var json_comments = new Array("

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July 7, 2009 3:07 PM

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Ok, so the service manager is still on the job? Are you kidding me?

9 replies

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 5:01 PM

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@backbroken: No, I don't believe the service manager is still on the job. If the sentence is read correctly he indicates three employees were fired, the service manager, and it was the owner of the dealership is who gives him the apology and an extended warranty. The comma after mentioning the firing of the three employees, and the service manager(,) indicate to me this is the case.

I haven't read the other comments yet so don't know if your question was answered.

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Gramin

July 7, 2009 3:23 PM

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Please read the post again... fired all three employees AND the service manager.

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July 7, 2009 9:49 PM

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@Gramin: The issue isn't quite folks have poor reading comprehension skills, but that the wording is awful. I had to reread it a couple of times just to be sure what it was saying. ;)

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DoubleBaconVeggieBurger

July 7, 2009 3:15 PM

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@backbroken: Reread 2nd to last sentence. It's an awkward wording, but results are:
People Fired: 3 employees in video + service manager
Person Apologizing and extending warranty: Owner

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July 8, 2009 4:54 PM

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@Ayarkay: LOL,,,trying to decipher this fricking paragraph is almost as bad as Comp Reading in the LSAT. LOL.

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Atticka

July 7, 2009 3:14 PM

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No?

\"Soon after Jason sent the letter, the owner fired all three employees and the service manager....\"

The service manager was fired....

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July 7, 2009 3:09 PM

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@backbroken: Ok. I reread the next to last paragraph and it would seem that the service manager is gone too. Something is still amiss however as I only count 3 guys in the story...not 3 guys plus the service manager. That was my confusion.

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Gramin

July 7, 2009 3:31 PM

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True... sometimes Consumerist doesn't get it right and they don't always proofread before posting. This might be one of those times.

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July 7, 2009 3:50 PM

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@Gramin: I'm just going from what the article said:

All three of the employees were fired after the dealership received the video, along with its service manager, said Hampton Toyota business development director Randall Mann.

I realize that the first employee on the video is a service manager; I've never seen an org chart for a car dealer, but maybe there's more than one person with that title?

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July 8, 2009 4:55 PM

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@Alex Chasick: What matters is that the right employees were fired. AND it WILL haunt them as they try to find new work.

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July 7, 2009 4:32 PM

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@Alex Chasick: Yes. There was an earlier service manager who ignored his complaints after previous visits that resulted in theft.

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July 7, 2009 3:14 PM

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@backbroken: Maybe this sentence

Soon after Jason sent the letter, the owner fired all three employees and the service manager who had ignored Jason's complaint, personally apologized to Jason, and extended the warranty on Jason's truck.

isn't as clear as it could be. The service manager was fired, too; the owner personally apologized.

","","

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July 7, 2009 3:09 PM

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WOW. Good for him. I've never found anything missing after having car work done at my local Saturn, but I would be upset just to know that much snooping had gone on.

Love the straightforward, yet relaxed tone of his letter. \"I have been deciding what to do with this video footage.\" Too funny. Wish there'd been a video camera on the manager when he read this.

4 replies

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July 8, 2009 4:06 AM

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@Snakeophelia: On the minus side...next time you may find your Saturn dealer missing.

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qwickone

July 7, 2009 3:17 PM

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@Snakeophelia: It's a little disconcerting that they go through all of your stuff, but I never really thought that they didn't. I'm not really worried about that part, though the stealing is unacceptable. I just don't think about the snooping - it's like a restaurant kitchen, you'd really rather not know what's going on back there.

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July 7, 2009 4:40 PM

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@qwickone: Yeah, I definitely don't think about the snooping. And honestly, it's a little skeevy, but I'm much less concerned with that than the stealing. I leave my iPod in the center console when I take it to my dealership (with a cord clearly leading from the closed compartment to the Aux input...oops), but I've never been anything short of blown away by their professionalism, so I may just keep doing it.

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July 7, 2009 4:24 PM

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@qwickone: You know what disturbs me even more than the theft of some quarters? That dude snooped on his keychain, took medication out and pawed it, and then put it back. GROSS.

