Got a call from a homeowner where we’re doing a small box gutter re-line/porch roof late last night. Seems the police showed up about 9PM saying the scaffolding I have set up was previoulsy stolen. I’m not sure where the scaffold I have set up over there came from. I’ve bought it as I needed it over the years, but I haven’t bought any in maybe 6 years and doubt that I’ve got the receipts. The only one that I can find is some bought from an individual and I would be extremely shocked to find out it was stolen. What do I do?
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they have to prove you quilty, not that you have to prove you are innocent
they have to prove you quilty, not that you have to prove you are innocent
HA!!! You obviously have very limited experience with the judicial system!
Good for you!The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.
See if your bank or CC company can provide you with a previous set of statements. Provided you didn't pay cash.
Isn't this stuff all the same looking yellow colored pipe? How would someone point to yours and say 'that's mine'?
View Image
Some of it has markings on it - random spray painted dots, bands, etc. and I've added mine to it.
The stuff I got from the homeowner was randomly marked - some of it (walkboards) had the name of a company that went out of business a long time ago. But he'd had it in his possession for a long time. I'm not sure where he got it, but we had to cut the vines off of it with lopers where they'd grown thru it where it was stored - which was out in the open. He'd bought it to do some work on his house and decided he was over his head. I deducted the price from his invoice and it's well noted. This was in Aug '03.
Some of the stuff I have was traded to me for services rendered by a church.
The rest, I bought used from several different rental places.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Some of mine was purchased from Rental. I've known them for many years, they would vouch for the sale.
Some is "scavenged" over the years-"get it outta here". All is well weathered-no way any of it can be said to have any legal identifying labels visible.
That all the parts mate up is only due to the fairly similar characteristics of scaffold around here.
I don't know what the above has to do with your current situation, but I would be surprised that anyone would claim mine stolen nor pursue the point once viewed.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
This is a twist!
I thought I'd read that your scaffolding had been stolen out from under you
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previously stolen WHEN?
got any job site photos with the scaffolding that predates the WHEN?
bet you have employees/subs that have been using that scafolding for years and years........
stephen
My delete, I mis read the post.
Check yer email ...Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
I've set up and tore down every pc of scaffold he owns, since at least 04. I was even the one going to get more from the yard he bought some from..this is wild.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Some guy showed up on the client's porch last night saying that was his scaffold and was told to get lost. He came back a couple of hours later with police. He showed the police some markings that he said were his. Detectives came back at 10:30PM and woke the whole neighborhood up taking pictures. Said it's from an open case from '02.
No police have contacted me yet.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
I bet Brian wishes Boston had the Lex. cops looking for HIS stuff.
Man, thats just crazy.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Re lexington police, that is what I was thinking.
Brian looses 15K+ in tools and the police ignore him.
Guy says scaffold on job is his from 7 years ago.
Sounds like a great idea. Maybe I should go back in my records and see what I claimed as stolen I'll just go find one of the same and say it's mine.
Ahh, what a great country.
What a novel way to steal. Have the authorities come take it away from you.
Wait, that's not new...
Grant, have your lawyer tell the police to get lost. The statue of limitations has more than likely run out!
Izzat like the Statute of Liberty or the thing that rings and pick it up and say 'Hallo? Statue?"Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Kind off. When I learn how to spell!>G>
As long as they call it open and active, no statute of limitations.
I will disagree with you. If a crime is not solved in a period of time, you are home free. Only crime, I know without a statue of limitation is murder. Every state sets there own laws. In any case that is a long time for it to run.
The reason I know about this is I had stuff stolen and sold at police auction. It was sitting in their back room until the time ran out. SOL!
Not being called open and active case. This is FL law. Let me find out you are in NY.
Fla has simular statutes. It can be open and hit the date, no good. SOL
Does that mean my friend can be released from prison? He went to jail on one of them statute expired cases. And it happens regularly, at least in the fed.
We just had a client come in for a first appointment. (Been working part-time for a lawyer) He is being prosecuted for a DUI from 1992. The man doesn't even know whats happened that made them suddenly.
If they arrest you wrongfully, your still cuffed and must defend yourself.
being prosecuted for a DUI from 1992
Difference is that he was already arrested when it passed the statute! Just not prosecuted. I think your lawyer will have some fun with that one!
No, they arrested him last week.
Kentucky has no statute of limitations for prosecuting felonies. Approximately 6 other states have similar systems. So like much of what is discussed on Breaktime, it depends where you live.
Here is a list I googled:
http://www.corsal.org/06SOLNCVC%20Statute_of_Limitations_Fact_Sheet32%5B1%5D.pdf
It relates to sex-crimes, but you can at least see some of the states that have no statute of limitations for felonies.
Then the question would be if this would rise to felony status
Anything stolen off a FL construction site is a felony, even if you take it out of the dumpster.
Did you read what Aron posted?
Well, I've called the officer in charge of the hot scaffold caper twice now and no response.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Better hurry up and finish before they take it.
Yeah really, finish the job, move the scaffolding, tell the police it got stolen, the accuser must have come and taken it.
