don't ever, EVER leave them visible in your car.

My car was just broken into as I watched "V For Vendetta" with my friends at the movies today. Apparently, because of the immigration situation here in California, there are lots of angry people that want to be heard. We left the movie theater to see the streets closed off with flares and people running around holding Mexican flags, screaming and chanting. When we got to the parking garage, I found my windows busted in and all of my CDs gone. My stereo, my overnight bag (along with my best friends'), pictures, a camera, everything. Why did I feel so invincible? Small town. Sunday afternoon. Crowded garage. Never happened before, so why should it now?

I realized I practically asked for this to happen, but my heart's on the floor. I once had every Prince album and now they're all gone. It took me twelve years to get all of the music I had. I never even got to listen to '3121'- they took it before I even got the chance to unwrap it.

Normally, I put everything in my trunk and rarely take more than one case of music with me. But this weekend was different- we had a hotel room party because it was my girlfriend's 25th birthday and I was in charge of music. At least we had a good time, eh?

When I calmed down enough to call the police, they told me to file a report online. The woman told me that every available police officer in Santa Rosa was tending to the protesters. And my insurance company won't cover anything other than my windows as personal property is covered under homeowners' insurance.


Never, ever, even once, leave anything valuable in your car. Don't learn the hard way like I did.
[Edited 3/26/06 18:40pm]

Never, ever, even once, leave anything valuable in your car. Don't learn the hard way like I did.

I only have a tape player in my car, so all I ever have with me are tapes. Unfortunately, no one wants to steal those. I kinda wish they'd get stolen and I'd take the insurance money rather then trying to sell them on eBay and get next to nothing.

things in my car:
old french fries
toast crumbs
boogers on the inside of the back right door
one sock
string
plastic watch from corn flakes packet with king kong motif
back half of a street directory

no cds in sight

charlottegelin said:

I think mine is the same.. boogers and all (I like to wipe em off back there)

CinisterCee said:

you can stop that, you are 25 now! my kids do it, to the walls next to their beds too

charlottegelin said:

haha its gross. I was kidding I SWEAR.

but the french fries thing.... I drop them all the time, and find them when I vaccuum my car.

That's funny about the sock. Only kids lose socks like that.

I forgot to mention about 2 kilos of sand from kindy sand-pit.

charlottegelin said:

aww that's so cute. but if it's left over from before winter when the kids could actually play in the warmth... well, not so cute, charlotte.

CinisterCee said:

I live in Australia here it is sand-pit weather all year round

charlottegelin said:

Ahhh. Sorry I'm in Canada where, half of the year, you can't take off your parka.

CinisterCee said:

and the sandpits have frozen cat poo that defrost in the spring

Don't ever leave in your vehicle:

1) your license and registration (prevents them from driving to your home and gaining entry to rob you further).

luv4u said:

That's nuts. Never thought of that!

CinisterCee said:

It's happened, I used to belong to a Block Watch program. Just keep those documents in your wallet.

since we're on the subject of safety you guys might want to read this.


Important Message from the CHP


Here's the scenario:

You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You
lock your doors, start the engine and shift into reverse. You look into
the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space and notice a piece
of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window.

You shift into PARK, unlock your doors, get out of the car and walk to
the rear to remove the paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your
view. When n you reach the back of your car, car-jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off! Your engine was running and they practically mow you down as they speed off.

Guess what ladies and gents? I'll bet your purse and/or other
valuables were still in the car!

THIS IS A NEW CAR-JACK SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED...VERY
SUCCESSFULLY.

What to do: Just drive away and remove the object that's stuck to
your
window - later.

Be thankful that you read this. It would be a good idea to
forward this warning to friends and family; especially to women! Their
purses contain all of their identification, and you certainly do NOT want
someone getting your home address, because - guess what - they already HAVE
your keys!

Take care everyone,

Lieutenant Tony Bartolome,
Bureau of Investigations - California Highway Patrol