Towing Services - Life Made Easy
Towing is a service that assists people when their vehicle breaks down in the middle of a motorway. Cars can also be towed away by towing companies lawfully or unlawfully. These companies enter into an agreement with the owner of a particular area. Any car found parking in that area is towed away by these towing services. People are usually over charged and their cars man handled, often resulting into damages.
What are the types of services offered by towing companies?
There are three basic types of services offered by the towing companies - Private Sector Service, Public/Municipal Service and Emergency services
Private Sector Service
A private sector service offers to move the disabled vehicles depending on the fleet of trucks under it. Private towing companies are used by people who own apartments and complexes with parking spaces. People parking on these spots with the permission of the owner have their car towed away by private towing companies on behalf of the apartment owner. The cars are then towed into the impound lot of the towing agency which is where they are kept until the owner of the vehicle pays up the fines. These impounds are equipped with hi-tech security locks and fences.
To avoid your car being towed away by such towing companies, make sure that the spot that you choose for parking is not a reserved area. Look for signboards asking drivers to keep clear.
Emergency Services
Having your car stuck in the middle of a road on a busy highway is something no driver would want. However, this can happen to any driver. Fortunately, emergency services are now available to help these drivers with their non-functioning cars. These services tow the car away to a side of the road where it can be attended to with ease and without inconveniencing the other drivers on the motorway.
Public Sector Services
Parking fines and traffic violations are an important source of revenue for the government. These funds are directed towards the welfare of the city and road maintenance works. These services function with a traffic police officer reporting an illegally parked vehicle to the base station. The station then contacts the towing company who dispatch a towing truck to the location. The owner of the vehicle has to collect the car from the impound after paying the penalty.
Monday, August 30, 2010
South Carolina Man Faces Charges after Assaulting Towing Company Owner
South Carolina Man Faces Charges after Assaulting Towing Company Owner
A Ladson, South Carolina, man was arrested Friday, August 20, after he reportedly assaulted the owner of a Newberry County towing company that towed his damaged vehicle and trailer. Jason Randolph Morris, 25, was involved in an accident on August 17. His sport utility vehicle and trailer were towed from the scene by Louis Wicker Wrecker Service, according to news reports.
Morris’ vehicle was repaired at the towing service that day so Morris could drive the vehicle. He returned to the towing service on Friday morning, reports said. The owner of the towing company, who was not named in reports, told Morris he could not claim the trailer until he paid the towing bill.
Morris then left the property, and the company owner left to get breakfast, reports said. When the owner returned he saw Morris attempting to leave with the trailer attached to his SUV. The owner confronted Morris, who, according to Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, struck the towing company owner several times with his fists. Morris then took the owner into the woods and attempted to tie him up, but the owner broke free. Morris then forced the owner into his vehicle and drove him to his house but then returned to the owner’s property where he again struck the owner and warned him not to contact law enforcement. Morris then left with the trailer, reports said.
Since the trailer was damaged, Morris dropped it off on S. C. Highway 773. A bulletin to be on the lookout for Morris was issued by Newberry authorities. After 2:00 p.m. that day, police in Charleston discovered an SUV matching Morris’ in the parking lot of a strip club. Police entered the club and apprehended Morris who reports said will be charged with first-degree burglary, kidnapping, carjacking and grand larceny.
A Ladson, South Carolina, man was arrested Friday, August 20, after he reportedly assaulted the owner of a Newberry County towing company that towed his damaged vehicle and trailer. Jason Randolph Morris, 25, was involved in an accident on August 17. His sport utility vehicle and trailer were towed from the scene by Louis Wicker Wrecker Service, according to news reports.
Morris’ vehicle was repaired at the towing service that day so Morris could drive the vehicle. He returned to the towing service on Friday morning, reports said. The owner of the towing company, who was not named in reports, told Morris he could not claim the trailer until he paid the towing bill.
Morris then left the property, and the company owner left to get breakfast, reports said. When the owner returned he saw Morris attempting to leave with the trailer attached to his SUV. The owner confronted Morris, who, according to Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, struck the towing company owner several times with his fists. Morris then took the owner into the woods and attempted to tie him up, but the owner broke free. Morris then forced the owner into his vehicle and drove him to his house but then returned to the owner’s property where he again struck the owner and warned him not to contact law enforcement. Morris then left with the trailer, reports said.
Since the trailer was damaged, Morris dropped it off on S. C. Highway 773. A bulletin to be on the lookout for Morris was issued by Newberry authorities. After 2:00 p.m. that day, police in Charleston discovered an SUV matching Morris’ in the parking lot of a strip club. Police entered the club and apprehended Morris who reports said will be charged with first-degree burglary, kidnapping, carjacking and grand larceny.
Car Reveals No Clues in Case
Brooke County Sheriff Richard Ferguson communicates with a dive team during efforts to recover a vehicle found Thursday at the bottom of the Ohio River near the Fort Steuben Bridge.
A vehicle found at the bottom of the Ohio River does not appear to hold any answers in the search for a Beaver County, Pa., woman who vanished more than three years ago after visiting a local casino.
As it turns out, getting the car to relinquish any secrets at all may prove a challenge, according to Brooke County Sheriff Richard Ferguson - its license plates are missing, as is the dashboard label that should provide the car's vehicle identification number.
Divers found the car Thursday afternoon about 20 feet from the Ohio shore near the Fort Steuben Bridge while doing environmental research in preparation for the bridge's demolition in the coming months.
Ferguson said a wrecker from Nick's Auto Sales in Weirton hauled the vehicle from the river at about 11 a.m. Friday after a lengthy, difficult recovery effort.
Upon discovering the car, Ferguson said, authorities initially hoped the find would shed some light on the disappearance of 57-year-old Karen Adams, who hasn't been seen or heard from since she left Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort on March 12, 2007. She was driving a maroon, 2005 Suzuki Forenza.
Ferguson said the car pulled from the river is a four-door Pontiac T1000 of indeterminate year. He said there's little doubt the VIN was removed deliberately, leading him to believe the vehicle may have been stolen. He said it is hard to say at this point, but the car could have been in the river as long at 10-15 years.
Snyder Towing of Wellsburg brought the vehicle to the sheriff's department impound facility, where Ferguson said investigators will begin combing through it "as soon as possible" to determine why the car ended up in the river.
"Right now, there's so much muck and debris in the interior," he said, adding the recovery effort turned up no sign of human remains. "I just hope there's no bones in it."
Ferguson praised Steubenville police and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department for their cooperation in the recovery effort, as well as that of the dive team who found the car. He said divers were in the process of relocating mussels native to the area near the bridge, whose habitats will be disturbed when the span is demolished.
New sonar equipment prompted Beaver County authorities to resume the search for Adams, who reportedly left the casino about 3 a.m. the day of her disappearance. At 4:30 a.m., someone accessed her cell phone voicemail. There's been no activity on her phone or credit cards since. Recent searches of ponds and creeks along Adams' likely route home to Independence Township, Pa., have been unsuccessful.
Adams' story drew national attention when it was featured on the CBS drama "Without a Trace" in February 2008. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 120 pounds and has brown hair and green eyes.
A vehicle found at the bottom of the Ohio River does not appear to hold any answers in the search for a Beaver County, Pa., woman who vanished more than three years ago after visiting a local casino.