I don't carry a bunch of stuff on my keychain (other keys, etc.) on my key loop anymore, but I used to remove my car key from my keychain out of an abundance of caution when I left my car somewhere for service. Still, if I had an emergency med bottle on my keychain and left it with service professionals, I should be assured that they are NOT snooping through and pawing my medication.

God I'm so skeeved by that.

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Diet-Orange-Soda

July 7, 2009 6:13 PM

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@Groovymarlin: I leave *only* my car key with the shop. It's such a simple task to take it off your keyring that there is no reason to leave your house, office, garage, safe, etc keys with them.

As for snooping, they might find some change, but anything that I wouldn't leave in an unlocked car comes with me.

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July 7, 2009 6:10 PM

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@Groovymarlin: Volkswagen has updated the name of the 'valet key' to 'mechanic's key'. I use it for precisely that purpose.

","

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andrewe

July 7, 2009 3:10 PM

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Awesome!

I hate thieves and I hate being stonewalled. I'm glad the owner fired these idiots. I think I would take it a step further and file a complaint with the police.

3 replies

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July 7, 2009 4:22 PM

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@andrewe: You want to spend that much time and effort on petty theft? He only had evidence of 75 cents in stealing.

Everything else was just horrible customer service and Jason did the right thing.

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July 7, 2009 11:11 PM

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@UX4themasses: I think the reason andrewe would want him to take it a step further, as would I, is because of the blatant disregard for the customer's complaints until they are faced with incriminating evidence. I find it infuriating that when, as a customer, you bring these issues to the attention of a retail establishment, ONLY to help them improve their business and keep from getting in trouble, and they are either too lazy or too uncaring to do a damn thing about it. Every time something like this happens, I wish the company that ignored the complaints only the worst, because if it was too much hassle for them to handle it before, I'd love to see them see what a REAL hassle is. Trying to keep their image and business afloat in the face of mounds of negative publicity and poor customer relations.

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July 8, 2009 4:33 PM

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@Hate_Brian_Club_I'mNotOnlyThePresidentI'mAClient: The mechanics unions love arguing against surveillance provisions.

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takes_so_little

July 7, 2009 5:09 PM

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@UX4themasses: How much is it OK to steal from someone?

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Villnius

July 11, 2009 7:18 PM

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@takes_so_little:

In most countries, to be considered a criminal matter, the value of the items have to be greater than 1 unit of the country's main local currency.

In the USA, that'd be $1.00.

Not saying it's ok to steal 75 cents (or 99 cents for that matter), but the authority's wouldn't prosecute that as theft. Heck, these days, I doubt any prosecutors would pursue any cases less than $10 in value -- even then, he'd have to be pretty bored to do it.

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July 7, 2009 10:32 PM

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@takes_so_little: None. But the law has limits on different amounts. $0.75 is petty theft, and not only will the police laugh at you if you report it, but they surely won't do anything about it. It will simply be a waste of the victim's time to report it.

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Aladdyn

July 11, 2009 1:43 PM

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@Don't take anything aaron8301 says seriously: Maybe, but you have to remember that you can assume these guys stole money from EVERY car they worked on. The Police can do their thing \"were going to go to your home with a search warrant and if we find drugs their your in deep shit, or you can confess to how much you stole over the years and cop a plea bargain now.\" and maybe get a worthwhile fine out of them.

","

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Adrienne Willis

July 7, 2009 3:10 PM

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GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!! It's about damn time these people pay for their actions. I am so tired of companies backing their crummy employees and making you think you are imagining things.

","

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VA_White

July 7, 2009 3:12 PM

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I wish I could say this was unbelievable but I know it happens all the time. Makes me want to leave something truly disgusting in all the compartments before I drop off my car for repair.

3 replies

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Julia789

July 7, 2009 8:42 PM

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@VA_White: Or mouse traps in the change compartment. SNAP!!!!

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July 7, 2009 8:07 PM

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@VA_White: \"The glove compartment? Oops, sorry. With 3 kids, sometimes I find myself putting things in the STRANGEST of places. In fact, last week, I threw my keys in the trash and put the diaper on the nightstand.\"

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Applekid

July 7, 2009 3:29 PM

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@gatewaytoheaven: I reread it aloud with the British accent and it made it that much better.

