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Posted by: trekkor Mar 26 2006, 09:16 PM

I was out for a few hours today and they came and took my welder and on the way out they snaked my mechanic hand tool box from under my car trailer.

The welder was a nice Lincoln wire feed and my tool box was full of mostly Craftsman wrenches. About 50#'s worth.

They got me for about $1300 worth of my stuff.

I'm upset by this, but not raging.
I'll be honest, I have a feeling like someone kicked me in the nutz.

I wonder if they were lured by my 914 on the trailer?
They could have hooked up and drove away except I had a wheel off to size up a spare.

Now I have to live with all the locks and worries that I have been free from for the past 15 years.

Sheriff is here lifting prints and taking a report.

The losers tried to get in the house, too.


The day is coming when ALL thieves will be killed by God himself.


KT

Posted by: jd74914 Mar 26 2006, 09:21 PM

That sucks man. When we first put up our garage we would come home to see people walking around in it so we had to put locks on everything. Its rediculous

Posted by: grasshopper Mar 26 2006, 09:29 PM

damn....that sucks...leave a damn video camera in the bushes to see who goes near the place... kick the bastards in the ass

Posted by: KaptKaos Mar 26 2006, 09:35 PM

Damn that sucks.

Damn people feel entitled to stuff that isn't theirs.

Posted by: drewvw Mar 26 2006, 09:37 PM

total boot to the berries, that blows.....

Posted by: grantsfo Mar 26 2006, 09:42 PM

Sorry to hear about your stuff being stolen. I just got back from my Dads place in Grants Pass and somone had ripped off his tools recently too.

Posted by: SGB Mar 26 2006, 09:42 PM

QUOTE (alpha434 @ Mar 26 2006, 10:26 PM)

QUOTE (jd74914 @ Mar 26 2006, 07:21 PM) That sucks man. When we first put up our garage we would come home to see people walking around in it  <_<  :screwy: so we had to put locks on everything. Its rediculous Shoot to kill, man. You have a right to defend your property.

I hope you might be willing to reevalute your priorities.

Posted by: trekkor Mar 26 2006, 09:54 PM

There's really not anything that can be done.
It can't be fixed by any human authority.
( want to continue this subject, PM me )


I was going to have an enjoyable 914 afternoon to myself.
Replacing a throttle cable and getting ready for a three day driving weekend.

They got my tools.

If I was home they prolly woulda shot me.

Tomorrow I get to build a locking gate to deter the scum of the earth.
I have a hitch lock for the car trailer, too.

It's crazy that I now have to expect to be ripped off when I come home each day. Whoopee!

Read the last sentence in my opening post again.


KT

Posted by: drewvw Mar 26 2006, 09:55 PM

QUOTE

Well. I don't know how whipped other places are, but in CO, it's shoot to kill. Let me rephrase that. You have a Constitutional right to defend your property. Now the key is to actually kill 'em. If you don't, then they might sue you.

Theres a grey area here. Obviously the "defend your property" thing makes perfect sense, but with any luck you don't have to kill some dude because he's trying to steal your welder....

just my .02.....people who steal are soul sucking b@st@#ds any way you slice the cheese.


nite everybody....

Posted by: SGB Mar 26 2006, 10:01 PM

QUOTE (alpha434 @ Mar 26 2006, 10:50 PM)

Well. I don't know how whipped other places are, but in CO, it's shoot to kill. Let me rephrase that. You have a Constitutional right to defend your property. Now the key is to actually kill 'em. If you don't, then they might sue you.

yeah man! Stuff before life by all means. Hope you grow up before you get hurt.

Posted by: trekkor Mar 26 2006, 10:08 PM

The sheriff was here and looked around, tried to get prints and filed a report.

He knows...

Hope the insurance pays for it.

