Someone Stole My License Plate

[cappyjon431]

I recently bought one of those "Endless Summer" license plates (the ones with the surfer on it, the money from these plates helps to protect Florida's surfing beaches).

Yesterday morning when I left MVP Athletic Club in SS my tag was on the car. When I got home I parked in one of the guest parking spaces in our Village because we were going to be doing some yard work and the car would have been in the way if I had it in the driveway. There were plenty of guest spaces available.

This morning, when we were getting into the car to go out for breakfast, my wife noticed the plate was gone.

I called Community Watch to report it and was a little disappointed by their response. I didn't expect them to solve the crime, but the attitude I got on the phone was almost as if I was bothering the person who answered. She was able to provide me with the non-emergency number for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. They came out quickly, were very professional, and provided me with a police report so that I can get a new tag tomorrow.

Not a major crime, but very annoying and certainly unexpected here in a residential neighborhood of TV.

[rubicon]

I am surprised at community Watch's response. A stolen license plate is stolen to cover or to utilize in some illegal activity. I would think the police would be on the look out for a car carrying that stolen plate

[cappyjon431]

I am surprised at community Watch's response. A stolen license plate is stolen to cover or to utilize in some illegal activity. I would think the police would be on the look out for a car carrying that stolen plate

I was very surprised by their response as well. As I said, I didn't expect them to solve the crime, but I figured they would be a little concerned and perhaps step up patrols to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.

While the plate could certainly be used in an illegal activity, it is a beautiful plate (very colorful) and I can't help but think it is now on display behind some loser's home bar.

[Bogie Shooter]

I am surprised at community Watch's response. A stolen license plate is stolen to cover or to utilize in some illegal activity. I would think the police would be on the look out for a car carrying that stolen plate

Not sure what you think community watch response should have been. Maybe the tone of voice was less than desireable, but they have no police power and referring him to the sheriff was all they could do.
And what makes you think that the sheriff is not looking for the stolen plate?

[duffysmom]

Community Watch is nothing more than window dressing.:popcorn:

[cappyjon431]

Not sure what you think community watch response should have been. Maybe the tone of voice was less than desireable, but they have no police power and referring him to the sheriff was all they could do.
And what makes you think that the sheriff is not looking for the stolen plate?

The tone on the phone WAS "less than desirable," she actually seemed annoyed that I had bothered to call. I understand that they have no police powers, but they do patrol the neighborhood and can increase patrols if there is a crime reported (maybe they will, but from the unprofessional response I got on the phone I doubt it).the patrols can deter this type of thing. I just don't want the same thing happening to my neighbors.

And WHERE, anywhere in my post, suggest that the sheriff is not looking for the plate? In fact, I said they arrived promptly and were very professional. You might consider re-reading my initial post.

[rubicon]

Not sure what you think community watch response should have been. Maybe the tone of voice was less than desireable, but they have no police power and referring him to the sheriff was all they could do.
And what makes you think that the sheriff is not looking for the stolen plate?

Hi Boogie Shooter: cappyjon said that the Community Watch worker almost seemed bothered by his call. I would expect that such a worker would have said "I can understand your concern and you may want to report that theft to the local police" I also said that the police will be on the look out for the plat.

Your response is interesting though because there has been criticism from a number of residents who beleive that Community Watch is a waste of money for a number of reasons. It is not my opinion but then i haven't given this issue much thought

[cappyjon431]

Your response is interesting though because there has been criticism from a number of residents who beleive that Community Watch is a waste of money for a number of reasons. It is not my opinion but then i haven't given this issue much thought

Rubicon, I also think this could be an interesting discussion.

We pay for this service. Like any service that is paid for by residents, I expect GOOD customer service, we all should! Up until today i had never given community Watch much thought. I know I have always felt good because I frequently see them patrolling our neighborhood. I appreciate our manned gate. The gate attendants are always personable. The uncaring attitude kinda threw me for a loop.