","

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winshape

July 7, 2009 3:12 PM

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So the service guys rifled through all the different compartments and never noticed the video camera sitting in the armrest of the passenger side door? Crazy.

I just leave gum and half-melted candy in my various compartments. It works great in combination with all the fast food wrappers and empty soda cans on the floor. They want to spend as little time as possible inside my car. If they are really desperate for some goo-encrusted coins, they are welcome to them.

4 replies

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July 8, 2009 7:39 AM

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@winshape: Two words: live. snakes.

Or dead ones surrounded by broccoli. Ewww.

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July 7, 2009 4:24 PM

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@winshape: I leave a note that says, \"If you found this note, you have broken my tampering seal. I will be reporting you to your manager upon my return.\"

Then just take a piece of scotch tape and put it on (somewhere out of direct view if possible). If the tape is broken, you have your proof. I have my gas cards and other stuff in my car.

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July 7, 2009 5:39 PM

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@UX4themasses: I just fill my glove compartment with used condoms and spent shotgun shells and a note that says \"while you're in here, can you get rid of these for me?\"

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July 8, 2009 5:03 PM

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@m4ximusprim3: lolz

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 4:10 PM

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@winshape: Yeah. If you watch this is all routine to them, there's no hesitation or meditation. So much so that it almost feels staged. They know the cars, they know where the compartments are. Even the way the guy handles the key chain seems routine. They don't notice the cameras because they're not looking for the compartments, they just go straight for them.

","

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JGKojak

July 7, 2009 3:12 PM

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Dang. Almost makes me wonder if an appropriate response is for dealers to place their own vid monitor in the cars. This is ridiculous.

7 replies

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July 8, 2009 7:41 AM

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@JGKojak: In a lot of states it's illegal to monitor someone (outside of your own private property ((which the truck arguably both is and isn't))) without notice.

I read the \"In plain sight\" as emphasis related directly to that. Maybe I'm just reading too much into it.

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July 9, 2009 4:39 PM

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@Wombatish: Depends on the state, and typically it applies to audio, not video. If he were to get in trouble for the video, it would likely be because of the wiretapping laws for audio.

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Red_Eye

July 7, 2009 4:39 PM

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@JGKojak: Actually that's a good idea. Matter of fact we can market this idea and call it the Service Man Cam! A small device (about the size of a drive in movie theater speaker) battery powered that you place in the rolled up passenger window of your car that detects any motion in the passenger compartment and begins recording to an internally secured mini DVD. It would keep them honest in your car and you could build in wireless to mount other cameras on the chassis a-la hidden camera sting.

Imagine, honest car repair because they never know then they are being watched...

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July 8, 2009 4:08 AM

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@Red_Eye: BILLY MAYS HERE FOR SERVICE MAN CAohshitI'mdead

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July 7, 2009 3:30 PM

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@JGKojak: Honestly it just proves Toyota should be wiring up test cars and auditing their own dealerships. There is no reason to wait for a customer to do it. Especially when this dealer had an F rating by the BBB.

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Hate_Brian_Club_I'mNotOnlyThePresidentI'mAClient

July 7, 2009 3:15 PM

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The Mercedes garage my uncle works at has been monitoring the service area for 10+ years.

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Garbanzo

July 7, 2009 7:55 PM

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@Hate_Brian_Club_I'mNotOnlyThePresidentI'mAClient: My mechanic has a web cam up so you can watch live what they're doing to your car and see when they're done. Though the video quality and angle wouldn't show this level of detail.

","

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Stephmo

July 7, 2009 3:13 PM

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I've never gotten the whole need to watch your porn DVD \"whenever/wherever\" thing. I mean, when you're doing the diagnostics on your laptop at work and you feel the need to pop in a Porn DVD to pass the time, you might have some decision-making skill problems.

11 replies

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July 8, 2009 4:58 PM

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@Stephmo: I agree Stepmo. When I want to watch it I wait until I am home and all my other work is done. Self-control goes a long way.

