I hate this place!

steelhead22 · 01-05-2004, 05:07 PM

Well, it's official, I HATE (and I mean that in the worst sense) living in the metro area. Last night I had my duck decoys stolen from the side of my house. That puts the total at around half a dozen breakin's or thefts in the last 6 months. 1 per month, what a great place to live! By the way, who steals decoys. I mean seriously what is the point of that. They left another bag and my Avery blind that were sitting right there too? Doesn't make any sense. If you're gonna take something, why not take it all? Oh, and here's another story, when they broke into my car, they DIDN'T TAKE ANYTHING! They just took a knife to my interior and then jammed it in the CD player. I've considered taking matters into my own hands, but I really don't trust myself. I can't be sure that if/when I do catch them that I will act rationally. I may do something that I will regret for a long time. I'm sure everyone in the metro area has had a problem with this at one time or another, it's becoming more common every day. How did you deal with it? Did you just take it or did you decide to be proactive and catch the little cowards?

Norski · 01-05-2004, 05:30 PM

I would tell you how I handled it but they would remove the post.
All I can say it was elect & positive, and thay wont come back for any more.

Pete · 01-05-2004, 05:39 PM

When I bought my house in SE Portland, I had a house warming party. Someone brought me a 6-pack of Italian beer as a present. Well, I'm not a fan of Italian beer and the 6-pack ended up in the driveway. Well, that 6-pack is visible from the street and ya know what? It's been there for 12 years! I think it's the security light and watchful neighbors. Sorry you're having troubles!

MasterCaster · 01-05-2004, 05:46 PM

Sounds like a kid/kids out making trouble.

Sorry for your troubles.

Jon :smile: :grin: :smile:

[ 01-05-2004, 06:47 PM: Message edited by: MasterCaster ]

wootersen · 01-05-2004, 06:01 PM

Pete,

Break-ins are horrible and nothing makes me angrier, but I am a fan of free beer.

Please PM me with your home address and ignore the security light for a while. :grin:

Maddie'sDaddy · 01-05-2004, 06:07 PM

Unfortunately most of the time its a kid that lives right around the corner from you, also when taking matters into your own hands you end up worying about a lawsuit. These days sometimes it seems the law works more for the criminal than the victom. A friend of mine had his wifes car broken into and they got her purse and all her credit cards. The tigard police told them there was nothing they could do for them. They also found out the person used one of her cards later that day and the police said they dont have the manpower to go look at the tape the store has showing this person using it, and the store will not release it to anyone but the police. They asked if they could look at it cause they think they know who the guy is and they all said no. Luckily their insurence seems to work and took care of everything. That would be enouph to almost push someone over the edge.

Bait O' Eggs · 01-05-2004, 06:31 PM

Just a few questions, before I try to help you with your problem

1. What is your address?
2. What kind of shape is your avery blind in?
3. What hours do you work/sleep?

I had a trolling motor stole about 6 years ago, that has been it in 10 years, The next day I put up the big night light, and secured things of value. It also helped when the tweeker around the corner moved away.

I know people who live in the country with more theft problems than I have in the city.

01-05-2004, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pete:
When I bought my house in SE Portland, I had a house warming party. Someone brought me a 6-pack of Italian beer as a present. Well, I'm not a fan of Italian beer and the 6-pack ended up in the driveway. Well, that 6-pack is visible from the street and ya know what? It's been there for 12 years! I think it's the security light and watchful neighbors. Sorry you're having troubles!

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">What kind of beer is that Pete? and where do you live?

Seriously though it seems like an epidemic of sporting goods thefts going on. Especially outboard motors.

Lepper · 01-05-2004, 06:45 PM

While I don't live in portland.. I do have a good trick... short fence and a big dog that isn't exactly friendly to strangers..

Martin85 · 01-05-2004, 07:33 PM

Look for the 12-15 year old of the neighborhood thats always wandering around. He seems like a kid looking for a rush, not so much looking for money (yet)

willametteriveroutlaw · 01-05-2004, 08:33 PM

I had my truck robbed on saturday, and they took a bunch of my fishing tackle, stereo, cd changer, speakers etc.. needless to say I am fuming still.