If they are just "windowdressing" (and I do realize they have no police powers) as Duffysmom says, perhaps the money could be better allocated for something more worthwhile.

[paulandjean]

Community Watch,like them,good for the villages. Another set of eyes looking out at 3a.m.Money well spent.

[Bogie Shooter]

From POA bulletin March 2012
As we mentioned in last month‘s issue of
the Bulletin, we had discussed the need for
some changes and improvements in Community
Watch with district management and had
been assured that changes were indeed about
to be made. Implementation of these changes
is now in progress.
In a letter to all Community Watch Personnel
sent out February 15, 2012 Scott
Wilder, head of Community Watch, reviewed
the steps being taken to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of the Community
Watch organization. Patrol and dispatch will
now transition from six hour shifts to eight
hour shifts. Mr. Wilder specifically requested
employee involvement in determining how to
best staff the Morse North and Morse South
gates as well as playing a role in identifying
key components and suggesting methods to
smooth the organizational transition.
The roles and responsibilities of the Manager
of Support Services position are being
reviewed and revised. The posting for this
open position is forthcoming. On a further
management note, Carl Kemp, Assistant Director,
is expected to remain on disability
leave for quite some time.
Chief Wilder‘s note asked all Community
Watch employees ―to work together, grow
and function as a team to provide improved
communication and better organization.‖
We wish Chief Wilder and the Community
Watch team our heartiest best wishes for
a successful and effective transition.

[DDoug]

Just don't let them carry guns

[pooh]

Sorry you had a less than helpful response from whomever answered at Community Watch. Not sure that all who respond are as seemingly uncaring, at least I hope not.

Glad you had a great response from the local sheriff's office, they really "come when called."

Here's hoping that your plate is found soon, the thief is apprehended and nothing bad takes place with your lost plate.

[Posh 08]

The CW folks probably feel their jobs are on the line and not appreciated. Not an excuse for lack of interest but maybe the cause. Good luck Cappy, hope the case gets cracked.

[cappyjon431]

I doubt they'll ever find my plate, but I did find out that I can get a new one free of charge at the Sumter County Annex as long as I bring in the police report.

[asianthree]

I can tell you that community watch comes thru our neighborhood at the same time every early morning at 3am. I can count on them like a stopwatch as i round the corner when i run, same time same place. So don't you think they should mix it up and come at different times.

[Pturner]

Hi Cappyjon,
It's the pits that someone stole your license plate. Glad to hear you can get a free replacement. Hopefully, most of the folks at CW have a better attitude and bedside manner than the CW person who took your phone call.

FWIW, rest assured that Girl's Posse would love nothing more than to give the rotten thief a piece of our squirt guns! :boxing2:

[graciegirl]

Hi Cappyjon,
It's the pits that someone stole your license plate. Glad to hear you can get a free replacement. Hopefully, most of the folks at CW have a better attitude and bedside manner than the CW person who took your phone call.

FWIW, rest assured that Girl's Posse would love nothing more than to give the rotten thief a piece of our squirt guns! :boxing2:

Ready when you are PT.

Cappy? Is it at all possible that it could have fallen off????

[CarGuys]

I doubt they'll ever find my plate, but I did find out that I can get a new one free of charge at the Sumter County Annex as long as I bring in the police report.

That's good news on the plate cost! I had a vanity plate up here in NY for our business "CarGuys"

I gave up after it was removed from my vehicle several times. :ohdear: As you stated probably behind a bar. Had the last remaining one framed in glass for the Village Garage-

[nitehawk]

Just don't let them carry guns

Why not --- everyone else is allowed

[batman911]

Any chance it just fell off on the way home? Maybe worth while to check lost and found.

[cappyjon431]

Any chance it just fell off on the way home? Maybe worth while to check lost and found.

Unfortunately that isn't the case. My wife saw it there the evening before it disappeared (she was unloading stuff from the back of my SUV). Also, the nuts that secured the plate were on the ground behind my vehicle. It was definitely stolen.

