Stolen Trailer and Model T

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2005: Stolen Trailer and Model T
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Sunday, September 30, 2007 - 04:03 pm:

Sometime during the night Saturday, September 29-30, a trailer with a 1920 Model T was stolen from Kena Shrine parking lot in Fairfax, VA.

The trailer is a 1999 16' tandem axle, enclosed, "Carmate" brand, V nose, light brown (tan) in color.

The Model T is a 1920 Touring with one feature that stands out from most, a hooded dash light.

Please keep your eyes open for either of the items and if you see either of them please report it to the Fairfax County Virginia Police.

Thank you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 11:14 am:

Here is a photo of the Trailer.

Trailer


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 11:16 am:

Here is a photo of the 1920 touring T.

Note the accessory wire wheels.

T


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ross Benedict on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 12:01 pm:

Wire Wheels?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 02:53 pm:

Sorry about that - accessory demountable wheels!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael K Johnson on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 09:42 pm:

Maybe also look for parts for sale from a car like that. Maybe some of the parts can be identified by input from the owner.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By jt3 on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 12:44 am:

Just an idea that I had after reading several posts about theft of model T parts. I have started placing my initials by way of the lettered punch in an inconspicuous place. Ones that I am keeping have just my initials. Parts that I am selling have my initials followed with an S. It will make identifying your parts if found very convenient. Hope this helps.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By R.M.Head on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 06:30 am:

I recall a collector at hershey years ago, having his newly restored and Jr 1st award winning Mack pickup truck and trailer stolen from the parking lot of the hotel. he was devastated - having spent years of free time on his pride and joy. Aren't there trailers with detachable hitches? Seems to me there must be ways to discourage theft.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 07:30 am:

I hate reading about theft.It takes a low life to do this sort of thing.
But I am sorry,but even thieves seeing thier fellow thieves hanging from trees didnt help back in the old days.Prison life is no longer a deterrant.You would think the old joke similar to the eggs and drugs commercail would be enough to get them thinking.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cabby on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 09:36 am:

Believe it or not, they were probably after the trailer. The T happened to be in it. Most Model T thefts are recovered whole because it is hard to sell without being caught. The T community is close-knit and has alot of eyes and ears. Hopefully the T is sitting hidden someplace, and will turn up soon.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chuck Hoffman on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 11:40 am:

Just as an afterthought, when I park my trailer, I have a round steel ball I put in the hitch, then padlock the hitch shut. Of course, someone can break the lock, but it would be a little noisy in a motel parking lot.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Boyd on Sunday, October 07, 2007 - 12:58 pm:

Just a thought, but if you are in an area where you are uncomfortable, keep a small hydraulic auto jack with you in the trailer. When you park, us it to jack up one side of the trailer and remove the two wheels. Put the wheels in the trailer and lock it. Take the lug nuts with you. Yes, they might remove a wheel from the other side and mount it on the side with no wheels and drive it off as a two wheeler, but this is more work than they are accostumed to. And this might be enough barriers to move the scum on to the next trailer they need for a portable meth. lab. Steve Boyd


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Nelson Jones on Sunday, October 07, 2007 - 10:26 pm:

wlson Carry a strong chain & a case hardened lock & run the chain trough two wheels on one side & put the lock on A hard place to get to. A little troublesome but it is better than trying to find your wayward trailer. You could also use the cut off ball & padlock on the hitch. The more difficult you can make it the better. Just dont forget to take the chain off before you drive off Nelson


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Nelson Jones on Sunday, October 07, 2007 - 11:08 pm:

Carry a strong chain & a case hardened lock & run the chain trough two wheels on one side & put the lock on A hard place to get to. A little troublesome but it is better than trying to find your wayward trailer. You could also use the cut off ball & padlock on the hitch. The more difficult you can make it the better. Just dont forget to take the chain off before you drive off. Nelson


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 03:21 pm:

The trailers are still missing. A third trailer has been added to the list. There is now a $1,000 Reward and a Website.

Click http://www.kena.org/Theft.htm for more information.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 03:33 pm:

I just copied and pasted that link and sent it to several folkes on my email list.May not be worth a hill of beans but the only way to catch the crooks is for someone to read this and see something that gets their attention.
The T may be found intact at some point.But the 4 Harleys,remove your hat and lower your head for them,for they are gone into little peices and parts all over the world by now I am sure.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 05:30 pm:

Mack, they will take all the lelp they can get!