As it turns out, getting the car to relinquish any secrets at all may prove a challenge, according to Brooke County Sheriff Richard Ferguson - its license plates are missing, as is the dashboard label that should provide the car's vehicle identification number.
Divers found the car Thursday afternoon about 20 feet from the Ohio shore near the Fort Steuben Bridge while doing environmental research in preparation for the bridge's demolition in the coming months.
Ferguson said a wrecker from Nick's Auto Sales in Weirton hauled the vehicle from the river at about 11 a.m. Friday after a lengthy, difficult recovery effort.
Upon discovering the car, Ferguson said, authorities initially hoped the find would shed some light on the disappearance of 57-year-old Karen Adams, who hasn't been seen or heard from since she left Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort on March 12, 2007. She was driving a maroon, 2005 Suzuki Forenza.
Ferguson said the car pulled from the river is a four-door Pontiac T1000 of indeterminate year. He said there's little doubt the VIN was removed deliberately, leading him to believe the vehicle may have been stolen. He said it is hard to say at this point, but the car could have been in the river as long at 10-15 years.
Snyder Towing of Wellsburg brought the vehicle to the sheriff's department impound facility, where Ferguson said investigators will begin combing through it "as soon as possible" to determine why the car ended up in the river.
"Right now, there's so much muck and debris in the interior," he said, adding the recovery effort turned up no sign of human remains. "I just hope there's no bones in it."
Ferguson praised Steubenville police and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department for their cooperation in the recovery effort, as well as that of the dive team who found the car. He said divers were in the process of relocating mussels native to the area near the bridge, whose habitats will be disturbed when the span is demolished.
New sonar equipment prompted Beaver County authorities to resume the search for Adams, who reportedly left the casino about 3 a.m. the day of her disappearance. At 4:30 a.m., someone accessed her cell phone voicemail. There's been no activity on her phone or credit cards since. Recent searches of ponds and creeks along Adams' likely route home to Independence Township, Pa., have been unsuccessful.
Adams' story drew national attention when it was featured on the CBS drama "Without a Trace" in February 2008. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 120 pounds and has brown hair and green eyes.
Teens' Fatal Wreck
Chief Chris Brock from the Otway Fire Department says the fire department was dispatched to crash at 8:10 p.m. Saturday night. When crews arrived on scene they saw a 4-door Honda with four teens inside and a 4-door Ford Explorer which was towing a boat behind it in an offset head-on collision.
Chief Brock says the Honda appears to have been coming off of Straits Road, trying to enter Harker's Island Road and the Ford Explorer was coming westbound up Harker's Island Road when the crash occurred. He says the force of the crash separated the Explorer and the boat and the Honda went into a ditch.
He says the two males in the front seat of the Honda were dead on arrival, but the two females in the back of the Honda were alert. In the Explorer, he says one female with non-life threatening injuries was taken to PCMH. He says everyone was wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Wreck responders told NewsChannel12 they got a call around 9PM on Saturday to the intersection of Harker's Island Road and Straits Road.
Responders said they heard two teenage fatalities called out on the radio, possibly a third. Wreckers said one vehicle, towing a boat, collided with another vehicle. Both vehicles were destroyed.
Troopers said three teens were airlifted to Wilmington.
Highway Patrol was not available to verify names or ages at the time of publication.
Chief Brock says the Honda appears to have been coming off of Straits Road, trying to enter Harker's Island Road and the Ford Explorer was coming westbound up Harker's Island Road when the crash occurred. He says the force of the crash separated the Explorer and the boat and the Honda went into a ditch.
He says the two males in the front seat of the Honda were dead on arrival, but the two females in the back of the Honda were alert. In the Explorer, he says one female with non-life threatening injuries was taken to PCMH. He says everyone was wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Wreck responders told NewsChannel12 they got a call around 9PM on Saturday to the intersection of Harker's Island Road and Straits Road.
Responders said they heard two teenage fatalities called out on the radio, possibly a third. Wreckers said one vehicle, towing a boat, collided with another vehicle. Both vehicles were destroyed.
Troopers said three teens were airlifted to Wilmington.
Highway Patrol was not available to verify names or ages at the time of publication.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Shark Towed off the beach
CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) – A late night beach visitor to Carolina Beach got the attention of police and a local tow truck company. Some people are upset that not enough was done to try and save the shark.
An 8 foot Sand Tiger Shark washed ashore on Carolina Beach around 11:30 Monday night.
Police were on the scene for crowd control only. They did not call for an expert from the aquarium to come and get the shark. Instead, they called a tow truck to come pick it up.
15-year-old Evan Pye said he and several others tried to save the shark, but it kept turning on its back. He also told us that police were yelling at him and others to stay away.
Paul Barrington, with the aquarium at Fort Fisher, says it’s likely the shark was going to die even if an aquarium official were to come out to the beach. He says once a shark has beached itself, it only takes about ten minutes before the shark dies. According to Pye, the shark was still alive, even when a tow truck transported the fish to the town’s maintenance yard.
Barrington believes the shark was suffering from trauma around its mouth. It’s likely the shark was reeled in recently by a fisherman, and after the fight, it lost all of its energy.
An 8 foot Sand Tiger Shark washed ashore on Carolina Beach around 11:30 Monday night.
Police were on the scene for crowd control only. They did not call for an expert from the aquarium to come and get the shark. Instead, they called a tow truck to come pick it up.
15-year-old Evan Pye said he and several others tried to save the shark, but it kept turning on its back. He also told us that police were yelling at him and others to stay away.
Paul Barrington, with the aquarium at Fort Fisher, says it’s likely the shark was going to die even if an aquarium official were to come out to the beach. He says once a shark has beached itself, it only takes about ten minutes before the shark dies. According to Pye, the shark was still alive, even when a tow truck transported the fish to the town’s maintenance yard.
Barrington believes the shark was suffering from trauma around its mouth. It’s likely the shark was reeled in recently by a fisherman, and after the fight, it lost all of its energy.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Towing Companies Protest City Agreement August 24, 2010
Towing Companies Protest City Agreement August 24, 2010
Kenya Hudson Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. told council members yesterday that wreckers are protesting a recently enacted towing policy, which lowers towing service fees.
Three tow truck companies' refusal to remove a city-owned vehicle yesterday is the first casualty in a protest over the Jackson City Council's recently enacted wrecker-rotation policy, which caps the fees for towing services inside the city limits.
"We have a dump truck that was disabled, and every (wrecker service) we called said they're on strike," Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. told the Jackson Free Press after the Monday work session.
Jackson Public Works Director Dan Gaillet said the dump truck, which broke down near South Jackson asphalt supplier APAC-Mississippi, was full of asphalt--about 17,000 pounds of it destined for a street paving project in Ward 1, according to city spokesman Chris Mims. Gaillet said that asphalt only has a transportation life of only a few hours, and couldn't be used for the paving project.
"The truck sat there for a few hours. Once it loses its heat, it's worthless. I'd give it two hours at the most," Gaillet said, adding that the long wait turned the asphalt into a 17,000 pound "speed bump."
Mims said APAC-Mississippi "generously" decided not to charge the city for the lost merchandise, but added that the city has yet to work out its continuing issue with local wrecker services, and in the meantime, the city does not own a towing rig capable of hauling a commercial-grade truck.
Three local wrecker-service companies, so far, refuse to tow city-owned large commercial vehicles after the city lowered towing fees at an Aug. 10 meeting. At the time, Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes argued that city residents could not afford exorbitant towing prices and praised the rotation policy, which limited most towing services to a standard $75 fee.