On the bright side, I went to the Sumter County Annex early this AM and it took me less than five minutes to get a replacement. The clerk was extemely helpful and she said I shouldn't be surprised--she sees this all the time.

[mgjim]

I've had several plates "disappear" from my pickup and heard from the local cops that thieves steal plates to use to drive off from gas stations after fueling up. When the gas station cameras photograph the plates, they get the wrong guy. I finally installed my plates using screws that require a special tool to install and remove and haven't had a problem since. The screws/tools are available at most auto supply stores.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

.......I finally installed my plates using screws that require a special tool to install and remove and haven't had a problem since. The screws/tools are available at most auto supply stores.

Here's one type like mgjim mentioned:

License Plate and Frame Security Screws (http://www.jimmijammer.com/Product,%20Plate%20Keeper.html)

Bill :)

[CarGuys]

Thanks Bill good Idea good site

I went with Nylock nuts last time . Of course in Central NY Syracuse if the vehicle is on the road for more than 6 months the screws just weld themself to the vehicle! Salt and Calcium Chloride!

[RichieB]

I went with Nylock nuts last time . Of course in Central NY Syracuse if the vehicle is on the road for more than 6 months the screws just weld themself to the vehicle! Salt and Calcium Chloride!

Just replaced a vehicle that we had for 12 years. Those plates were welded on there, and took a while to remove !

[Bill-n-Brillo]

The ones noted in my previous post/link are stainless steel. That should help take care of most any corrosion issue.

Bill :)

[Parker]

Stolen plates happen all the time? Yikes! If caught, the thieves should be put in public stocks on one of the squares. Oh the pleasure that would provide a frustrated villager!

On the rude Community Watch employee, I'd hope to chalk it up to someone having a really bad day. My interactions with CW have all been very positive. I'm glad they are there and appreciate what they do. But I must say too Cappy, that if that employee is always that way, let's hope she finds another job away, away...

[TV-4-2]

Thanks for the informative link.
I will be getting this kit.
Larry

[Bill-n-Brillo]

No problem-o, Larry!

Bill :wave:

[cappyjon431]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I'm going to Auto Zone tomorrow and see if I can find one of those kits (or something similar).

[skyguy79]

I ordered 3 sets online (about $35 w/tax for 3) this afternoon and they were shipped out within the hour! Thanks for the link Bill!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I ordered 3 sets online (about $35 w/tax for 3) this afternoon and they were shipped out within the hour! Thanks for the link Bill!

Glad to help, skyguy!

Bill :)

[skyguy79]

Glad to help, skyguy!

Bill :)You're welcome Bill!

BTW, if anyone would like to order I'm providing the direct link to where the order can be placed. (Just click on the image) It's a different site then the info site Bill gave. You can use PayPal options to pay for your order, or their are direct CC options. After the order is made you will receive an email with a link that you can click for the UPSP tracking our your order.

License plate security screws (http://www.trucksecurity.com/TScom,%20product%20Plate%20Keeper.htm)

http://www.trucksecurity.com/PK%20clam%20TS.jpg (http://www.trucksecurity.com/TScom,%20product%20Plate%20Keeper.htm)

[CarGuys]

Skyguy now with these my wife won't keep saying I have a screw loose! :ohdear:

Cappy have you heard any news from the Police they found your plate?

[cappyjon431]

Skyguy now with these my wife won't keep saying I have a screw loose! :ohdear:

Cappy have you heard any news from the Police they found your plate?

No word, but I haven't followed up either. I got a new plate the next day at Sumter County Annex and all is good!

[skyguy79]

Skyguy now with these my wife won't keep saying I have a screw loose! :ohdear:

Cappy have you heard any news from the Police they found your plate?BTW CarGuy, if you lose that loose screw, I keep a few spares around in case I loose mine and will be willing to share with you if needed! :1rotfl:

[Skip]

be on the look out for a car carrying that stolen plate

Watch eBay and Craig's List. If you respond in person, bring a cop with you.
A friend got his stolen jewelry back this way.
(Most thieves are stupid.)

Skip