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quail

July 7, 2009 6:39 PM

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@Stephmo: I wonder if he was using the laptop to download the porn. His viewing of it was just casual to find what he liked. Using the company computer and internet to keep the misses at home from finding out.

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July 7, 2009 6:34 PM

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@Stephmo: It sounded like the guy had the p0rn on the shop's diagnostic laptop. What alot of people do not understand is that vehicle service codes can be read via the OBD (on board diagnostic) connector when hooked up to a pc with special shop software.

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Skunky

July 8, 2009 7:58 PM

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@econobiker: Pfft, I have a device that reads those codes and gives detailed data and ISN'T a full on PC. There's really no reason to be giving these guys anything capable of viewing porn to do their jobs.

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Shoelace

July 7, 2009 6:13 PM

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@Stephmo: Even worse - the customer being billed for 'labor' charges while this is going on!

Oh, gross.

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wicketr

July 7, 2009 5:47 PM

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@Stephmo:
He was doing a search for \"Lube Job\" and this was the first thing that popped up.

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Stephmo

July 7, 2009 6:25 PM

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@wicketr: Then he better not be a certified master technician!

I LOL'd.

But c'mon - who really can't go all day without porn? And don't you guys build up some sort of spank bank for this very reason? I mean, no one can fire you for accessing the porn videos in your head...

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Jim Topoleski

July 7, 2009 3:57 PM

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@Stephmo: We just fired a teacher for doing EXACTLY this in a high school. Was supervising kids and on his laptop was surfing porn sites through a proxy bypass site that had slipped through our blocking.

They refer to him as Captain Jergens now.

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July 7, 2009 4:31 PM

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@Jim Topoleski: I do IT at a university and we found some...questionable...material on a computer belonging to a philosophy teacher (we don't look for it, it was actually on the idiot's desktop). Our porn policy in IT is to turn it over to the campus police to make sure that it's not child porn. So we sent it to the campus police...and about a week later the FBI arrested this guy on child porn charges in the middle of a class. He's probably the only person in the state prison right now with a doctorate.

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TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave

July 7, 2009 4:46 PM

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@Donathius: Perhaps a doctorate before going to jail. many people take advantage of the free education in prison.

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TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave

July 7, 2009 3:43 PM

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@Stephmo: Perhaps he was bookmarking for later. I know I hate it when I have the mood right, and I have to go searching for another video. Damn ADHD.

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July 7, 2009 3:22 PM

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@Stephmo: they see lax enforcement/supervision as a perk not a problem, unfortunately.

","

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selianth

July 7, 2009 3:13 PM

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I'm amazed someone didn't notice the video camera and steal that, too.

3 replies

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Chmeeee

July 7, 2009 4:29 PM

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@selianth: They are probably just smart enough to know not to steal anything of significant enough value to REALLY piss somebody off. They figure they can get away with petty theft, but steal the video camera and trouble will almost certainly follow.

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July 7, 2009 4:38 PM

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@Chmeeee: The first time money was stolen, I only noticed because they took all of it. Smart person would have only taken a little bit.

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July 8, 2009 1:14 AM

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@jpleonard: Can you tell us what model of camera it was? I need to get me one.

I seriously can't believe they were stupid enough not to pick it up to see if it was recording... or just to play with it, maybe record them doing stupid things and then put it back for you to find later.

And the computer guy! Obviously he was occupied, but he didn't hook it up to see if you left porn on it? He doesn't even qualify for Geek Squad for his next job.

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DoubleBaconVeggieBurger

July 7, 2009 7:01 PM

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@jpleonard: Based on the results of your surveillance, I'd guess that they did just take a little bit the first time, but once everybody in the service station takes their handful, you were left with no more quarters.

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July 7, 2009 3:44 PM

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@selianth: Maybe they thought the customer put it there on purpose to see if they were going to steal it

","

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sir_pantsalot

July 7, 2009 3:13 PM

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Standards of behavior are set from the top down. I don't feel bad for they guys that got fired but they got fired for doing something that was most likely very common place behavior at that dealership.