If they got in the house, they might have taken my computer. Then I'd have to go to friend's house to log on to the clubsite tonight

KT

Posted by: SirAndy Mar 26 2006, 10:10 PM

QUOTE (SGB @ Mar 26 2006, 08:01 PM)

Hope you grow up before you get hurt.

looks like he's learning all the wrong things ... ah, to be 15 again ...


hey trek, that sucks! anything i can do? just let me know. i don't have that many tools, but what's mine is yours ...

and no, i won't shoot you if you walk over my lawn ...
Andy

Posted by: sixnotfour Mar 26 2006, 10:12 PM

Trekkor, Sorry to hear that.
Today a neighbor remined me, I shouldnt leave my garage open.

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 26 2006, 10:15 PM

Trekk,
Its kind of coincedental, actually. I was sorting my tool box a few weeks ago and relized that no man needs three of the exact same socket. Maybe we could pool our extras and send them to you? I know I got a few (mostly SAE, though ). Just an Idea.

Posted by: TROJANMAN Mar 26 2006, 10:17 PM

Posted by: BMartin914 Mar 26 2006, 10:26 PM

First off, bad news. Home owners ins. should pay for the theft and you took the right steps by calling the cops. But you're still out a $&*#load of grief and peace of mind...it sucks.

Chris (Alpha) - Think before you type! One needs to be able to discern between the meter reader and a career criminal walking through their backyard before they put a bullet in the person's head. Not everyone's out to get you - some are.

Posted by: trekkor Mar 26 2006, 10:26 PM

Thanks for the good thoughts.

My tool set was killer.
I had EVERYTHING.
I have been collecting these tools for 20 years.
( I'm getting mad now )

I had my original 10mm wrench, painted green for easy finding.

Andy, thanks.

Doc,

QUOTE

three of the exact same socket

I was one of those guys.

Every screwdriver, nutdriver, allens, ratchets, extensions, uni-joints, CV tool, pliers, channel locks, vise grips, metric, SAE, chisels, taps, dies, open ends, box end, *I HAD IT ALL*. You name it, I had it.

I feel like a real jackalope though. I usually keep the tools in my locking job box that is welded on the tongue of my car trailer.
I was working on the car and just wanted to slide the box under the trailer to keep it out of the rain for the day.


KT

Posted by: trekkor Mar 26 2006, 10:31 PM

I don't know what makes me madder, getting ripped off today or Alfred...I mean...alpha posting his garbage on my grief thread.

Be polite and delete your trash off my thread.

thanks


KT

Posted by: TimT Mar 26 2006, 10:34 PM

QUOTE

getting ripped off today or Alfred...I mean...alpha posting his garbage on my grief thread

sorry it sucks a bit when you have to look at everyone as suspects

Posted by: alpha434 Mar 26 2006, 10:34 PM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 26 2006, 08:31 PM)

I don't know what makes me madder, getting ripped off today or Alfred...I mean...alpha posting his garbage on my grief thread. Be polite and delete your trash off my thread. thanks KT

Fine, dude.

Posted by: fiid Mar 26 2006, 10:36 PM

On a happier note - perhaps you should head down to sears and hook yourself up with some new shiny happy tools!!!

(loss is always and excuse for an update!).

Sorry Trekkor - that sucks.

Posted by: jd74914 Mar 26 2006, 10:36 PM

Sincerest apologies Trekkor. I know the other guy's didn't mean to start a shooting match with high-and-mighty-gun toting-know your rights man.

I think we need to set up a spare tool collection. Hopefully the theives get apprehended and punnished appropriately.

I also agree with Fiid. Nice new shiney tools bought with (hopefully) insurance money can always be nice.

Posted by: arc914 Mar 26 2006, 10:38 PM

hi trekkor
hey sorry to hear. if it's any help. I have some doubles.and i am sure that if you post alist of your main stuff,we can all pitch in and get you up and run asap until the ins check arrives.just looking to help
It's funny this came up my sherage is open right now-wide open.
Sherage for those that are curious is where i work on my 914-it is bigger than a shed but noy as big as a garage hence sherage 16x16
arc914

Posted by: trekkor Mar 26 2006, 10:45 PM

Everything will be fine.

thanks , Chris ( alpha )

I don't have what it takes to read all the political fixes right now.