But Trey Ward, owner of Ward's Wrecker Service, said the three wrecker services refused to tow the city asphalt truck out of protest against the revised city towing ordinance.
There's so many legal loopholes and things in there that regulate how much we can charge that nobody's going to go after it--not until they change the ordinance," Ward said. "We're all banded together on this."
Along with Ward's Wrecker Service, Hayle's Towing and Recovery and Hall's Towing Services provide heavy-duty towing jobs for the city. They are also the only companies in the area capable of moving large vehicles.
The new agreement lowers towing fees for cars and light trucks from $100 to $75 and caps fees on heavy-duty trucks, those weighing more than 15,000 pounds, at $185. City-owned cars, vans, mopeds and motorcycles have a $45 fee, while city-owned heavy duty trucks between 8,000 pounds and 15,000 pounds cost $75.
The revised fees are so low that wrecker companies would lose money, Ward argued.
"A lot of these little, small wrecker services out there aren't realizing this, so the big ones got together and said, 'Look, either they're going to change it, or we're not going to use the heavy-duties,'" Ward said.
After Johnson's briefing yesterday, members of the city council began to discuss the city purchasing its own towing rig capable of hauling trucks in excess of 15,000 pounds, but prices average $177,000 to $400,000 for 2006-year-model towing rigs of that caliber. The city's tight 2010-2011 operating budget has a $10.6 million shortfall from the prior year, and Johnson would not speculate on the city's ability to invest in such a purchase at this time.
The city could seek towing services outside the city, but Johnson told the Jackson Free Press yesterday that "many of these (striking) wrecker services" that could handle the stricken dump truck "are already outside the city."
Council President Frank Bluntson suggested to the council during the Monday work session that it "may be time to look at" the rotation policy, but did not specify when that would be.
Kenya Hudson Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. told council members yesterday that wreckers are protesting a recently enacted towing policy, which lowers towing service fees.
Three tow truck companies' refusal to remove a city-owned vehicle yesterday is the first casualty in a protest over the Jackson City Council's recently enacted wrecker-rotation policy, which caps the fees for towing services inside the city limits.
"We have a dump truck that was disabled, and every (wrecker service) we called said they're on strike," Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. told the Jackson Free Press after the Monday work session.
Jackson Public Works Director Dan Gaillet said the dump truck, which broke down near South Jackson asphalt supplier APAC-Mississippi, was full of asphalt--about 17,000 pounds of it destined for a street paving project in Ward 1, according to city spokesman Chris Mims. Gaillet said that asphalt only has a transportation life of only a few hours, and couldn't be used for the paving project.
"The truck sat there for a few hours. Once it loses its heat, it's worthless. I'd give it two hours at the most," Gaillet said, adding that the long wait turned the asphalt into a 17,000 pound "speed bump."
Mims said APAC-Mississippi "generously" decided not to charge the city for the lost merchandise, but added that the city has yet to work out its continuing issue with local wrecker services, and in the meantime, the city does not own a towing rig capable of hauling a commercial-grade truck.
Three local wrecker-service companies, so far, refuse to tow city-owned large commercial vehicles after the city lowered towing fees at an Aug. 10 meeting. At the time, Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes argued that city residents could not afford exorbitant towing prices and praised the rotation policy, which limited most towing services to a standard $75 fee.
But Trey Ward, owner of Ward's Wrecker Service, said the three wrecker services refused to tow the city asphalt truck out of protest against the revised city towing ordinance.
There's so many legal loopholes and things in there that regulate how much we can charge that nobody's going to go after it--not until they change the ordinance," Ward said. "We're all banded together on this."
Along with Ward's Wrecker Service, Hayle's Towing and Recovery and Hall's Towing Services provide heavy-duty towing jobs for the city. They are also the only companies in the area capable of moving large vehicles.
The new agreement lowers towing fees for cars and light trucks from $100 to $75 and caps fees on heavy-duty trucks, those weighing more than 15,000 pounds, at $185. City-owned cars, vans, mopeds and motorcycles have a $45 fee, while city-owned heavy duty trucks between 8,000 pounds and 15,000 pounds cost $75.
The revised fees are so low that wrecker companies would lose money, Ward argued.
"A lot of these little, small wrecker services out there aren't realizing this, so the big ones got together and said, 'Look, either they're going to change it, or we're not going to use the heavy-duties,'" Ward said.
After Johnson's briefing yesterday, members of the city council began to discuss the city purchasing its own towing rig capable of hauling trucks in excess of 15,000 pounds, but prices average $177,000 to $400,000 for 2006-year-model towing rigs of that caliber. The city's tight 2010-2011 operating budget has a $10.6 million shortfall from the prior year, and Johnson would not speculate on the city's ability to invest in such a purchase at this time.
The city could seek towing services outside the city, but Johnson told the Jackson Free Press yesterday that "many of these (striking) wrecker services" that could handle the stricken dump truck "are already outside the city."
Council President Frank Bluntson suggested to the council during the Monday work session that it "may be time to look at" the rotation policy, but did not specify when that would be.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tow Companies Refusing City Business
Tow Companies Refusing City Business
August 23, 2010
Three local wrecker-service companies are refusing to tow city owned large commercial vehicles after the city lowered towing fees at an Aug. 10 City Council meeting. Trey Ward, owner of Ward’s Wrecker Service, confirmed that the three wrecker services are refusing to tow a city asphalt truck out of protest against the revised city towing ordinance.
“There’s so many legal loopholes and things in there that regulate how much we can charge that nobody’s going to go after it—not til they change the ordinance,” Ward said. “We’re all banded together on this.”
Along with Hayle’s Towing and Recovery and Hall’s Towing Services, Ward’s handles heavy-duty towing jobs for the city. On Aug. 10, the Council voted 4-3 to lower towing fees for cars and light trucks from $100 to $75 and to cap fees on heavy-duty trucks, those weighing more than 15 tons, at $185. The revised fees are so low that wrecker companies would lose money taking calls, Ward argued.
“A lot of these little, small wrecker services out there aren’t realizing this, so the big ones got together and said, ‘Look, either they’re going to change it, or we’re not going to use the heavy-duties,’” Ward said.
August 23, 2010
Three local wrecker-service companies are refusing to tow city owned large commercial vehicles after the city lowered towing fees at an Aug. 10 City Council meeting. Trey Ward, owner of Ward’s Wrecker Service, confirmed that the three wrecker services are refusing to tow a city asphalt truck out of protest against the revised city towing ordinance.
“There’s so many legal loopholes and things in there that regulate how much we can charge that nobody’s going to go after it—not til they change the ordinance,” Ward said. “We’re all banded together on this.”
Along with Hayle’s Towing and Recovery and Hall’s Towing Services, Ward’s handles heavy-duty towing jobs for the city. On Aug. 10, the Council voted 4-3 to lower towing fees for cars and light trucks from $100 to $75 and to cap fees on heavy-duty trucks, those weighing more than 15 tons, at $185. The revised fees are so low that wrecker companies would lose money taking calls, Ward argued.