OK - just finished talking with the Police. The officer that called me was never at the scene, but was aware of the case and had the file in front of him. The officers and detectives that responded are all off duty today. Officer Smith told me that unless the claimant has some pretty compelling evidence such as serial #'s on a paid receipt, he's barking at the moon. He seemed to think that who ever this guy is, he might try to steal the scaffold. Apparently he's familiar with the claimant and assured me I'd not be arrested. The homeowner described the claimant as "very strange".http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Weird.
Hope the clients don't get a negative impression from you due to all the weirdness.
Hopefully it's a quick job to wrap up and not give the weirdo a reason to knock on their door again.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Hope the clients don't get a negative impression from you due to all the weirdness.
This is an architect who owns several properties. We've been his go to guys for several projects. Really nice family, but they live about a block from the worst housing project in town. Looks like a good move, because they're getting ready to raize the 'hood and rebuild affordable single family dwellings. They've done this in several other areas and crime has dropped to nothing after they've "urban re-newed' them and so far the houses have been well kept. Actually created some really nice neighborhoods. http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
that's good.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
"Very Strange"
HA! So it WAS John!.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
"Very Strange"
HA! So it WAS John!.
Could be. Like I said, the officer seemed "familiar" with the guy.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Sounds like something he'd do. If he knew it was your job, I can see it happening. He's Nucckin Futzz. AND has had a lot of police action at the Funny Farm.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
This was a younger guy - kinda stinky. Possible tweaker.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Oh. Thats good I guess..LOL.
You hear anything from your letter?Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
You hear anything from your letter?
Nope.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
seeyou — "...The homeowner described the claimant as "very strange"."It wasn't our infamous BreakTime friend Larry was it?
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It wasn't our infamous BreakTime friend Larry was it?
Jerrald - I was around when that was going on, but didn't pay much attention to it. I'm aware of Larry more from legend than actual contact, but it could have been.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
I'm aware of Larry more from legend than actual contact
Very far from it...ask Piff
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
Yeah, I know. I just wasn't involved in it.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
OK, you've been put on notice!
Mark the daylights out of every piece of that rig. Paint it a unique color. Lock it up as you can. Maybe even mount a camera or two.
Why? Because you're being stalked. Make your own police report. If that scaffold - or anything else - disappears, you want to have a solid trail pointing to the perps.
Most important, keep the customer, and everyone else, in the loop. It's critical that they don't fall for this gypsy's line of BS.
Folks that brazen don't give up easily.
Is that "marking" listed in the police report? If not it is a pretty thin beef. If so and the markings are unique, those pieces may actually be his and got to you second or third hand. You admitted these were bought from various sources and 6 years ago or more. You still keep any without his "mark".
Grant you are having a week. And it's only Sunday!
Who sez it's his mark? Does he have some other scafolding (older marks) with his sign? Does the guy just show up and say that's my mark? Pictures from 02?
Seems a bit flimsy
I don't know the first thing about police work but I would contact them ASAP. Something strikes me as not being right with this situation.Who trolls neighborhoods on a Sunday looking for scaffolding they lost 6-7 years ago?
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Good point about the date.To establish that a crime had ever even been committed, they ned to establish the date. So ask when was the police theft report filed - when the supposed theft happened or when they spotted the staging
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I've cautioned about purchasing stuff from 'informal' or questionable sources many times. I usually get replies telling me of all the great deals someone has found.
There's no statute of limitations on recovering stolen property. You might not be prosecuted for the theft, or for receiving stolen property, but the property will be returned to the rightful owner.
This is true even if you did obtain the stuff legitimately ... whoever sold it to you had no right to sell it - it wasn't his to sell.
Police are no fools, and it's probably safe to assume that the stuff was clearly, definitively marked in some manner. I have known several folks who mark their stuff in a prominent place, as well as a more concealed marking somewhere.
It doesn't make sense for the police to not have contacted you .... there seem to be some pieces missing from this puzzle. The homeowner should have received some manner of receipt, even just a business card, from the officers involved. You need to talk to the police about this.
Now, there's a role for an attorney to act as a buffer. He can speak on your behalf ... no sense getting entangled in a criminal investigation if you can avoid it. Don't let it rest, though .... things like this can take on a life of their own. You don't want to have a traffic ticket turn into an 'outstanding warrant' arrest three years from now!
I've cautioned about purchasing stuff from 'informal' or questionable sources many times.
I'm still not sure what it is that is claimed stolen, but I've never bought anything that I even slightly suspected was stolen. But there's also no title that comes with this stuff and most of my equipment has been purchased used.
whoever sold it to you had no right to sell it - it wasn't his to sell.
That's yet to be proven.
It doesn't make sense for the police to not have contacted you .... there seem to be some pieces missing from this puzzle. The homeowner should have received some manner of receipt, even just a business card, from the officers involved. You need to talk to the police about this.
The scaffold was not taken - we're working on it today.
No cards were left. I don't know who to call at the police station or who the claimant is.
It's lunch time and I still haven't heard from the police. They still haven't shown up yet from the last time MY tools got stolen about 7-8 years ago.
