Confrontation Yes or No

Hellibut · 03-17-2008, 11:23 AM

poll

ICHTHYDEMON · 03-17-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellibut

With the, "Do you lock your trailer", poll let's take this one step further. Your driving/walking thru the parking lot and you see someone taking a trailer off of one vehicle and putting it on another. What do you do? Also please think about what you would do if your were confronted while putting a trailer on another vehicle.

I'd get some info (license plate,etc) and call the cops. Getting shot over a boat trailer doesn't appeal to me. Cops get paid to deal with this stuff,I don't.

fyshndad · 03-17-2008, 11:28 AM

No conforntation unless I know the owner of said trailer then I would say hold on here while I call my buddy
Other wise just note the kind of truck it went on and the license # to give to LE in case they were stealing it

If I had need to swap tow rigs for that trailer and was confronted I would ask the person to take my info and turn me in if they did not believe I had permission to do it

Herring Problem · 03-17-2008, 11:30 AM

Depends on the persons attitude confronting you.

If you think there is a crime being committed, call 911, do not confront, Better be safe than dead.

Hellibut · 03-17-2008, 11:30 AM

With the, "Do you lock your trailer", poll let's take this one step further. Your driving/walking thru the parking lot and you see someone taking a trailer off of one vehicle and putting it on another. What do you do? Also please think about what you would do if your were confronted while putting a trailer on another vehicle.

HugeDuckFan · 03-17-2008, 11:47 AM

My boat isn't worth your A%$, and your's isn't worth my A%$. If it looked wrong, then a note or a picture (I always have a camera with me) to capture the plate and description.

If it's a KNOWN boat and the captain is missing, I might swing by and ask if "Joe" is around.

What's the back story here? There is a reason why this is being asked.

skybuster · 03-17-2008, 12:03 PM

There are right ways and wrong ways to handle a situation like this obviously, if you go into it with the mindset of it being a "confrontation", it may escalate to that.

Here is what you do:

If something looks funny to you and you're not sure that the trailer being switched to another tow rig looks right, I would make an "inquiry".

Basically I would first make a note of the vehicles involved, including make, model, color, and plates, and then I would note physical descriptions of those involved to include race, height, weight, hair color, clothing, and distinguishing characteristics such as tatoos, glasses, or scars. If you have a camera handy and can discreetly get photos, even better.

Then I would approach the individuals and make an inquiry. I would basically offer help with their situation and inquire as to what went wrong that they needed to switch rigs. This allows me to come off as a potential good samaritan, and doesn't immediately escalate the situation to a confrontation. Heck, if they are good people it might lead to meeting some friendly new fishin partners.

If their story stinks, or they seem nervous and try to get rid of me, I walk away calmly, wish them good luck, and dial 911.

Hellibut · 03-17-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HugeDuckFan

What's the back story here? There is a reason why this is being asked.

Don't know there is a back story but with all the talk of trailer locked/unlocked, thefts and what not I thought it might make people more aware and could benefit us all. Three years ago I may have said nothing but simply noted a license #. If someone would have questioned me about my trailer, boat, motor, I probably would have been a little irratated but then I had someone use my credit card to make a few thousand dollars in purchases and it sort of changed my thinking. Now instead of getting irritated when I'm ask for ID whenever I use my card I say thank you. If someone questioned me about my trailer, boat, motor etc I would also say thank you. If it irritated someone that I would ask, I walk away. As you say, it's not worth your behind. Hope that answers your question.

KeyWest · 03-17-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellibut

Don't know there is a back story but with all the talk of trailer locked/unlocked, thefts and what not I thought it might make people more aware and could benefit us all. Three years ago I may have said nothing but simply noted a license #. If someone would have questioned me about my trailer, boat, motor, I probably would have been a little irratated but then I had someone use my credit card to make a few thousand dollars in purchases and it sort of changed my thinking. Now instead of getting irritated when I'm ask for ID whenever I use my card I say thank you. If someone questioned me about my trailer, boat, motor etc I would also say thank you. If it irritated someone that I would ask, I walk away. As you say, it's not worth your behind. Hope that answers your question.

Also, I have a McGard lock on the trailer - you cant remove the trailer from the hitch without cutting the lock - just meant to keep the honest people honest. Have McGard locks on the prop, trailer, wheels, spare tire, motor, etc. Also have Data Dots all over the boat, motor, trailer, etc. Call me paranoid.

Robalo Bill · 03-18-2008, 05:25 PM

Vote on what?

smalldog · 03-18-2008, 08:04 PM

Thieves dont have to look like Meth Heads.
I caught three of the most respectible looking guys stealing my wifes gloves and binoculars out of my jeep one year. They were driving a brand new $40,000 truck and all had jobs. Just no morals.
Lesson is...just assume everyone is a thief. Lock it always.
And carry a 40S&W auto.

SalmonSeason · 03-18-2008, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ICHTHYDEMON

I'd get some info (license plate,etc) and call the cops. Getting shot over a boat trailer doesn't appeal to me. Cops get paid to deal with this stuff,I don't.

Absolutely

Just_learning · 03-19-2008, 07:12 AM

How about a simple conversation. If they are doing wrong, they probably will not want to talk much. Ask about the weather, what they are using or talk about a "fish story" with them.

Chances are they wont be too chatty if they are looking to get the heck out of there in a hurry.

CAPT KUJO · 03-19-2008, 09:08 PM

Maybe one day I'll share my experience confronting 4 thiefs in So Cal and pulling a speargun on them "in the act". One of them pulled a "real gun".
I shot first!

Moral of the Story:

NEVER BRING A SPEARGUN TO A GUNFIGHT!

My advise:

NEVER CONFRONT

CAPT KUJO

rip-lightnin · 03-19-2008, 10:01 PM

duh! buy a three dollar lock, pretty much a no-brainer dont ya think?

Deepslayer · 03-19-2008, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPT KUJO

Maybe one day I'll share my experience confronting 4 thiefs in So Cal and pulling a speargun on them "in the act". One of them pulled a "real gun".
I shot first!

Moral of the Story:

NEVER BRING A SPEARGUN TO A GUNFIGHT!

My advise:

NEVER CONFRONT

Inquiring people want to hear this story Kujo!??? I am getting too old to confront anymore!
,Ed

CAPT KUJO

Fish Mode · 03-20-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPT KUJO

Maybe one day I'll share my experience confronting 4 thiefs in So Cal and pulling a speargun on them "in the act". One of them pulled a "real gun".
I shot first!

Moral of the Story:

NEVER BRING A SPEARGUN TO A GUNFIGHT!

My advise:

NEVER CONFRONT

CAPT KUJO

WOW! Kinda sounded like a teaser to an upcoming movie. You didn't happen to die, did you? That would be a bummer

I agree, confrontation is a big NoNO