Crime Happens In The Middle Of The Night

Our License Plates Were Stolen Last Night

Published on May 14, 2005 By MasonM In Blogging

This morning Frank was supposed to take the van to the shop to have the air conditioner replaced as it had quit working. Summer is coming. When he went out to get in the van he discovered that someone had stolen the license plates over night.

Naturally we called the police who came out to take a report. The officer mentioned that plates were being stolen all over the county. It seems many turn up on the cars of illegal aliens according to the officer.

Now mom and Frank will have to incur the expense of buying replacement plates for the van. In Florida plates are not cheap but it would not be worth it to report it to the insurance company as it would likely result in higher insurance rates somewhere down the line (what a racket).

Naturally the officer said they would be "on the lookout" for the plates but realistically what are the odds of them actually finding them? It's a damn shame you can't even sleep peacefully at night without worrying that you will awake in the morning to find your property has been stolen.

Comments

Manopeace

on May 14, 2005

Where was the damn, yapping dog from the previous thread?

MasonM

on May 14, 2005

Where was the damn, yapping dog from the previous thread?

Sound asleep apparently. He only barks at nothing. He's useless.

Manopeace

on May 14, 2005

He's useless

as are most of the police

dharmagrl

on May 14, 2005

as are most of the police

Hmm...I'm going to take a little offense at that statement. It's not necessarily the police that are useless, it's that more and more they're having their hands tied by laws that prevent them doing what's necessary for their job. I'll grant you that there are some cops who ARE useless, but not all of them are. I know some kick ass officers who'd love to do more, but who readily admit they're prevented from doing so by various laws and organizations....and the threat of civil suit by disgruntled criminals.

Sorry that your plates got ripped off, mason. Even though we live on base, things go missing from our yard regularly...it sucks to have to replace your own property due to someone else's selfishness, huh?

Manopeace

on May 14, 2005

I'll grant you that there are some cops who ARE useless,

those are the ones I meant.

MasonM

on May 14, 2005

The primary function of the police, sadly, is to take a report and investigate after the crime is committed. Unfortunately, there really isn't much they can do to prevent the crime from happening in the first place. After all, they can't be everywhere.

Unfortunately, we live in a private property neighborhood so the police can't even patrol the streets here even though the station is all of 2 blocks away. While having them constantly coming and going past on the main road, the criminals simply have to avoid being seen.

Signs stating that this is private property, and no tresspassing don't do much good against someone intending to sneak in under cover of darkness intending to steal. Bicycles and electric scooters are regularly stolen from our neighborhood when someone forgets to lock them up.

Personally I think we need private security patroling the neighborhood, but that's expensive and no-one here could afford it as most here are on fixed incomes.

it sucks to have to replace your own property due to someone else's selfishness, huh?

Yes it does suck. I always makes sure my bike is chained up every night as well as mom's electric scooter. I advised mom to get some of the keyed screws for the new plate when they get it next week. Other than that, what can you do?

dharmagrl

on May 14, 2005

I always makes sure my bike is chained up every night as well as mom's electric scooter. I advised mom to get some of the keyed screws for the new plate when they get it next week. Other than that, what can you do?

Not a whole lot, and that's sad.

Dr Guy

on May 14, 2005

Actually, the chances of finding them are very good. But that does not help you and yours. After all, if they are on vehicles, they are easilty spotted. Of course by the time they are, usually the deed is done. And in any event, you are out the money.

Sorry about that. I hope things get better.

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