“A lot of these little, small wrecker services out there aren’t realizing this, so the big ones got together and said, ‘Look, either they’re going to change it, or we’re not going to use the heavy-duties,’” Ward said.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Man accused of tying up wrecker service employee in custody
Man accused of tying up wrecker service employee in custody
Police: Sumter teen killed by friend in "non-confrontational" shootingAlvin Greene plays first ever round of golfFriend: Duley argued about bath before sons diedFive wounded in two unrelated weekend shootingsPolice: W. Columbia man kills ex-wife's boyfriend, then selfHead ball coach less than pleased with Garcia, ShawNC man dies while tubing with family on SC lakeSantee Cooper: Saving rare fish could cost $100MTropical Storm Frank forms off Mexico's coastPolice look for suspect in deadly SC shootingNEWBERRY COUNTY, SC (WIS) - A man Newberry County deputies say tied up an employee at a wrecker service while trying to get his car back is in custody.
According to Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, Jason Randolph Morris, 25, wrecked his car on Interstate 26 Thursday night and had his car was towed.
Foster says Morris showed up at Louis's Wrecker Service around 4:00a.m. to get his car, but an employee there told him it was too early morning to get his car.
Foster says the two got into an argument then Morris tied up the employee and took off in his car.
Morris is being charged with first degree burglary, kidnapping, carjacking and grand larceny.
Police: Sumter teen killed by friend in "non-confrontational" shootingAlvin Greene plays first ever round of golfFriend: Duley argued about bath before sons diedFive wounded in two unrelated weekend shootingsPolice: W. Columbia man kills ex-wife's boyfriend, then selfHead ball coach less than pleased with Garcia, ShawNC man dies while tubing with family on SC lakeSantee Cooper: Saving rare fish could cost $100MTropical Storm Frank forms off Mexico's coastPolice look for suspect in deadly SC shootingNEWBERRY COUNTY, SC (WIS) - A man Newberry County deputies say tied up an employee at a wrecker service while trying to get his car back is in custody.
According to Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, Jason Randolph Morris, 25, wrecked his car on Interstate 26 Thursday night and had his car was towed.
Foster says Morris showed up at Louis's Wrecker Service around 4:00a.m. to get his car, but an employee there told him it was too early morning to get his car.
Foster says the two got into an argument then Morris tied up the employee and took off in his car.
Morris is being charged with first degree burglary, kidnapping, carjacking and grand larceny.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Ladson man accused of assaulting wrecker operator
Ladson man accused of assaulting wrecker operator
CHARLESTON A Ladson man accused of assaulting and tying up a Newberry County wrecker operator Friday morning was captured hours later by Charleston police in a King Street strip club.
Jason Randolph Morris, 25, of 257 Frankie Lane will be charged with first-degree burglary, kidnapping, carjacking and grand larceny, said Newberry County sheriff's Maj. Todd Johnson.
Morris was in a collision Tuesday on Interstate 26. His Ford Expedition sport utility vehicle and a trailer were towed away from the scene by Louis Wicker Wrecker Service, according to a release from the Newberry County Sheriff's Office.
The wrecker service repaired the truck so that Morris could go home Tuesday, but the trailer was still damaged and remained at the towing company, the release said.
On Friday morning, Morris allegedly went to the towing company lot on Wicker Road. The owner saw Morris on the property and told him he could not get the trailer until he paid the towing bill, the release said. Morris left the property, and the owner went to breakfast.
When the owner returned, he saw Morris about to drive off with the trailer hitched to the SUV. The owner confronted Morris, who struck the owner with his fists several times, according to the release.
Morris allegedly then took the owner into a woods, where he was going to tie him up, but the owner broke free. Morris then forced the owner into his SUV and drove him first to his house and then back to the wrecker service property, the release said. He punched the owner again and warned him not to contact law enforcement and then drove away with the trailer.
Because the trailer was damaged, Morris dropped it off on S.C. Highway 773, the release said.
Newberry authorities put out a be-on-the-lookout bulletin for Morris, warning that he was a dangerous suspect, to be approached with extreme caution.
Shortly after 2 p.m., Charleston police were told Morris might be in the area of Upper King Street. Officers spotted a white Ford Expedition SUV that matched the description of Morris' vehicle in the parking lot of the 1337 King strip club, formerly known as the Wild Joker. “We went in and captured him without incident,” said Charleston police Sgt. John Lightes.
Newberry County deputies came to Charleston Friday afternoon, Johnson said. Morris will be held in the Newberry County Jail pending a bond hearing.
CHARLESTON A Ladson man accused of assaulting and tying up a Newberry County wrecker operator Friday morning was captured hours later by Charleston police in a King Street strip club.
Jason Randolph Morris, 25, of 257 Frankie Lane will be charged with first-degree burglary, kidnapping, carjacking and grand larceny, said Newberry County sheriff's Maj. Todd Johnson.
Morris was in a collision Tuesday on Interstate 26. His Ford Expedition sport utility vehicle and a trailer were towed away from the scene by Louis Wicker Wrecker Service, according to a release from the Newberry County Sheriff's Office.
The wrecker service repaired the truck so that Morris could go home Tuesday, but the trailer was still damaged and remained at the towing company, the release said.
On Friday morning, Morris allegedly went to the towing company lot on Wicker Road. The owner saw Morris on the property and told him he could not get the trailer until he paid the towing bill, the release said. Morris left the property, and the owner went to breakfast.
When the owner returned, he saw Morris about to drive off with the trailer hitched to the SUV. The owner confronted Morris, who struck the owner with his fists several times, according to the release.
Morris allegedly then took the owner into a woods, where he was going to tie him up, but the owner broke free. Morris then forced the owner into his SUV and drove him first to his house and then back to the wrecker service property, the release said. He punched the owner again and warned him not to contact law enforcement and then drove away with the trailer.
Because the trailer was damaged, Morris dropped it off on S.C. Highway 773, the release said.
Newberry authorities put out a be-on-the-lookout bulletin for Morris, warning that he was a dangerous suspect, to be approached with extreme caution.
Shortly after 2 p.m., Charleston police were told Morris might be in the area of Upper King Street. Officers spotted a white Ford Expedition SUV that matched the description of Morris' vehicle in the parking lot of the 1337 King strip club, formerly known as the Wild Joker. “We went in and captured him without incident,” said Charleston police Sgt. John Lightes.
Newberry County deputies came to Charleston Friday afternoon, Johnson said. Morris will be held in the Newberry County Jail pending a bond hearing.
Statesville, Troutman will use new rules for tow trucks at wreck/breakdown scenes.
Statesville, Troutman will use new rules for tow trucks at wreck/breakdown scenes.
By Dave Vieser
Special Correspondent
Posted: Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010
New policies that spell out specific rotation procedures and services required for local towing companies, along with the maximum fees they can charge, have been implemented by Statesville and Troutman.
The new regulations will be used when local police require a tow truck at the scene of an accident or breakdown and the vehicle operator or owner does not have, or is unable to indicate, a towing company preference.
Officials in both municipalities indicated that, while most of the local towing or "wrecker" companies had in the past provided quality services at reasonable costs, the regulations still needed to be updated.
"We had an incident not long ago in town whereby a female operator's car broke down and she left it on Wagner Street," Troutman Police Chief Matthew Selves said. "Under our existing wrecker policy at the time, the county dispatched a wrecker company off their rotation list which provided less than satisfactory performance. This new policy is an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of such an incident."
The policies are virtually identical, with the exception of minor variances in the fees towing companies can charge.
