipts, and then call the police.

See the problem ? Besides finding them, you'd need concrete proof of ownership. You hid something inside won't mean squat.

If this plan isn't thought through and executed right, a pinball machine owner could find himself on the wrong end of a lawsuit. Even if he's right.

Criminals generally don't have morals, so they won't care about what they do.

LTG : )

Screw the GPS and risk of trying to get your property back from the thieves.
Get insurance instead.