Attempted truck theft - I hate thieves

[BobsYourUncle]

I hate thieves. I really do.

Had a break in of my truck some time since Friday. They tried very hard to steal the truck, but thankfully failed.

But wow did they ever make a mess of my steering column and ignition switch. They punched out the lock in the drivers door, then proceeded to rip apart the top of the column. After beating the snot out of the thing they gave up, and stole a few drills and my laser level, along with the key ring containing the keys to my toolboxes. Not sure what else they took, I'll likely notice something later.

I have a number of choice words in my mind, but I'd get myself banned if I printed them here. Use your imagination.

Cheezed off....









I can't get the key in there to start it, so looks like I fix it right there or have it towed for repairs. :M:M:M

[mkirsch]

Michelle.S wrote:
They're only protected if the body is found.

Yeah, but you're not good enough to get away with it. That's why they're the criminals and you aren't.

Whoever this was, had no clue what they were doing. I'm pretty sure these old trucks are not that difficult to steal.

[BobsYourUncle]

2oldman wrote:
I don't understand this smash-and-grab technique. Assuming most vehicles are stolen for the money, who would buy one with such damage? What happens to these vehicles in such damaged condition?

Chop shops. The don't sell them whole. The LBZ engine is the most popular, getting old, harder to find now. They strip them for parts. The truck is full of tools of my trade. Crackheads looking for a quick buck.
About 500 yards from my house some guys welding truck was stolen, likely the same night. My guess is they couldn't get mine so they moved on to the next one. Police found it the next day in a town not far from Calgary, stripped of everything and they set off a fire extinguisher inside to hide the fingerprints. It was a 2000 Chev 2500.

[belairbrian]

rctaw wrote:
The only minor inconvenience afterward was having to carry two separate keys for the ignition and doors.

I remember when that was normal. Still is when i drive my 92 corvette

[Walaby]

2oldman wrote:
I don't understand this smash-and-grab technique. Assuming most vehicles are stolen for the money, who would buy one with such damage? What happens to these vehicles in such damaged condition?

Likely parted out.

I imagine it would be difficult to sell a stolen vehicle.

Mike

[2oldman]

I don't understand this smash-and-grab technique. Assuming most vehicles are stolen for the money, who would buy one with such damage? What happens to these vehicles in such damaged condition?

[Grit_dog]

BobsYourUncle wrote:
Insured? Yes. $500 deductible. I can likely get the parts for less than that. Well, maybe... Fix it myself and save my insurance premiums from going up.
I had a claim last year, they paid me out for hail damage and didn't increase my rates.

My stolen tools are not covered by the vehicle policy.

Generally Comp claims don't raise your rates, like the hail damage or the vandalism you experienced.
Although, like you, I'm very self conscious of rate increases and probably even more so in Canada where you have less choice in insurers, I think?

[rctaw]

This same thing happened to my son's 1997 GMC 1500 except the truck was left unlocked so they didn't damage the door locks. I found a complete steering column including keys, steering wheel, air bag, cruise controls and blinkers from a salvage yard. I removed the damaged one and replaced it with the salvaged part. Getting the steering shaft apart and back together was aggravating but it really wasn't that bad. The only minor inconvenience afterward was having to carry two separate keys for the ignition and doors. Back in 2018 the whole column unit was 120.00 but now there is no telling how much it will cost....

[RetiredRealtorR]

BobsYourUncle wrote:
Insured? Yes. $500 deductible. I can likely get the parts for less than that. Well, maybe... Fix it myself and save my insurance premiums from going up.
I had a claim last year, they paid me out for hail damage and didn't increase my rates.

My stolen tools are not covered by the vehicle policy.

Look into your homeowner's policy. Sometimes items such as tools are covered off-premises. Might be worth checking into.

[BB_TX]

Looks like someone didn’t have a clue how to steal a truck.

[BobsYourUncle]

Insured? Yes. $500 deductible. I can likely get the parts for less than that. Well, maybe... Fix it myself and save my insurance premiums from going up.
I had a claim last year, they paid me out for hail damage and didn't increase my rates.

My stolen tools are not covered by the vehicle policy.

[1492]

Sorry to hear about this. An unfortunate mess.

Recently saw a news report that pickups have become the number 1 target for vehicle thefts these days.

[Michelle_S]

They're only protected if the body is found.

[time2roll]

BobsYourUncle wrote:
I can't get the key in there to start it, so looks like I fix it right there or have it towed for repairs. :M:M:M

I agree with police report first. Then tow it to the dealer and contact insurance.
No insurance? I would still tow it to the dealer.

[pianotuna]

Bob that's awful.

[NamMedevac_70]

Fact not politics. In USA thieves are well protected from