The new policy "forms an agreement with the towing services so they know what is expected of them and what consequences could be imposed for failure to comply," said Statesville Police Capt. Joseph J. Barone.
Some highlights include:
Towing/wrecker companies must respond with 30 minutes and be available on a 24/7 basis.
Towing companies are required to respond to at least 75 percent of police requests.
The wrecker company is responsible for clearing the roadway of debris at an accident scene (not including hazardous materials or spills covered by the responding agency).
The company must be available during regular business hours and by appointment on weekends to release vehicles to owners or the police.
Clear signs indicating company name and address must be displayed on tow trucks.
The maximum towing fees that may be charged are:
Non-collision during standard business hours: $125.
Non-collision after hours, and on weekends: $150; $155 in Statesville.
Crash towing service during standard business hours: $150; $155 in Statesville.
Crash towing after hours, and on weekends: $175.
Daily Storage: $25 outside; $40 inside.
Additional fees are permitted when tow companies are required to use heavy duty wreckers or other special equipment for incidents such as an overturned vehicle.
The new policies also contain a specific schedule of demerits that will be applied when a company fails to perform in a satisfactory manner. Any company accumulating six demerits will be removed from the rotation list for 90 days. In addition, towing companies responding to scenes when not called by police may be suspended or removed from the rotation lists.
By Dave Vieser
Special Correspondent
Posted: Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010
New policies that spell out specific rotation procedures and services required for local towing companies, along with the maximum fees they can charge, have been implemented by Statesville and Troutman.
The new regulations will be used when local police require a tow truck at the scene of an accident or breakdown and the vehicle operator or owner does not have, or is unable to indicate, a towing company preference.
Officials in both municipalities indicated that, while most of the local towing or "wrecker" companies had in the past provided quality services at reasonable costs, the regulations still needed to be updated.
"We had an incident not long ago in town whereby a female operator's car broke down and she left it on Wagner Street," Troutman Police Chief Matthew Selves said. "Under our existing wrecker policy at the time, the county dispatched a wrecker company off their rotation list which provided less than satisfactory performance. This new policy is an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of such an incident."
The policies are virtually identical, with the exception of minor variances in the fees towing companies can charge.
The new policy "forms an agreement with the towing services so they know what is expected of them and what consequences could be imposed for failure to comply," said Statesville Police Capt. Joseph J. Barone.
Some highlights include:
Towing/wrecker companies must respond with 30 minutes and be available on a 24/7 basis.
Towing companies are required to respond to at least 75 percent of police requests.
The wrecker company is responsible for clearing the roadway of debris at an accident scene (not including hazardous materials or spills covered by the responding agency).
The company must be available during regular business hours and by appointment on weekends to release vehicles to owners or the police.
Clear signs indicating company name and address must be displayed on tow trucks.
The maximum towing fees that may be charged are:
Non-collision during standard business hours: $125.
Non-collision after hours, and on weekends: $150; $155 in Statesville.
Crash towing service during standard business hours: $150; $155 in Statesville.
Crash towing after hours, and on weekends: $175.
Daily Storage: $25 outside; $40 inside.
Additional fees are permitted when tow companies are required to use heavy duty wreckers or other special equipment for incidents such as an overturned vehicle.
The new policies also contain a specific schedule of demerits that will be applied when a company fails to perform in a satisfactory manner. Any company accumulating six demerits will be removed from the rotation list for 90 days. In addition, towing companies responding to scenes when not called by police may be suspended or removed from the rotation lists.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Bunnell City Commissioner James “Jimmy” Flynt’s long, questionable summer is getting worse.
Bunnell City Commissioner James “Jimmy” Flynt’s long, questionable summer is getting worse.
Last week the State Attorney’s office released a 35-page investigation showing Flynt at the center of numerous of allegations of serious misconduct, abuse of power and serial favoritism. (Two Bunnell police officers who favored Flynt’s Saxon’s Wrecker, a towing company in Bunnell, have been fired and face felony charges.)
Earlier this week, Flagler County Sheriff Don Fleming said he was suspending Flynt’s wrecking company “indefinitely” from the county’s towing rotation, which law enforcement agencies use and wreckers depend on to make a living.
In fact, the sheriff suspended Flynt’s company from the rotation on June 18, when the Bunnell Police Department’s Lt. John Murray and his wife, also a police officer in the department, were arrested on charges stemming from their allegedly feeding vehicles to Flynt’s company outside the rotation. On Aug. 16, Fleming sent a strongly worded letter to Flynt saying the sheriff’s office was “permanently removing Saxon’s Wrecker & Automotive from its towing rotation” in light of the state attorney’s report of the investigation.
There was further correspondence between the sheriff’s office and Flynt in mid-July, when Flynt was presumably attempting to return to the rotation. Referencing that exchange, the sheriff wrote Flynt this week, “the mere suggestion of impropriety in the FCSO’s dealings with an outside vendor/service-provider may potentially cause damage to the agency’s reputation. That there may be more than the ‘suggestion’ of impropriety in this instance causes me great concern regarding having future dealings with Saxon’s. Therefore, I have determined that Saxon’s will no longer be on the rotation list for the FCSO’s towing needs, effective immediately.”
The state attorney’s report alludes to Flynt needing extra towing jobs because he was short of money. In fact, Flynt was. Beginning in August 2007, he opened a line of credit with a Sun Trust, building up a debt of $49,905. Flynt did not repay the money which has been due since Feb. 12.
Being bumped off the rotation would only have exacerbated the difficulties. There are two other towing services in the county besides Saxon’s–Roger’s Towing and John’s Towing.
On Aug. 11, Sun Trust sued Flynt for the amount in Flagler County Circuit Court.
In his application for the loan in 2007, Flynt noted that Saxon’s had approximately $530,000 in annual sales while he drew an annual salary of $66,000. He lists his liabilities at $150,000, and his wife’s liabilities at $250,000. His net worth is unclear.
The state attorney’s case involving Flynt–and possibly others–is not over. The report released last week was merely the result of the investigation. Charges may still be filed.
Murray, meanwhile, who was the department’s evidence custodian, faces charges of cocaine possession and grand theft. The department–and the state attorney’s office–face difficult questions over many cases that may have been tainted by Murray’s handling (and alleged mishandling) of evidence.
Last week the State Attorney’s office released a 35-page investigation showing Flynt at the center of numerous of allegations of serious misconduct, abuse of power and serial favoritism. (Two Bunnell police officers who favored Flynt’s Saxon’s Wrecker, a towing company in Bunnell, have been fired and face felony charges.)
Earlier this week, Flagler County Sheriff Don Fleming said he was suspending Flynt’s wrecking company “indefinitely” from the county’s towing rotation, which law enforcement agencies use and wreckers depend on to make a living.
In fact, the sheriff suspended Flynt’s company from the rotation on June 18, when the Bunnell Police Department’s Lt. John Murray and his wife, also a police officer in the department, were arrested on charges stemming from their allegedly feeding vehicles to Flynt’s company outside the rotation. On Aug. 16, Fleming sent a strongly worded letter to Flynt saying the sheriff’s office was “permanently removing Saxon’s Wrecker & Automotive from its towing rotation” in light of the state attorney’s report of the investigation.