As for the tools,
I need to go and get the basics first.

At the track the other guys will loan me what I don't have.

I'm just glad the ball socket that threads onto the end of the throttle cable was in the front seat of the car an not in my tool box.



KT

Posted by: alpha434 Mar 26 2006, 10:48 PM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 26 2006, 08:45 PM)

Everything will be fine. thanks , Chris ( alpha )

No problem, Trekkor. I didn't mean to come off as some sort of Nazi or something. That got a little out of hand a little fast.

Posted by: SGB Mar 26 2006, 11:03 PM

Posted by: GTPatrick Mar 26 2006, 11:32 PM

Trekkor, . . .

Don't now if this would help but when I was at Sears 2 days ago. They had a closeout sale on two types of their Craftsman intermediate 3 drawer took boxes that go in between their roll away and upper multi drawer boxes.

One that had a locking bar in front of the drawers went for $19.99 and the other one which had locking drawers only went for $39.99 . They both were 3 drawers and were red Craftmans brand. Don't know if that is out there in Ca. but you may want to try and look.

Their regular prices were I believe $139 and around $200 a piece respectively.

Man it sucks that some scum bag ripped you off. Probably some crack addict or something .

Personally, I don't trust the assholes out there on the street. Have a house security system thats connected to my garage door too.

Posted by: toon1 Mar 27 2006, 01:34 AM

Hi Trekkor, sorry to hear about the tools, that sucks. Hope everything turns out ok.

Someday someone will catch one of these b@$tard$ is the act and they will get a good kicking in the nutts.

to all you theivin SOB's

Posted by: biggy72 Mar 27 2006, 02:38 AM

I'm in my first year of college and 400 miles from home. I had been building my tool collection since I was 14 or so (7 years or so). My collection probably wasn't as extensive as yours, but in early november I had my top box and everything I had stolen with a bunch of specialty tools. To make matters worse it was the second time in a month I had stuff stolen, just the second time they found my tools. My parents home owners paid for some of it, but their deductable was pretty high, and after depreciation and everything I didn't get back much...

BUT if you go to sears, and don't buy the first good deal you see, you can get a hell of a set of everything in a package deal for relatively cheap. I got a catalog and shopped around for a couple months before I bought a new top box, huge tool set, and a smaller box for toating around for a fraction of what the amount of money I originally spent on my smaller tool set. Sears has "close out" sales all the time, so don't pay much attention to them, just figure out what you want and give it a little time.

So now my tools are locked in my room in my closet where nobody could get them out of let alone even find. If only home owners would have paid for my deck, subs, amp, intake and air cleaner, drivers door window, and incredibly bad feeling of being completely and totally helpless. You want to talk about feeling like running home with your tail between your legs...But now I've learned my lesson, my car doesn't get parked anywhere except directly outside my bedroom window with it's alarm on, and my closet is always shut with a tool box all locked up in it.

Posted by: Root_Werks Mar 27 2006, 08:42 AM

Ouch and freaky!

I am finally getting around to putting up a fence and gate to our back yard. I'll feel a little better knowing it will take more effort to get in and out of our property soon. Helps to deter the unwanted.

Sorry for the loss Trekkor. I have tools that are 20+ years old myself.

Posted by: Spoke Mar 27 2006, 09:21 AM

Sorry to hear this. Stuff can be replaced but the thought that people are watching you and your place and waiting for you to leave so they can steal stuff totally sucks.

A couple of years ago a neighbor had her purse stolen from her kitchen table. House was locked, they were sleeping, heard a crash, went downstairs to investigate. They saw broken glass and a brick. Thief saw her purse on the table through a window, broke the sliding door window, grabbed the purse and ran. Total time of break-in: about 8 seconds. Police found the purse minus cash a couple of towns away. Now when we go to bed, I make sure that none of our stuff (purses, cameras, laptops) are visible through windows.

