Unfortunately, this happens sometimes. We're eager to talk about our recent acquisitions, but it might be actually therapeutic to talk about the rare occasion of loss, which I just experienced.
I had a contractor, whom I've used before, come over to do some work, and being summer, he had his 11 year old son with him helping. His son was geeked out with all the SW toys. You all know the pride I take in my imperial collection. Well, I had it out and organized in trays as I re-organize it, fill in some holes and customize some officers. Long story short, his son left with 6 figures when they wrapped out for the day:
Evo trooper from the FU 5-pack, only one I had
Jump trooper from the FU 5-pack, only one I had
Shadow trooper from the FU 3-pack
Ultra dirty Sandtrooper from the Evo pack
Female Stormtrooper
Random votc/tac style Stormtrooper
There is no question, the contractor's son took the figures. I bought the loss to the contractor's main office's attention, but the contractor actually took offense to the accusation and the official stance is that since I did not witness the theft, there's no proof of theft. Needless to say, I've fired the contractor. However, if you look at the list, these pieces aren't going to be cheep to replace. It's just a bummer to be so close to finishing a project off only to have it set back.