There was further correspondence between the sheriff’s office and Flynt in mid-July, when Flynt was presumably attempting to return to the rotation. Referencing that exchange, the sheriff wrote Flynt this week, “the mere suggestion of impropriety in the FCSO’s dealings with an outside vendor/service-provider may potentially cause damage to the agency’s reputation. That there may be more than the ‘suggestion’ of impropriety in this instance causes me great concern regarding having future dealings with Saxon’s. Therefore, I have determined that Saxon’s will no longer be on the rotation list for the FCSO’s towing needs, effective immediately.”
The state attorney’s report alludes to Flynt needing extra towing jobs because he was short of money. In fact, Flynt was. Beginning in August 2007, he opened a line of credit with a Sun Trust, building up a debt of $49,905. Flynt did not repay the money which has been due since Feb. 12.
Being bumped off the rotation would only have exacerbated the difficulties. There are two other towing services in the county besides Saxon’s–Roger’s Towing and John’s Towing.
On Aug. 11, Sun Trust sued Flynt for the amount in Flagler County Circuit Court.
In his application for the loan in 2007, Flynt noted that Saxon’s had approximately $530,000 in annual sales while he drew an annual salary of $66,000. He lists his liabilities at $150,000, and his wife’s liabilities at $250,000. His net worth is unclear.
The state attorney’s case involving Flynt–and possibly others–is not over. The report released last week was merely the result of the investigation. Charges may still be filed.
Murray, meanwhile, who was the department’s evidence custodian, faces charges of cocaine possession and grand theft. The department–and the state attorney’s office–face difficult questions over many cases that may have been tainted by Murray’s handling (and alleged mishandling) of evidence.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Man Faces Felony Charge for Ramming Tow Truck
Man Faces Felony Charge for Ramming Tow Truck
A felony charge of vandalism has been filed against a man who allegedly rammed a U-haul truck into a tow truck as his car was being repossessed. Benard Veldhuizen, 46, of Tustin, California, saw a tow truck hooking to his vehicle in Tustin early Wednesday and got inside a U-Haul truck. According to news reports, Veldhuizen then drove the rental truck into the tow truck, leaving a dent in the tow truck fender. The tow truck driver was not injured.
Veldhuizen then entered his home, and an 11-hour stand-off with SWAT officers ensued. During the stand-off, Veldhuizen yelled out of a window and threw out objects, including a laptop computer. The suspect surrendered peacefully at approximately 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and was arrested.
Reports said financial troubles may have caused Veldhuizen’s reaction to the repossession. He was unemployed, being evicted, and was arrested in July for making terrorist threats and brandishing a handgun, reports said.
A felony charge of vandalism has been filed against a man who allegedly rammed a U-haul truck into a tow truck as his car was being repossessed. Benard Veldhuizen, 46, of Tustin, California, saw a tow truck hooking to his vehicle in Tustin early Wednesday and got inside a U-Haul truck. According to news reports, Veldhuizen then drove the rental truck into the tow truck, leaving a dent in the tow truck fender. The tow truck driver was not injured.
Veldhuizen then entered his home, and an 11-hour stand-off with SWAT officers ensued. During the stand-off, Veldhuizen yelled out of a window and threw out objects, including a laptop computer. The suspect surrendered peacefully at approximately 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and was arrested.
Reports said financial troubles may have caused Veldhuizen’s reaction to the repossession. He was unemployed, being evicted, and was arrested in July for making terrorist threats and brandishing a handgun, reports said.
Troutman officials OK wrecker rotation
Troutman officials OK wrecker rotation vote
The Troutman Board of Aldermen approved a plan aimed at giving area wrecker companies a fair shot at business when the town’s police department responds to vehicular accidents.
At its regular meeting Thursday, the board approved a “towing rotation policy,” which would allow wrecker businesses to sign on to a call list that would change on a per-accident basis.
The companies would have to agree to set fees established by the town and not deviate from those fees in exchange for their being referred by police when an accident or other incident occurs in which a car needs to be towed.
For example, a company could not charge more than $125 for a standard, non-collision tow during regular business hours. After hours and on weekends, that amount would increase to $150.
Towing for cars involved in crashes would be $150 and $175 respectively during those times.
Companies also could also only charge storage fees of $25 and $40 depending on whether the vehicle is being kept outside or inside.
Wrecker owners and those acting on their behalf also must agree to not hold the town liable “or responsibility for any expense or loss incurred by reason of removal, storage or sale of any vehicle placed in my custody as a result of my inclusion on the Rotation Wrecker List.”
The fee schedule also includes other costs when more involved work has to be performed, such as when a vehicle is overturned.
The Statesville City Council will be considering a similar plan for its police department at Monday’s regular meeting.
Also Thursday, the Troutman Board of Aldermen agreed to accept a donation of $3,000 that will be used toward the police department’s K-9 program.
The Troutman Board of Aldermen approved a plan aimed at giving area wrecker companies a fair shot at business when the town’s police department responds to vehicular accidents.
At its regular meeting Thursday, the board approved a “towing rotation policy,” which would allow wrecker businesses to sign on to a call list that would change on a per-accident basis.
The companies would have to agree to set fees established by the town and not deviate from those fees in exchange for their being referred by police when an accident or other incident occurs in which a car needs to be towed.
For example, a company could not charge more than $125 for a standard, non-collision tow during regular business hours. After hours and on weekends, that amount would increase to $150.
Towing for cars involved in crashes would be $150 and $175 respectively during those times.
Companies also could also only charge storage fees of $25 and $40 depending on whether the vehicle is being kept outside or inside.
Wrecker owners and those acting on their behalf also must agree to not hold the town liable “or responsibility for any expense or loss incurred by reason of removal, storage or sale of any vehicle placed in my custody as a result of my inclusion on the Rotation Wrecker List.”
The fee schedule also includes other costs when more involved work has to be performed, such as when a vehicle is overturned.
The Statesville City Council will be considering a similar plan for its police department at Monday’s regular meeting.
Also Thursday, the Troutman Board of Aldermen agreed to accept a donation of $3,000 that will be used toward the police department’s K-9 program.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
South Carolina Tow Truck Driver Dies of Heart Attack on Road
South Carolina Tow Truck Driver Dies of Heart Attack on Road
A South Carolina tow truck driver who died in a crash this morning was found to have suffered a heart attack, according to a news report.
Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said 74-year-old Mike Chavis of Aiken was pronounced dead at the scene of the traffic crash that occurred this morning around 8 a.m., the report states. Initially his death was thought to be traffic-related but the coroner found no crash trauma and an autopsy confirmed the heart attack.
Chavis was driving his tow truck north on U.S. Highway 1 when he crossed over the southbound lane and came to rest in a field.
Toxicology is pending, but the coroner said Chavis’ death will be ruled as natural.
A South Carolina tow truck driver who died in a crash this morning was found to have suffered a heart attack, according to a news report.
Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said 74-year-old Mike Chavis of Aiken was pronounced dead at the scene of the traffic crash that occurred this morning around 8 a.m., the report states. Initially his death was thought to be traffic-related but the coroner found no crash trauma and an autopsy confirmed the heart attack.
Chavis was driving his tow truck north on U.S. Highway 1 when he crossed over the southbound lane and came to rest in a field.
Toxicology is pending, but the coroner said Chavis’ death will be ruled as natural.