Thank you!!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 05:32 pm:

help, not lelp that is. Sorry, I misssed that one.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 07:53 pm:

Ye,I misss 1 sometimes to.:>)
I have been involved in the antique engine hobby for years and sometimes trailers with engines mounted on them are stolen,not for the engine but for the trailer.They dont relize,or care,for that matter,how much effort it takes to restore a 6 to 10 hp hit-miss engine that has to be trailer mounted to take it to shows.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth Harbuck - Shreveport, LA on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 08:50 pm:

Never underestimate the determination of a thief.

A good friend of mine who lives not far from my house, in the same "crime-free" neighborhood, is in the lawn care business. To protect his equipment in his caged trailer, he parks his truck backed into his driveway with the trailer attached.

One night several weeks ago, while he, his wife, and their two teenage sons were asleep in the house, a wrecker backed into their driveway, disconnected the shift linkage at the transmission, slipped it into neutral and hauled away the whole shebang - old F250 extended cab longbed truck, trailer, and some $12,000 worth of lawn equipment.

None of it has been recovered to date.

Determined, professional thieves who were probably armed if they have the nerve to do something like that. He may be lucky that he didn't wake up.

Seth


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By R.M.Head on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 05:26 am:

cars have electronic tracking devises for anti theft - why not trailers??


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By tyrone thomas on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 08:08 am:

Reading all these stolen trailer stories has convinced me that when I my car is ready to show, the trailer to have is a "Work and Play" trailer. A place in the rear for the car and a small living area in the front. In the living area there is a door going to the car area and the front outside area. These doors are big enough for an angery owner and a loaded sawed off 12 gauge. Yes a sawed off is legal if the barrel is 24 inches and longer. At least in Kansas. And yes, you have the right to protect your property.
These trailers are a little exspenive but in reality its the same price as the car and trailer you used to own, if you get my drift. Have a good day all.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 10:41 am:

Must be nice to know that you can protect your property.We dont have that right here.All we can do is use Dailaprayer,911 and sit back and watch the crooks finish their doings,and when the cop comes,walk over to his car and give him your information and he will leave and you are out of your stuff and the time talking to the cop.Anything else you do,you are in the pokey!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 11:56 am:

The LoJack recovery device is available for all vehicles, including trailers and has a very good track record for recoveries. Cost was about $500 the last time I checked.

A friend in Maine had his trailer stolen a few years ago. The police officer told him that Maine averaged about four stolen trailers a week and none have ever been found.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By tyrone thomas on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 03:03 pm:

Mack, thanks for the "Dial-a-prayer" comment. Thats funny. I don't know where you live, but its good to live in a still wild west state. Not to say we don't have our stupid laws. I personally have a conceal carry permit. Wow, me a wired, burned-out, on-the-edge, X-GI, is carrying a gun.
Just kidding. Or am I? Its holloween.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Frink on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 07:00 pm:

There is a lot of thievin' going on. This car has been stolen out of Texas. It was on the Shoebox forum (my other car).
Bob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lowell E. Spicer on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 01:42 pm:

A friend of mine up herehad a bunch of these stickers plasterd on his stuff after some problems and it seemed to fix things They said THIS IS PROTECKED BY SMITH AND WESTON>


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick - (2) '26's - Bartow, FL on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 02:31 pm:

There is still hope after all...at least, for Floridians. Florida just enacted a shoot first, ask questions later law (Bill SB 436) enacted after the common law "Castle Doctrine", for us law abiding citizens who feel threatened, either at home or in public. Of course the Liberal, anti-gun ACLU types are having their usual hissy fits, because it puts criminals at a disadvantage. TOUGH! I've been permited to carry a concealed weapon (Walther PPK/S 9mm .380) for twelve years and it is nice to know that, finally, there is a law, based on common sense, for the common man, instead of for the criminal, that will back me up if I ever have need to shoot, no, kill, a home invader threatening me or my family. If every State had this, career criminals might decide to seek a different form of employment to go into. Check out: www.sptimes.com/2005/04/06/State/Legislature_say_s_let.shtml and write your State legislature if you would like to take back your streets and neighborhoods. Semper Fi. Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Cullen on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 03:41 pm:

It's not a "Shoot first, ask questions later" law! (although the media is representing it to be) The law simply states (paraphrasing) If a citizen is legally carrying a firearm, in a manner consistant with the law, and fears for his life, limb or property, or the life limb or property of another, he can legally use his firearm to defend himself. He is not held to any higher or lesser standard than before. The actual change is that he is not obligated to try and retreat, run, or hide nor can any individual municipality require that all avenues of escape are attempted before defending himself. (what had been happening is that people who had defended themselves were being harassed by certain counties on the grounds that they didn't try to escape from the bad guy, rather than drawing a weapon. An example would be having to take a beating from a thug on the street because you didn't know if he was armed or not. (the castle doctrine did not apply in public, now it does. You have the right to defend yourself anywhere you have a right to be.) Surprise! it's working, there is no carnage in the streets.
An armed public is safer for everyone, except for those who seek to prey upon others.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick - (2) '26's - Bartow, FL on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 04:03 pm:

Well put Mike. Thanks. The reason I referrred to it as the shoot first, ask questions later law, is because of the way it used to be, which is illustrated in the example you gave. One used to not have the right to defend themselves before either first be attacked and beaten or making sure the attacker had a weapon before being able to defend one's self with deadly force, but then, if you did, you still were faced with the possibility of having the criminal take you to court and having you put in jail for defending yourself, like what happened to Bernard Goetz in 1984, when forced to shoot four youths who surrounded him and were threatening him on the subway in New York. Now, in Florida, if one perceives a threat to himself or his family, he can shoot first and save the questions for later. Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ken Kopsky on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 08:01 pm:

In Texas, you've always had the right to defend yourself and property. If there was justification to use deadly force, you have "no duty to retreat". The new law (call "stand your ground") just defines it and added civil immunity for any justified action under the law.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stan Howe on Friday, October 12, 2007 - 02:24 am:

In Montana, it is legal to carry a gun, long barrel or sidearm anywhere in the state except schools, courthouses and federal facilities (Post Office, Courthouse, etc). Any citizen without a criminal or mental record can obtain a concealed weapon permit. I carry a .25 Baretta at times. A friend who is a forensic psychologist at the state mental hospital -- who basically decides who stays in and who gets out -- carries a gun at all times, as does his wife. A gun or "necessary force" may be used to defend one's person, home or property. Several years ago near here an escaped convict broke into a home in the night and the homeowner shot him dead as he was coming into the living room from the dining room with a big knife in his hand.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By tyrone thomas on Friday, October 12, 2007 - 08:21 am:

I'm not a flaming die hard gun crazy, but it is sure comforting to see lots of GOOD Americans exercizing their constitutional rights. Now back to T stuff.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick - (2) '26's - Bartow, FL on Friday, October 12, 2007 - 10:07 am:

Stan. The world has sure changed. When I was growing up, school shootings were unheard of, but these days, it seems that, teachers are the ones who need guns the most. Had just one teacher had a gun at the right place, at the right time, at Columbine on April 20 1999, or at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, many young lives would have been saved, so, I'm all for teachers, who are trained to use them and aren't afraid of using deadly force, be allowed to carry guns on campus. Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Alex Alongi on Friday, October 12, 2007 - 11:29 pm:

This afternoon about 4:30 perusing this site & I get a get a call from a female co-worker (& dinner date). She asks if I can pick her up, she can barely talk, because she almost got caught in a crossfire of a shooting incident (we're talking the business district, nothing but highrise office buildings, real crowded ) she can barely talk.

Someone in an old beater cut someone off in a new car, the guy in the new car(in a suit) jumps out & begins firing a gun at the old car. Nobody wss hurt, except the shooter, who got jumped on by about ten cops.

Jim, the world has truly changed, from just flipping someone the finger, to pulling out a gun.

Alex


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Saturday, October 13, 2007 - 06:10 pm:

Well, if anyone cares to know, the trailer and T have not been found.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry W. Fowler on Saturday, October 13, 2007 - 06:13 pm:

Thank you, James. I have been checking daily with the eternal hope that I would read that they had been found and in good condition. I will continue checking.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Saturday, October 13, 2007 - 08:51 pm:

Well the thread got a tad off topic but I am positive that everyone here does care and I hope they are found and the scuzballs get delt with by law as they need to be.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Sunday, October 14, 2007 - 06:25 pm:

Another trailer was stolen nearby and recovered.