In a way, one can catorgorize people into 2 basic groups: the haves and the have-nots. We are basically in the haves group. We have jobs, houses, cars, money, responsibilities. Getting caught stealing almost anything will ruin our lives. The have-nots don't have jobs, houses, cars, money. They have nothing to lose if they get caught with your tools, caught stealing jeans from a department store, or like last week at the Target store my daughter works at, stealing $690 in music and game CDs.

Hope things work out for you. If I was closer, I'd let you borrow any tools you need.

Spoke

Posted by: drewvw Mar 27 2006, 09:27 AM

The worst part of it all is definitely that feeling like people were casing your joint, but what can you do, that's life. They will get what's coming to them and the chances they would ever come back is probably slim...


Trekkor, Do you live in an "unlocked door at night" type of town?

Posted by: DonTraver Mar 27 2006, 09:52 AM

Sorry to hear about your tools, that really sucks. It's a shame that you have to protect yourself all the time, but that is todays reality.

We've had that problem where I live and I live in a great neighborhood. Great neighbors and we all watch out for each other.

One time, 4-5 guys pulled up across the street, pulled out a pizza and started eating and looking around, looked strange to me, I'd never seen them before and was working on the 914 in the driveway. I went in the house and got my camera, started taking pictures of them. They saw me, loaded up the pizza and left. Very interesting.

Now I keep a camera in the garage, take pictures of everyone walking/driving by. I'm not saying that just taking pictures did a lot, but things seem to have gotten better. Digital camera's are neat. So far since I've started doing that, we haven't had any crap going on in the hood, knock on wood. Most thief's don't like having their picture taken.

So keep a camera handy, doesn't even need any film in it, they don't know that.

I have motion detectors in the garage, you can pick them up at Harbor Freight for about $20, they are wireless, so you can carry the alarm around with you.

It's a shame we have to live like this, but if we don't protect ourself, who will? The police, yeah right.

Good Luck, Don

Posted by: trekkor Mar 27 2006, 10:26 AM

QUOTE

an "unlocked door at night" type of town?

No.
We live out in the country so I guess I got lulled into thinking nobody was paying attention.

Who knows how many people have stopped and looked around.

The sheriff recommended cameras.
I hate this.


KT

Posted by: Tobra Mar 27 2006, 10:45 AM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 26 2006, 08:45 PM)

I'm just glad the ball socket that threads onto the end of the throttle cable was in the front seat of the car an not in my tool box. KT

See there, that would have really pissed you off to think about some pinhead looking at that, saying what the hell is this, right before he tossed it out, drove to the pawn shop and then went to get some crack. They are out there. Guy I got my car from is a big mopar guy, he had a Hemi Roadrunner convertible, pretty ratty, but with a cool pop-up scoop hood. He left the hood locks off one time, bang, no hood. At least it is sunny and you have your health.

Posted by: fiid Mar 27 2006, 11:14 AM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 27 2006, 08:26 AM)

QUOTE an "unlocked door at night" type of town? No. We live out in the country so I guess I got lulled into thinking nobody was paying attention. Who knows how many people have stopped and looked around. The sheriff recommended cameras. I hate this. KT

There probably aren't that many people theiving shit - but out in the sticks if there's noone around - thieves are less likely to get caught in the act....

I'd try and keep everything under lock and key... cameras I would think would cost a lot of money and wouldn't necessarily help that much. Have you thought about getting a dog? (We have a Beagle who is quite cute but sounds pretty evil - the postman is genuinely scared for his life... he freaks out when we open the door to sign for packages).

Posted by: trekkor Mar 27 2006, 11:22 AM

I can't decide if I should try and better secure my things today or just go to work.

Sad, isn't it?


KT

Posted by: Howard Mar 27 2006, 11:25 AM

Trek, sent you an email (business add).

Posted by: GTeener Mar 27 2006, 11:41 AM

Bummer Trekkor. Sorry to learn of your loss.

Stuff can be replaced.

A big dog would be a good idea

Posted by: Spoke Mar 27 2006, 11:42 AM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 27 2006, 12:22 PM)

I can't decide if I should try and better secure my things today or just go to work. Sad, isn't it? KT

It does suck. Sorta like the feeling one has after being a victim of an accident. After the accident it seems like everybody's out to hit your car.