Towing Operator Killed in North Houston Traffic Accident
Towing Operator Killed in North Houston Traffic Accident
A towing operator in Houston, Texas, died early this morning (August 6) as a result of a traffic accident. According to a news report, the operator, whose name has not been released, was driving a black Chevrolet tow truck eastbound in the Jensen area of north Houston when his truck collided with a car also traveling eastbound after it pulled in front of him. The tow truck, owned by Zone 3 Collision, slammed into a light pole and a sign pole before flipping over, the report said.
Speed was a factor in the accident, police said, as the tow truck was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the accident.
A towing operator in Houston, Texas, died early this morning (August 6) as a result of a traffic accident. According to a news report, the operator, whose name has not been released, was driving a black Chevrolet tow truck eastbound in the Jensen area of north Houston when his truck collided with a car also traveling eastbound after it pulled in front of him. The tow truck, owned by Zone 3 Collision, slammed into a light pole and a sign pole before flipping over, the report said.
Speed was a factor in the accident, police said, as the tow truck was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the accident.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Is it really a deal?
Some of the lower priced towing services only carry the minimum insurance required by the State. These companies are only insured for the actual tow truck, not the car that is being towed. So if something were to happen while in transit then your insurance would have to fix the da...mage. Superior Wrecker is Fully Insured
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Tow truck drivers say Houston guidelines encourage reckless competition
Tow truck drivers say Houston guidelines encourage reckless competition
HOUSTON—Tow truck operators spoke out Friday, hours after a deadly crash that claimed the life of a wrecker driver in northeast Houston.
The accidents occurred around 1 o’clock Friday morning in the 8900 block of Jensen Drive. Witnesses told police two wrecker drivers were racing when one of them collided with a car and struck a poll.
“It’s not a surprise to see this happen,” said Wilfredo Dejesus, who has been operating a wrecker for the last six years. “It’s a jungle out there, a concrete jungle.”
The man who died had been operating a tow truck for more than 20 years.
“You might make it home or you might not,” added Dejesus, who blamed the rules adopted by city council for creating what he called a climate that rewards reckless behavior.
Those rules guarantee that only the first two wreckers on scene will receive any money.
“Guys are fighting with one another and pulling out knives. It’s all about getting that dollar,” said Dejesus.
A few years ago, city leaders established strict guidelines regulating tow truck operators on freeways, but not city streets.
Jeanette Rash, the vice president of the Towing and Recovery Association of America, said she has spent years lobbying city hall for safer standards.
“This shouldn’t have happened and I wonder if there was more I could have done,” she said.
Rash believes the city should consider allowing four wrecker drivers at each accident scene.
“I’m hoping we can go back to the table and fix this now,” she added
HOUSTON—Tow truck operators spoke out Friday, hours after a deadly crash that claimed the life of a wrecker driver in northeast Houston.
The accidents occurred around 1 o’clock Friday morning in the 8900 block of Jensen Drive. Witnesses told police two wrecker drivers were racing when one of them collided with a car and struck a poll.
“It’s not a surprise to see this happen,” said Wilfredo Dejesus, who has been operating a wrecker for the last six years. “It’s a jungle out there, a concrete jungle.”
The man who died had been operating a tow truck for more than 20 years.
“You might make it home or you might not,” added Dejesus, who blamed the rules adopted by city council for creating what he called a climate that rewards reckless behavior.
Those rules guarantee that only the first two wreckers on scene will receive any money.
“Guys are fighting with one another and pulling out knives. It’s all about getting that dollar,” said Dejesus.
A few years ago, city leaders established strict guidelines regulating tow truck operators on freeways, but not city streets.
Jeanette Rash, the vice president of the Towing and Recovery Association of America, said she has spent years lobbying city hall for safer standards.
“This shouldn’t have happened and I wonder if there was more I could have done,” she said.
Rash believes the city should consider allowing four wrecker drivers at each accident scene.
“I’m hoping we can go back to the table and fix this now,” she added
Friday, August 6, 2010
IP Relay Scam Still Going Strong in Collision Repair Industry
IP Relay Scam Still Going Strong in Collision Repair Industry
The phone call, e-mail or fax may be a familiar one to body shops. It typically indicates that a person is out of town and needs a tow to the shop, and asks if the shop would agree to wire $1,500 or a similar amount to him or her to cover the tow because the towing company won’t take credit cards. The person then instructs the shop to bill him or her the $1,500 on his or her credit card.
As many shops now know, this is a scam. The credit card number given by the perpetrators is stolen. If a phone call is placed, it’s typically through IP Relay, a service offered by AT&T, Sprint, MCI and others that allows deaf people and people with speech impediments to connect via any Web-ready computer, PDA or phone. The reason the perpetrators use IP Relay is because it provides a convenient way for them to hide their identities and lets them make free long distance calls.
The scam is still alive and well. A recent post on www.bodyshopbusiness.com indicates that Pello Body Shop in Brunswick, Ga., was contacted by the scammers recently by fax. The fax stated that the person had an accident and was in need of repairs but didn’t want insurance involved. The vehicle was said to be a 2007 Escalade and he needed information in order for the wrecker to drop off his vehicle, specifically the shop’s contact information. At that point, he would call the shop via IP Relay and ask for $1,500 to be charged on a credit card to cover the tow, with the rest being a deposit on the repairs.
When the call came through, Layla Morris-Watson, office manager at Pello Body Shop, told the IP Relay operator she would need the card present and also the tow company name and number for the mysterious “Mr. Morgan.” At that point, the call was disconnected.
“Times are tough right now for some shops, and some people don't know any better,” said Morris-Watson. “I knew from the very moment I read the fax that this was a scam! I would like other shops to know that this is going on so no one falls victim to the scheme.”
Another shop owner posted online that he has come up with a new word track to handle the barrage of scam calls he gets: “Now, when I receive a relay operator call, I start the conversation off by saying, ‘It is shop policy not to accept credit cards over the phone. All customers must be present to sign a work order before any work can be initiated.’ When they hear that, they just hang up. This way, you don't waste a whole bunch of time on the phone.”
An IP Relay operator remarked that 90 percent of the calls they handle are fraudulent, which she said is unfair to those who really need the service. She recommends to disconnect the call and to call IP Relay customer service at (877) 885-3172 to block future calls.
The phone call, e-mail or fax may be a familiar one to body shops. It typically indicates that a person is out of town and needs a tow to the shop, and asks if the shop would agree to wire $1,500 or a similar amount to him or her to cover the tow because the towing company won’t take credit cards. The person then instructs the shop to bill him or her the $1,500 on his or her credit card.
As many shops now know, this is a scam. The credit card number given by the perpetrators is stolen. If a phone call is placed, it’s typically through IP Relay, a service offered by AT&T, Sprint, MCI and others that allows deaf people and people with speech impediments to connect via any Web-ready computer, PDA or phone. The reason the perpetrators use IP Relay is because it provides a convenient way for them to hide their identities and lets them make free long distance calls.
The scam is still alive and well. A recent post on www.bodyshopbusiness.com indicates that Pello Body Shop in Brunswick, Ga., was contacted by the scammers recently by fax. The fax stated that the person had an accident and was in need of repairs but didn’t want insurance involved. The vehicle was said to be a 2007 Escalade and he needed information in order for the wrecker to drop off his vehicle, specifically the shop’s contact information. At that point, he would call the shop via IP Relay and ask for $1,500 to be charged on a credit card to cover the tow, with the rest being a deposit on the repairs.