That trailer was reportedly taken for some of our new residents without funds to go into the lawn care business.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stetson on Sunday, October 14, 2007 - 07:51 pm:

You mean thieving illegal mexicans? They steal trailers all the time to smuggle people and dope out here in Texas. I wish everybody would start calling a spade a spade, enough of the political correctness garbage. Our sovereignty is slipping away...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth Chaffin on Sunday, October 14, 2007 - 10:02 pm:

I was just discussing this issue with the wife. I reminded her of how much fun the kids have every Halloween going to the pumpkin patch and paying five dollars each to pick their own pumpkin. Imagine how much fun the family would have if we had an opportunity to go to the lettuce or tomatoes patch to pick our own vegetables on a weekly basis.

Nice thought, however I'm sure Diane Feinstein would not appreciate the loss of revenue that could be utilized to sponsor all the "feel great" socialistic programs we have here in California. Plus, I really don't mind spending $1300 dollars a month to provide my family with healthcare either.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By tyrone thomas on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 09:59 am:

A couple weeks ago a neighborhood had a car dolly taken. It was mid morning the neighor was at work but his 12 year old grandson was home. The grandson had just gotten out of the shower. A ring at the doorbell and the son looked out the window to see who was at the door. The son did not know the person and did not bother to answer the door. It was a man with a small white on gray pickup.
When the neibghbor came home the trailor was gone. Chain was cut and trailor was gone. He lives on a busy street and in broad daylight.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Scherzer on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 11:10 am:

image\[wheel lock]wheel lock

Saw this one I but didn't take a picture of it but an easy one for most to make up and use as both a wheel chock as well as a wheel lock. If you make up a wing nut rather then use a plain nut removing it is made easier. A padlock is placed in a hole on the threaded bolt once the wing nut has been drawn tight enough to preventing it being back off far enough to remove the blocks. Easy for most guys to make up and can stop theft even if they access the ball hitch. Bob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Thomas J. Miller on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 11:51 am:

Bob, You essentialy drew a picture of eBay item 320131262371. Camping World and JC Whitney also sell these.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Sizemore on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 02:49 pm:

A little bit of air let out of the tires and away your stuff goes.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael K Johnson on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 11:36 am:

I knew a racer type who made a triangular frame with the trailer side of the hitch welded on which then attached to the trailer frame: I don't recall how (this would take so serious engineering because of safety). He removed it when at hotels on the road so there would be no way to tow the trailer.

Another thought is to do a NASCAR, put the trailer on stands and pop the wheels off (hopefully with an impact wrench) with great style and lock them in the trailer.

Of course this is a bit over the hill, unless you are a beer drinker who needs to work a little excess off the middle.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 09:55 pm:

Any progress made in regards to finding the stuff?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 11:06 pm:

None!

More interesting was the T owner asked his insurance rep what will happen in 30 days if the car was not found. He was told that was not a problem, they will send him a check for the full amount of the coverage. He said that would be a problem, as he wanted the car, not the money and the car was worth much more to him than it was insured for anyway.

Then he asked what if the car is found after 35 days, can he return the check and reclaim the car. He was told no, he could not do that, because at that point the car then belongs to the insurance company.

Then he asked what would they want it for and what would they do with it anyway. He was told it would be sold at auction.

Then he asked if he could be notified of the auction date and location, so he could put a bid in on his car. He was again told no, he could not attend the auction or bid on the car.

I do not know what insurance company works this way or if it is a standard practice.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael K Johnson on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 11:27 pm:

Insurance companies hate lawyers for small claims (which the car would probably be). He probably doesn't need a lawyer at this point but he should talk to one, but not hire one. Good legal advice is sometimes hard to come by but even talking to someone who say has a friend who is a lawyer might be a way to start. A claim against the insurance company might prevent them from acting before a reasonable period to find the car. Also the police department might have some advice.

I'm sure this situation isn't the first time it has happened. Maybe if he talked to another insurer with a promise of his business for the next car he gets. Confronting the insurance company without some help might just alienate them. An emotional appeal sometime helps, like a good long heart felt letter.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Simon Bayley on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 11:27 pm:

Hi there...

Speaking from down under (the rules probably differ to those in the US) but here in NZ the owner of a stolen car has first right to buy the shell/wreck or car back if it is recovered after being stolen…would it not be in the best interests of the insurance company to foster the relationship between the two parties and provide outstanding customer care...all it takes is a call to the original owner to notify them of the recovery?