OK, I'll show my age here, in high school I had a box of 8-track tapes stolen out of my car and it taught me to hide my important stuff. People won't steal something from you if they don't know you have it. Make sure your valuable stuff is out of sight if possible. I keep the shades in my garage closed at all times and garage doors closed as much as possible. Don't want anyone to see my tool chest and welder.

Spoke

Posted by: trekkor Mar 27 2006, 11:54 AM

Thanks Howard.

Looks like we have a $500 deduct and I should be able to get everything replaced.


KT

Posted by: MattR Mar 27 2006, 11:55 AM

They broke into your garage? Man, thats a bummer. Sorry to hear it.

Posted by: Scott Carlberg Mar 27 2006, 12:08 PM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 26 2006, 07:16 PM)

The day is coming when ALL thieves will be killed by God himself. KT

Trekkor,
very sorry to hear you were Robbed like that, I know the feeling, it ABSOLUTELY Sucks


But, that quote there.....

Posted by: trekkor Mar 27 2006, 12:11 PM

QUOTE

But, that quote there.....

It's true.

And soon, too.



KT

Posted by: drewvw Mar 27 2006, 12:23 PM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 27 2006, 09:54 AM)

Thanks Howard. Looks like we have a $500 deduct and I should be able to get everything replaced. KT

well I guess it could have been worse....

Posted by: trekkor Mar 27 2006, 12:50 PM

I'm off to Home Depot and OSH to replace some basics and take a *complete* tool inventory for the insurance claim.

Total waste of my time



KT

Posted by: SirAndy Mar 27 2006, 01:14 PM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 27 2006, 10:11 AM)

It's true. And soon, too.

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/end.php

Andy

Posted by: Scott Carlberg Mar 27 2006, 01:22 PM

I enjoyed that Andy, thank you.

Posted by: Headrage Mar 27 2006, 01:55 PM

Wow, sorry about the theft dude.

Thieves come in second only to pedifiles in my book...

Posted by: MattR Mar 27 2006, 01:56 PM

QUOTE (Headrage @ Mar 27 2006, 11:55 AM)

Wow, sorry about the theft dude. Thieves come in second only to pedifiles in my book...

and murderers? rapists?

um... allan, maybe i shouldnt have sent you out to meet my friends all alone in bakersfield...

Posted by: McMark Mar 27 2006, 03:33 PM

QUOTE (SirAndy @ Mar 27 2006, 11:14 AM)

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 27 2006, 10:11 AM) It's true. And soon, too. http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/end.php Andy

Thanks Andy! I like that version.

Glad to hear the stuff will be covered Trekkor. Maybe the bastard will be in the system as well and the fingerprints will give a lead.

Posted by: race914 Mar 27 2006, 04:14 PM

Had my tools stolen once too... Luckily I had videotaped all of the drawers in my tool cabinet so it wasn't as hard as it could have been to replace everything.

Afterwards, I considered my options and have had my 'mobile' security system with me ever since. This is version 2.0, version 1.0 lasted 13 years.

Only bad thing is the UPS guy won't bring my raceparts to the front door anymore!


Attached image(s)

Posted by: shaggy Mar 27 2006, 05:20 PM

trek-

ever thoght about an alarm?

but that only works if you have the garage closed

im sure if you pm John(Flatvw) about it hell try to help out
hes been putting them in since he was about a year older than me(19)

-shag

Posted by: trekkor Mar 27 2006, 05:31 PM

I got back from my shopping and so far I'm up to $1400 in losses.

Tools add up fast and I have three pages of items listed so far.