When the call came through, Layla Morris-Watson, office manager at Pello Body Shop, told the IP Relay operator she would need the card present and also the tow company name and number for the mysterious “Mr. Morgan.” At that point, the call was disconnected.
“Times are tough right now for some shops, and some people don't know any better,” said Morris-Watson. “I knew from the very moment I read the fax that this was a scam! I would like other shops to know that this is going on so no one falls victim to the scheme.”
Another shop owner posted online that he has come up with a new word track to handle the barrage of scam calls he gets: “Now, when I receive a relay operator call, I start the conversation off by saying, ‘It is shop policy not to accept credit cards over the phone. All customers must be present to sign a work order before any work can be initiated.’ When they hear that, they just hang up. This way, you don't waste a whole bunch of time on the phone.”
An IP Relay operator remarked that 90 percent of the calls they handle are fraudulent, which she said is unfair to those who really need the service. She recommends to disconnect the call and to call IP Relay customer service at (877) 885-3172 to block future calls.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Oh, man - flat tire!
Oh, man - flat tire. There are two things you can do: If you're pregnant, or have a bad back, it's best to call someone to help, but if you're up to it, you can save some time and do it yourself.
Prepare to Do a Tire Change
If you're out on the road when you get a flat, be sure to pull over to a safe place, away from traffic, and on a flat, level, surface. Put the transmission in park if it's an automatic or reverse if it's a stick, and set the parking brake.
Tire Change Essentials
Cars come with everything you need to change a tire:
•A jack
•Lug nut wrench
•Spare Tire
You may want to have a couple of other useful things:
•A pair of gloves
•Large plastic garbage bag (to help keep your hands and clothes clean)
•Set of wheel chocks
Tire Change
Chock the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. If your car has a plastic wheel cover that covers the bolts, pry it off. On this Honda, the bolts go right through the wheel cover.
Loosen the bolts before you jack up the car. You may have to yank pretty hard.
Now, check the car owner's manual to make sure you know how to operate the jack and what the proper jacking points are. Be sure to position your car-jack under a jacking point to avoid damaging the car or creating a dangerous situation. I'll crank the jack just enough to get the flat tire off the ground. Notice I'm keeping my body away from any place where it could get crushed if the car falls off the jack.
Remove the lug nut bolts... and pull the wheel off.
For a full size spare, you may have to use the jack to raise the car a bit, then you can roll the spare into place, but these compact spares are light enough to lift into place. Tighten the lug nut bolts, using a diagonal pattern, to attach the spare.
Lower the car... and tighten the bolts again to assure the spare is set squarely on the car.
Put the flat-tire in the bag and you won't get your clothes dirty. In most cars, the flat-tire will fit into the tire well where your spare was. Rip a hole in the bag to tighten everything back down.
After a Tire Change
When you get on the road, please note, if you have to make a sudden swerve, the car may respond differently than it would with four regular tires. So be sure to observe spare-tire speed limits noted in the car owner's manual. Be sure to pull over and re-tighten your lug nut bolts after driving the car about 20 miles. Also get to a tire shop to replace the spare tire as soon as you can.
Prepare to Do a Tire Change
If you're out on the road when you get a flat, be sure to pull over to a safe place, away from traffic, and on a flat, level, surface. Put the transmission in park if it's an automatic or reverse if it's a stick, and set the parking brake.
Tire Change Essentials
Cars come with everything you need to change a tire:
•A jack
•Lug nut wrench
•Spare Tire
You may want to have a couple of other useful things:
•A pair of gloves
•Large plastic garbage bag (to help keep your hands and clothes clean)
•Set of wheel chocks
Tire Change
Chock the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. If your car has a plastic wheel cover that covers the bolts, pry it off. On this Honda, the bolts go right through the wheel cover.
Loosen the bolts before you jack up the car. You may have to yank pretty hard.
Now, check the car owner's manual to make sure you know how to operate the jack and what the proper jacking points are. Be sure to position your car-jack under a jacking point to avoid damaging the car or creating a dangerous situation. I'll crank the jack just enough to get the flat tire off the ground. Notice I'm keeping my body away from any place where it could get crushed if the car falls off the jack.
Remove the lug nut bolts... and pull the wheel off.
For a full size spare, you may have to use the jack to raise the car a bit, then you can roll the spare into place, but these compact spares are light enough to lift into place. Tighten the lug nut bolts, using a diagonal pattern, to attach the spare.
Lower the car... and tighten the bolts again to assure the spare is set squarely on the car.
Put the flat-tire in the bag and you won't get your clothes dirty. In most cars, the flat-tire will fit into the tire well where your spare was. Rip a hole in the bag to tighten everything back down.
After a Tire Change
When you get on the road, please note, if you have to make a sudden swerve, the car may respond differently than it would with four regular tires. So be sure to observe spare-tire speed limits noted in the car owner's manual. Be sure to pull over and re-tighten your lug nut bolts after driving the car about 20 miles. Also get to a tire shop to replace the spare tire as soon as you can.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Philadelphia Tow Truck Driver Shot While Cleaning Truck
Philadelphia Tow Truck Driver Shot While Cleaning Truck
Philadelphia police are searching for the man or men who shot a 29-year-old tow truck driver in the back multiple times in the Kensington neighborhood on Saturday, August 1, according to news reports.
Sources say the driver, an employee of Straight Up towing who was not on-call at the time, was cleaning his vehicle around 7:30 p.m. when he was shot four times. Neighbors say they saw a black male running down the street after the shooting, reports state.
Two Good Samaritans spotted the man and transported him to the hospital, where he remains in extremely critical condition. The victim’s name has not been released at this time, but officials say they do not believe this is related to the recent crimes involving two Philadelphia tow truck companies, according to the reports.
Philadelphia police are searching for the man or men who shot a 29-year-old tow truck driver in the back multiple times in the Kensington neighborhood on Saturday, August 1, according to news reports.
Sources say the driver, an employee of Straight Up towing who was not on-call at the time, was cleaning his vehicle around 7:30 p.m. when he was shot four times. Neighbors say they saw a black male running down the street after the shooting, reports state.
Two Good Samaritans spotted the man and transported him to the hospital, where he remains in extremely critical condition. The victim’s name has not been released at this time, but officials say they do not believe this is related to the recent crimes involving two Philadelphia tow truck companies, according to the reports.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Houston Driver Rams Tow Trucks in Attempt to Escape Police
Houston Driver Rams Tow Trucks in Attempt to Escape Police
A suspect in Houston was apprehended Sunday, July 25, after running from the police and trying to ram several tow trucks with his vehicle to get away, according to a news report.
The chase began in North Houston when police spotted a pickup truck with no license plates and attempted to pull over the driver. Three tow truck drivers used their vehicles to block the road in an attempt to stop the man, but the driver decided to ram them instead, the report states. His vehicle stalled, and he was arrested.
Officials say the suspect was trying to take the pickup to a chop shop in an attempt to collect insurance money, according to the report.
A suspect in Houston was apprehended Sunday, July 25, after running from the police and trying to ram several tow trucks with his vehicle to get away, according to a news report.
The chase began in North Houston when police spotted a pickup truck with no license plates and attempted to pull over the driver. Three tow truck drivers used their vehicles to block the road in an attempt to stop the man, but the driver decided to ram them instead, the report states. His vehicle stalled, and he was arrested.
Officials say the suspect was trying to take the pickup to a chop shop in an attempt to collect insurance money, according to the report.
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