This is curious.
http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
No card left? No contact?
Wonder if it was an "unmarked police car as well. Makes me think someone was trying to steal your scaffolding.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
I just called the police and got the officer's name that made the call. His shift starts at 4PM - they said to call back then.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Well at least the cop was real!
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
When you get ahold of him, let him get his required "bully" time in...Then ask him why they aren't as worried about all of your stolen tools.
Googley googley googley, evil go away.
here in kansas your wrong.
i had a trailer stolen,made report la la.
3 years later i see it ,call police. they say"i know its you trailer but there is a 2 year statue of limitations,sorry. told me i could take him to civil court since he had no reciept and i might get it back.
you ready for this,i bought it back from him,it was cheaper,easier than court.YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'TMOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THEDUCT TAPE.
I would have pushed the issue some more than just letting the desk sargeant blow you off. Maybe they couldn't prosecute - that's their problem - but title did not pass.
Here's a major point about dealing with the police: DOCUMENT everything. If they refuse to let you make a report, mail them one. Get their refusal in writing. If their position seems absurd, have an attorney inquire on your behalf, confirm that what you were told is correct.
Heck, I once had an idiot clerk at the station claim I could not file a burglary report, because I didn't own the place I was renting. Trust me, a report was filed .... and the perp was dealt with.
One thing you have to realize is that - in a twilight zone seldom visited by working folks - within the criminal sub-culture, those fools are ALWAYS filing bogus theft reports against each other. The crooks figure if they trade goods for dope, have their party, then claim it was stolen .... they'll get their stuff back. As you might guess, the police are not inclined to care much in these situations. You have to cut through this cynicism, and make clear that THIS time it's for real.
Isn't a trailer licensed by the department of motor vehicles in your state? There can't be a statute of limitations on recovery of stolen vehicles.
BruceT
well there is in ks,2 years.
auto theft here is the biggest joke of all. i steal your car and drive it for a year,one night i'm speeding and get pulled over.the first thing i say is "i was just taking it back". now it's joyriding and punishment is a misdemeanor charge.
now if you have taken parts off it's a whole new deal. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'TMOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THEDUCT TAPE.
SOL's doesn't apply to us in Louisiana ( Napoleonic Code)
We have acquisitive prescription as a method to acquire untitled, stolen and abandoned items.
The acquisition period for movables is 7 years ..... immovables (land) is 20 years without a legal claim.
A friend had a boat stolen from him 20 years prior..... some state agency located it after Katrina and wanted to charge him for removal and disposal.
Finally just got a call from a detective concerning the "stolen" scaffold. I know the claimant vaguely. He's a slum lord sorta guy that's had me look at several jobs in the past, but has never hired me. I always had the feeling he was getting a price from me so he could pay his crackhead help 25% of that and feel good about it. I haven't laid eyes on him for 10 years. The last job he had me look at, still has scaffold around the building and the metal roof that someone else started and never finished has mostly blown off.
Anyway, he claims all the scaffold I have on this job (eight 5x5 bucks, 2 alum planks, and a 24' pic) are all his. No three of the bucks came from the same place and the pic and planks all came from different sources. The detective all but came out and said the guy's full of it. He says his initials are scratched in all these pieces that are right against the sidewalk. I bet all the marks are on the sidewalk side. What a coinkydink.
http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Hopefully that dude is only a very very small example of the people you live around..................A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I may very well have some scaffolding that was once his. The last that I bought was in '03. This was reportedly stolen in '02. Could have passed thru several hands before I got it. But all of it on this job couldn't have possibly been his.
And he definitely made me feel like taking a bath after I talked to him, previously. http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
It's things like these that keeps life from getting dull.
Good to hear the law has a realistic handle on this.
non rusty name scratched in ...............
would almost be genius.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
There's an idea ... "non rusty name" ... would that be evidence of his filing a false police report, ot attempting to steal your stuff?
This whole deal has me thinking about taking my mig and bumping my logo or initials with a small bead on my scaffold bucks. It'd have to be ground off and that would be more work than most thieves care to engage in, I'd think.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
I wonder what would happen if his scaffolding came up with your marks on it?
And not all on the sidewalk side or at ground level. ;-)
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
I wonder what would happen if his scaffolding came up with your marks on it
That was why I mentioned the scaffolded building - great minds...........http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
great minds tink alike. i'm on it too.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I use to drill a hole in a odd place that was in plain sight. so I could see if it was mine with out touching it, then I have a welded id number in a odd cannot see area.
So, you going to paint all your scaffolding a nice shade of hot pink and ward off future bogus claimants?Could be a good marketing move too... Queer Eye for the Verdigris Guy'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
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Queer Eye for the Verdigris Guy
I'll have to think about that for a while.
OK. I'm done. Thanks, but no thanks. It's actually pretty catchy, just not a good fit.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Depends but most small trailers are not licensed hereabout if I remember corrrectly.
Larry?
Lotta curious criminal activity within your family this week....
better check your horror-scope quick
Who know's what's next View Image
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org