KT

Posted by: byndbad914 Mar 27 2006, 05:45 PM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 26 2006, 08:26 PM)

I had my original 10mm wrench, painted green for easy finding.

that is kind of a trip to me - I had painted all of my tools a translucent dark green color when I was going to school to be a mechanic. Fellow classmates would steal your tools all the time and you couldn't pin them down because everybody had craftsman. So I painted all of my wrenches green and my teacher couldn't figure out why - told him I did so because if I ever saw a green wrench going across the shop, they would get another much larger green wrench upside the head. He smiled and said "don't kill 'em, but make sure they remember not to touch another f###ing wrench around here"

Never had another one stolen at school. Sorry to hear about your stuff getting taken though. It is just the worst feeling, BTDT as stated. Good luck with the home owners insurance!

Posted by: grantsfo Mar 27 2006, 05:57 PM

Bet youre thinking. ....I should of had a trunk monkey!

http://www.trunkmonkey.com/content/view/44/51/

Posted by: sjhowitson Mar 27 2006, 06:20 PM

Is that the tool box that had your extra Rolex in it?

Sorry for your loss. It sucks when you think your stuff is safe and then some jerk takes advantage if it.

They will ge theirs when the time comes.

What goes around comes around.

Posted by: smooth_eddy Mar 27 2006, 08:11 PM

Yep, been there myself. Had a work van broken into and the bastards took over $2500 in hand tools, power tools and fluke meters. Fortunatley, my company replace them for me. But, I had to go around on my own time to buy them. Took days replacing everything and 6 years later I am still missing some specialty tools. I found it best to replace them as quickly as possible. The memory will fade after you have your replacements. Good luck and pray it only happens once in your life time. Eddy

Posted by: trekkor Mar 27 2006, 08:15 PM

Trunk Monkey!!!
Brilliant!

I need a Shed Monkey.

Thanks, Grant. First real laugh since the theft.


KT

Posted by: drew365 Mar 27 2006, 08:35 PM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Mar 27 2006, 09:26 AM)

QUOTE an "unlocked door at night" type of town? No. We live out in the country so I guess I got lulled into thinking nobody was paying attention. Who knows how many people have stopped and looked around. The sheriff recommended cameras. I hate this. KT

When I first moved to L.A., I used to leave the keys in my car when I went into a convenience store, just like I did back home. Now I have a full home security system including two outside cameras on motion detection recording to a dedicated security computer. I hate it but it's better than letting the thieves win.

Posted by: Twystd1 Mar 27 2006, 10:18 PM

All I can tell ya.. IS

I know the feeling...

Put it in the past.

Have fun with your NEW TOOLS...!!

Clayton

Posted by: trekkor Mar 27 2006, 10:35 PM

QUOTE

Put it in the past.

I will.

I feel better after a day has gone by.

It could have been worse.

I'll get my throttle cable installed on wed or thurs and have a fantastic weekend in the driver's seat.


KT

Posted by: trekkor Mar 27 2006, 10:57 PM

Just want to say thanks for the support.



KT

Posted by: aircooledboy Mar 28 2006, 09:26 AM

QUOTE (race914 @ Mar 27 2006, 05:14 PM)

Afterwards, I considered my options and have had my 'mobile' security system with me ever since.   This is version 2.0, version 1.0 lasted 13 years. Only bad thing is the UPS guy won't bring my raceparts to the front door anymore!

Damn Trek. Glad you are keeping a good attitude here. Four words: Get a big dog.

Several years ago, my wife''s purse was stolen from her car in our garage in broad daylight, in a lively city neighborhood. Shortly after that we got mobile security systems 1.01 & 1.02. Max and Cain were undefeated in their 9 years of keeping the crew safe. It's funny how a 100 lbs. Doberman or two will make strangers cross to the other side of the street when they get to your driveway.

System 2.0 is in charge of the security at our rural NARP Reasearch facility now. Thankfully the FedEx man is a dog guy, and is OK with Rocky. UPS guy honks, and Beth goes out to the truck. I still probably should be more diligent about securing my shop during the day, but the combination of Rocky and his invisible fence gives me a lot of peace that nobody is going to be able to sneak onto the property without atleast getting the chance to crap their pants before they run away screaming.

Posted by: trekkor Mar 28 2006, 07:16 PM

That was hilarious.


Thanks.


KT