ORoutdoorsman · 01-05-2004, 09:04 PM

First off, look up the number for you local law enforcement, make sure you report all the robberies, and ask the police the best course of action for keeping safe. They will have the best tips for you on how to deter people from causing you grief. I think alot of lighting and fencing is the best way to help. But no one is 100% safe. As far as taking matters into your own hand, you have no legal justification to harm someone for trespassing or stealing your stuff. You do have the right to arrest them, but you better make sure you can justify any force and you have enough proof to prove they were breaking the law. You have to actually witness them breaking the law, otherwise you cannot detain them. Id say talk to the cops and see what advice they have. If you dont mind me asking, what area do you live in?

TonTo · 01-06-2004, 12:36 AM

I know the feeling all too well,although I am not in the metro area and don't plan to be anytime soon.In late sept. I had someone clean all the poles out of my boat

still a bit urked about that even more lately as I'm finnally getting around to replaceing em.I live about 8 miles out of the longview city limits,on a road most travel 55-60mph even though posted 35

the house is on a corner so most just get a wiz of a view as they fly past,yet I got piffered right out of my front yard,I left the poles setting in the holders where I guess they were spotted and some dirt bag decided they needed em more than me.
I guess where I'm going with this is you don't have to be in downtown Portland to still find a thieve they are very opertunistic and sometimes just steal for the hell of it,I doubt this guy was a fisher just like I doubt your thief will be setting over your spred anytime soon.Alot has to do with drugs I'm sure or just a compulsion to take something to see if they can get away with it.

And yes I had thaughts of maybe putting out some bait to see if I could get em to come back,but I'm glad I didn't do that since I know I would not have handled it in a civil manner.And like Rat said,my original game plan was posted and got yanked pretty quick,maybe a record there for newbie/mod interaction.
When I reported it to the police(sherrif)they said someone would be out....about 4 hours later, I get a phone call...they asked if I knew who took em :whazzup: [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

and that there was nothing they could do :depressed: then was told to look at the bright side, at least they didn't steal the whole boat

willierower · 01-06-2004, 08:45 AM

Screw calling the police. They couold care less about a property crime. If they even take time out of thier donut munching to come down and take a report, it doesnt mean anything will get done. Take things into your own hands! Just dont tell anyone you did. If something goes wrong and someone ends up hurt. Dont worry about it. Who are the cops going to believe? A dirt bag low life piece of crap thief or an upstanding member of the community? I know its worked before. One thief ended up in the hospital for a few days and in the county jail for a few months. And nobody quite knows how he ended up in the hospital

HOGGEMIN · 01-06-2004, 01:16 PM

Just a friendly reminder: When confrounting a intruder inside or outside you felt you life was endangered and you feared for your life.

steelhead22 · 01-06-2004, 02:04 PM

I called the Gladstone Police Department, but I didn't have them come fill out a report. It just doesn't seem worth it. They can't do anything anyway. I just wanted to find out if anyone had found them and turned them in. That happens a lot. Kids take bikes or other stuff and just ditch it. I was hoping the would have just dumped them all out in a yard somewhere, but, no such luck. I guess I'm just going to keep checking with them and going around to all the local pawn shops. That seems to be where a lot of this stuff shows up. A buddy of mine had his speakers stolen from his car a couple years ago and found them at the local pawn. He told them the story, and I don't know if they are supposed to do this or not, but they gave him the name of the guy the brought them in. Needless to say, he retrieved the money to buy back his stuff from the pawn shop and the only one worse for wear was the thief the stole it.

puffins crew · 01-06-2004, 02:15 PM

Sorry for your loss. The only thing we have any power over is our own part in these situations. Do not tempt your fellow man, he is weak and will act given the oppertunity.