Why is that such simple things are made so complicated by bureaucracy????


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Rockford, IL on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 11:38 pm:

That's the problem with collision/theft insurance: the minute you make a claim, you give up ownership, or control at the very least.

I've saved zillions over the years by not buying collision insurance. Of course, I've tried to never own a car I couldn't afford to lose.

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 08:34 am:

That is a %$#@ shame right there.That is where this tight knit community comes into play.Others can be informed of what to look for,and if spotted and can afford to,buy the car,and sell it back to the man if it can be done affordably.
MY guess is,the insurance company has cronnies either working for them or passing money under the table,to have first chance at collector cars if they turn up.

I bet if the police bikes are recovered it will be a different story.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 10:22 am:

The real questions are, "why were those paticular two trailers stolen, when there were over 20 to choose from in that lot and where are they now?" The Model T trailer had another trailer parked right in front of it, which made hooking a vehicle to it very difficult. The vehicle that took the trailer was evidently a small SUV or truck and could not have taken it very far. The trailer could still be hiding nearby in a warehouse or truck garage.

The four Harley Davidson motorcycles in the other trailer could have been the only items really desired and the Model T trailer could have been taken to make it look like a random selection. The motorcycles could easily be parted out and sold.

There was a large Latino party there that night that lasted until about 1:00 PM. The trailers were gone by about 7:00 AM. Were they really responsible for the theft or was it just made to look like they likely took the trailers? A cleaver cover up or scam, so to speak.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 02:08 pm:

Great News - George Shepard was looking through E-bay ads this morning for a trailer. He found his and called the police. George has his trailer back now and his Model T is basically undamaged. The T was in a storage shed with four very nice white Harley Davidson motorcycles. There trailer was sold from the same lot just yesterday. The recovery was made six miles from my house, so it made it real easy for Erwin Mack and I to help George get his T and trailer back to Virginia.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By karl schlachter on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 02:10 pm:

wow what an amazing recovery. I hope someone does some time for this


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 02:35 pm:

That is great news!!!!!!!!
But not meaning to start a manure storm but was anyone arrested and how was that part handled thus far?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Weir on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 03:02 pm:

James; I am sure the combined prayers and good wishes from the 'T' community wrought an amazing result.

Sincerely

Jim Weir


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Jeandrevin on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 03:54 pm:

That is terrific news! I hope somebody goes to jail!

Tim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 04:40 pm:

Jail? What I'd REALLY like to hear is that the perpetraitors recieved some good old fashioned justice, but I guess I would settle for jail.

Glad to hear this news!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 09:29 pm:

The thief still had the trailer connected to his personal SUV in the storage yard. The Fairfax police now have the thief in jail and his SUV impounded. You might say he was caught red-handed, as the SUV had his plates and it don't take long to run a plate, get an address and pick up a perp.

If you commit a crime with a vehicle in Virginia, you forfiet the vehicle to the police.

I did not know that there is a task force or group called WAVE (short for Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement) that works the greater Washington DC area together and is made up of police officers from each area.

The perp did not know that either or that he stole those 4 motorcycles from a Fairfax Virginia Police Sergeant. He should have known that he moved to the head of the class and list at that time.

The T had very little damage, still ran OK and is back in the trailer and back home in Virginia now.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 10:16 pm:

Good to know all is well for the T owner and if the Perp wants to steal another trailer,he will have to grab the tounge with his hand and tug.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Carter on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 10:39 pm:

Great news I just love it when the crooks get cought.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick - (2) '26's - Bartow, FL on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 10:42 pm:

Although the owner of the stolen trailer may have been listed in this thread, I could not find his name. Whoever he is, I hope he will keep a look out for police auctions of impounded vehicles in the paper. It would be great if he could bid on and win, for a really low price, the thief's SUV that was used to steal his trailer and Model T. Now THAT would be poetic justice. Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Lovejoy on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 10:43 pm:

Cool glad to hear it, I thought they were gone for sure. Makes me wonder about E bay again too.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 10:51 pm:

The e-bay listing is 290179920656. You can still bid, you just can't buy. The photo is shady, but compare it with the one above nd you will make a match. That front corner vent and extra or special Model T height gave the trailer away as belonging to George. That height lets the Model T go in with the top up.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Sizemore on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 11:12 pm:

The ad even has his number to call. The tire tracks in the trailer give it away.
Now the Thieving idiot needs to pay the piper


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Sizemore on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 11:21 pm:

That dude has sold three other trailers in the last few month. I wonder if they also where stolen
JS


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick - (2) '26's - Bartow, FL on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 11:47 pm:

James Golden, You did a good job staying on top of this. You oughta go to ebay, pull up those three trailer auctions sold by this thief ("souljamann"), print them out and take them to the Clinton, MD Police, so they can investigate if they were stolen or not and if they were, return them to their rightful owners. It wouldn't hurt to submit the ebay printouts to the area newspapers and perhaps the owners will step forward with proof of ownership. Probably neighbors of your. Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 11:51 pm:

Wasnt the 1 with the ez tracks with motorcycle wheel holders the 1 that belonged to the police department?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 11:57 pm:

How can you sell a trailer like that without a title? If he did have a title some other individuals need to be in jail.

Paul


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Jeffrey Cole on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 12:08 am:

well if I aint mistaken some states Still dont have enough sense to require a title on a trailer.DUH.I think SC is 1 state.A simple peice of paper with numbers on it would save alot people trouble.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By jack daron-Indy. on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 12:14 am:

I wonder if he's the guy who stole mine two years ago in Tenn. Never did get it back.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 12:34 am:

I learned this trick from another T person. On most trailers you can remove the lug nuts and the wheels will stay in place till you try to move the trailer. Then they will fall off and leave the trailer without wheels and setting at an angle that will not allow you to remove the hitch from the ball. In other words you may find that your trailer has moved a couple of feet or so but has snagged you a perfectly good tow vehicle. Try this at your own risk but I have done it many times and have done it in motel parking lots.

Paul


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stan Howe on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 01:05 am:

Be my damn luck they'd think I stole the tow vehicle and throw me in jail.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 01:19 am:

Stan

Yea, Your probably right. If you are honest you cant get away with anything but if you are a damn thief you can sell trailers without titles on eBay.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chuck Hoffman on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 01:36 am:

I think this guy should be nominated for the Darwin awards. What kind of idiot steals a trailer and doesn't even try to change the appearance, then lists it for sale where it can be viewed by thousands of people, including the owner? What a MORON. I feel sorry for the guys who bought the other three he sold on ebay as they will probably soon be confiscated.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Warren Mortensen on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 07:16 am:

Reminds me of a situation here in Minnesota a few years back. A fellow had his trailer stolen (an open one in this case). That Fall, he went to the AACA/Model A Club swap meet at the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul and found his trailer sitting on a flatbed truck with a price tag on it. He notified the police and recovered his trailer on the spot. A couple of other trailers the thief had for sale were also stolen.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sherm Wetherbee on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 08:19 pm:

Glad to hear that the thieves were caught but George may not be out of the woods yet. When the insurance company issued the check to settle the claim title to the car and trailor transfered to them. They now own it. Many companies have a policy not to allow owners of recovered theft vehicles to retain title or buy back the property. This is "company policy" not state law. The reasoning behind this is to cut out fraud. If they allowed buybacks it would be easy to take your car or truck, strip it, hide the parts, tow the carcuss someplace where it will be found, buy it back from the company, put it back together,and collect the retail value less the salvage value for a couple of weekends work. the no buyback policy prevents this. George will have to fine someone high enough in the middle management who can over ride this policy and has the courage to do it. Possablly not easy to find in a company. Why take the chance and do something out of policy if you don't have to. You can't get beat up for following policy. Corporate thinking at its finest!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 08:38 pm:

Hi sherm, George called the insurance company right after the T and trailer was back home and told them he had only just deposited their check the day before and he could not get it back. They agreed to send an appraiser to check the damage on George's T and then have George send them a check for the total value less the appraised damage. When the insurance company had their money back, they agreed to tear up the Power of Attorney and return George's T title. The damage is about as severe as when he was hit by the deer in Maine or probably less than 10 percent of the total T insurance value. What insurance company wouldn't want to keep their cash.

Rear


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 12:35 am:

So, how did it get damaged? The idot thief not know how to unload it, or it bounced around in the trailer while it was being taken?
T'
David D.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By R.M.Head on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 01:14 am:

Karma. The thief gets his.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 09:01 am:

The damage happened because the trailer was used as a portable garage. The T was just driven in, parked for the next local parade and not strapped in place. The T has to be securely strapped in place, even in an enclosed trailer, to safely transport the T.