Peace, Tom

[ 01-06-2004, 09:50 PM: Message edited by: puffins crew ]

Rakkasan · 01-06-2004, 03:30 PM

I heard nothing about crime prevention which is key. I am not trying to make you sound stupid, but ask yourself the obvious. Why don't you lock things up? I know from experience and have learned the hard way. My truck was broken into twice out here in Beaverton twice in a month a few years back. I thought to myself "DUH" Gee Dave, why don't you just not leave anything that looks like it needs to be stolen in the vehicle, and do not leave anything in there you do not want to lose. I know some things are attached but still. The club is still the #1 recommended anti vehicle theft device. If a thief wants your car they are going to take it. THe only way to get a club off is saw the stearing wheel. It happens, but not often.

Type up a letter and put it in neighbors mailboxes. Post the letters in the area and in stores when you are out and about. It tkaes time ,but it may be worth it to you. Get your neighbors involved.

It probably is some stupid punk kid stealing for the thrill.

Lock it up and keep it out of site.

steelhead22 · 01-06-2004, 03:59 PM

DSRods- You right. I know it's my fault. I left the stuff outside when I simply should have put it in the garage where it belonged. I don't want to justify these types of actions, but I need to realize the even though most people would see something left out and not think twice about it, other's see it as an opportunity. Their mind is just wired differently than most, I think it has to be in order to be a thief. How you can see something that isn't yours and have the ability to steal it is beyond me, my mind doesn't work that way, but for other's, well, let's just say I've learned my lesson.

Rakkasan · 01-06-2004, 04:03 PM

I like your attitude. Serious though, Tell your neighbors and post signs. It may deter a punk kid or better. I just wish we had laws like Europe has. Good luck!

glassblower · 01-06-2004, 11:23 PM

I used to have a 175Lb German Rottweiler (he was a big baby , but only I knew that). Well he is no longer with us so now I just figure if I catch a thief in action, well lets just say it's not going to be his lucky day.

ORoutdoorsman · 01-07-2004, 12:37 PM

Actually willie rower, the police do care about you being robbed. But the police don't have the time, money, or resources to send out a forensic team to analyze the scene of a minor crime. It is not worth the money, and likely nothing would be found to do anyone any good. Filing a police report is important because if a thief is caught with items you have reported, #1 you will get them back, and #2 they will get them for theft or reception of stolen property. And far as who are the cops going to believe, in the portland metro area, they will believe the scum bag who is injured. They will look at who got hurt, and if someone is hurt on your property, thats your responsibility. Hate to break it to you, but cops are not as lazy and stupid as you may think they are. And you will be real happy to have them around if someone is ever trying to hurt you or your family. Just remember, when your *** is on the line, you don't call roto rooter. Have a little respect for the police.

Rakkasan · 01-07-2004, 12:46 PM

ORoutdoorsman,

Very well said. I agree 100% with the information on police. Just remember that people who do not work the field as I am sure you know do not understand. They are unaware that a theft of "THERE" property or similar circumstances do not take priority of a follow up on a child abuse or spousal abuse for example.

KingFisher85 · 01-07-2004, 12:50 PM

The 3ss :grin:

ORoutdoorsman · 01-07-2004, 12:52 PM

Dsrods, your right. People get angry that the police don't make a huge investigation, but its just like any other agency, they have budgets and have to prioritize their time and money. And most people would agree that a little girl is more important than a fishing pole.

nerta · 01-07-2004, 06:36 PM

Sorry to hear about the thefts. You might look for a job out of the metro area and move some place where the neighbors look out for each other. If anyone comes to our door when we are gone at least one or more neighbor's call to ask if we know anybody with such and such a auto with plate #-----. We do the same for them.

corkyking · 01-09-2004, 10:51 PM

It's more than likely someone you know.
More than likely 20's or younger.
More than likely the same one as last time.
More than likely the one you think it is.
Motion detector lights are relatively inexpensive.
Hook 'em to a buzzer so you know when they go on.
Show no mercy.

dampainter · 01-10-2004, 06:46 AM

You should move out here to The Dalles...no traffic, other than just mostly real petty stuff, not much crime. About 45 minutes to the wind/drano lake area....15 minutes to the deschutes and klickitat rivers, about 1/2 hour to the john day river. Thank You God for getting me and my family here...