There were also some loose T parts stored in the trailer and a very large tool box. The thief apparently thought he was just stealing an empty trailer and did not take time to secure his load.

Trailers, Model Ts and spare parts thefts are all becoming more common.

The motorcycles were just garaged and not tied down either, but appeared to have no damage.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick - (2) '26's - Bartow, FL on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 09:20 am:

James, If there is a Maryland or Virginia newspaper account of this crime, please post a link to it so we can read more about it and follow along. I want to read what happens to this dirt bag for myself.

Have the police gotten involved in investigating if the other trailers were stolen or not? Was ebay ever notified?

Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 09:41 am:

There has been nothing in any local paper about the crime. I sent the story details to the local Bowie paper. That paper comes out on Thursday. The editor sent me a note saying, "a great story, thanks, I'll give it to a reporter." He may have been refering to one of his staff reporters. George and I are still working on a complete story of our involvement.

There were several motorcycles, many parts and tools in the other storage sheds rented by the perp.

George's trailer was for sale on e-bay until the time expired and received no bids.

We heard on the police radio, while we were loading the T that the police had just recovered the motorcycle trailer. The recovery team leader said the new owner had asked about getting his money back and then asked what he should tell the owner. The reply was, "tell him to go to his local police department and file a complaint, we only recover stolen vehicles, we don't recover money."

Some people still don't know that if they buy stolen property and the police find that property, it is recovered by the police and they are on their own to go to court to recovery their money, which normally is never recovered, and then they also have a large lawyer bill to pay.

The other three trailers sold on e-bay by that same ad group were probably also stolen and likely have since been recovered, along with a few motorcycles and everthing else that guy sold in the past few years. This is an on-going investigation, so the story may have to be written later.

George was credited by the police WAVE task group with a very big bust by spotting his trailer on e-bay.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Thomas J. Miller on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 09:56 am:

If you look at the eBay ad for the stolen trailer, it notes that it is covered under eBay's buyer guarantee. One of the clauses includes re-sale of stolen property. If the buyer went through eBay checkout there's a pretty good chance he'll recover his money and eBay will be stuck doing the recovery of the funds.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 11:52 am:

That may be an e-bay policy change. When I lost $225 on an e-bay purchase they told me that if I had used PayPal to pay for the item, they would refund up to $1,000 or get the merchandize for me. They did cancel the sellers account and that was all. That was two years ago and I have saved a few $1000 each year by not buying things on e-bay that I didn't really need anyway.

You have to be verified to use PayPal as a seller. E-bay tries to verify buyers and get their bank balance, with account numbers. I don't understand why they have a need or right to that information, if I'm only buying and have a valid credit card for the purchase.

If the seller was not verified, you were on your own to collect the merchandize or money spent and e-bay did not help with a refund.

If the seller does not advertise to accept PayPal or any other credit card, that should be a big red flag that you are making a risky bid.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Rockford, IL on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 12:32 pm:

You can get tbay verified by opening a separate checking acct with $100 or whatever the minimum is, so I'm told. I'm unverified, as I sell so seldom.

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Sacchi on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 02:21 pm:

I bought a 1976 Mercedes 300D on Ebay a few years ago for $3600 that turned out to have an undisclosed salvage title (a violation of their rules-the listing said the title was clear) and flood damage. I wound up receiving a $3000 settlement from Ebay, and they let me keep the car. I could have pressed them for the full $3600 and let them take the car, but I felt it had some value to it. I never recovered my $600 transportation fee, though.

I had to jump through a few hoops, but I was able to make them (actually Ebay's insurance company) pay.

Bob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Vitko on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 04:51 pm:

This information made my day after having my luggage and my house ripped off this past year!! Hi tech sales man caught by hi tech!!
Congratulations George!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 10:18 pm:

The stolen Model T and trailer story just came out in our local weekly paper. The police report noted that the guy only wanted the trailers to transfer his motorcycles and parts to a North Carolina business associate. He thought the trailers were empty when he took them and had no plan developed for the contents. One can only speculate where his motorcycles and parts were obtained, at this time.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 08:28 am:

Wrong information above! Change North Carolina to South Carolina and it will be correct.


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