7 replies

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July 8, 2009 4:43 PM

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@sir_pantsalot: I think that's a huge generalization. Much as it may be a company's goal to have every employee be proper ambassadors of their company, the actions (criminal, negligent) of low level functionaries can hardly be chalked up to criminal intent on the part of an employer unless there's specific evidence to the employer essentially approving of that conduct through acquiensence or direct approval. Now, this particular dealer may have done that - I don't know - no evidence to suggest it (aside from a BBB rating). To suggest, though, that when a business has low level employees doing shady things that the owner or proprietor must be shady as well is a stretch.

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working class Zer0

July 7, 2009 8:05 PM

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@sir_pantsalot: Their BBB rating was an F so the owner can't claim ignorance to problems with the service department. He most likely had complaints from other customers but choose to ignore them. He only did this because of the DVD.

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July 8, 2009 4:29 AM

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@working class Zer0: So...you're absolving the dealer of all wrongdoing on the basis that they....have done wrong many times before?

Many dealers have an F rating.

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July 7, 2009 4:30 PM

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@CameraShoe_GitEmSteveDave: You waive a lot of rights when you drop you car off at the dealership. Any simple excuse for their snooping would put you in a bad position trying to prove intent.

That being said, I am not condoning any behavior by Hampton's dealership. However, this was a case of petty theft folks. The police won't touch this with a ten foot pole.

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shadowkahn

July 7, 2009 7:55 PM

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eh, maybe. There's no reason to go looking in the center console when you're supposed to be doing an oil change. So I'm not really sure what sort of excuse they could have come up with.

The cops might be interested because of the pill bottle. If this guy is trying to get prescrip. drugs illegally, that might give them a reason to look into it further.

At any rate, whether the cops get involved or not, these guys are getting fired in the middle of a sucktastic economy. Have fun getting another job, gents.

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July 7, 2009 4:43 PM

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@UX4themasses: Nope, but hopefully their service business will drop like a stone.

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chocogray

July 7, 2009 3:34 PM

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@sir_pantsalot:
Yep, and as you could see from the article the service manager that the customer was complaining to was one of the main culprits.

","","","

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July 7, 2009 3:14 PM

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I once had the oil changed on my Frontier and discovered a bright pink, sparkly, greasy streak on the driver's seat. It looked like lipstick. The dealership immediately cleaned it off for me when I complained but the implications of its presence are unnerving, to say the least.

4 replies

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Saisu Mimen

July 8, 2009 1:28 AM

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@winstonthorne:

Sounds like the grease pen was in his back pocket and it got smeared on the driver's seat.

What pisses me off is when a mechanic smokes INSIDE your vehicle. It's happened to me twice at two different places.

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July 8, 2009 4:30 AM

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@Saisu Mimen: Yet if you got your car back and the fag lighter wasn't working, you would have sent a message to the consumerist complaining that no one did the smoke-test on your car :)!

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TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave

July 7, 2009 3:45 PM

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@winstonthorne: Grease marking pen? They sometimes use them to mark on car parts. as it's easy to see, and doesn't mind oil/rust.

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July 7, 2009 4:40 PM

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@TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave:

Pink and SPARKLY?!

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TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave

July 7, 2009 4:47 PM

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@HogwartsAlum: I'm not a mechanic, but I have seen those pens before. I use a soapstone to mark metal myself, as black marker burns away when grinding. Just a theory.

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July 7, 2009 5:27 PM

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@TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave: I really hope you're right. For the sake of my own sanity, I'm going to say it was just the Liberace edition grease marking pen.

","","

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TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave

July 7, 2009 3:15 PM

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This reminds me of my favorite Datelines, where they would install cameras inside a home/car, and have repair people take a look at something, and you would see the disgusting things they would do, mostly ripping people off.

4 replies

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July 8, 2009 7:43 AM

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@TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave: Reminds me of the \"hidden hotel camera\" that shows the maids cleaning the cups with the same rags they clean the toilet with, etc.

I love the management responding the same way everyone but the last guy did above. And they were shown the tape!

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July 8, 2009 4:31 AM

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@TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave: One of those was a bit OTT though...they put iPods on the middle of a table for hours without any identification...and \"stung\" people when they finally took the unit.

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Chumas

July 7, 2009 3:26 PM

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@TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave: I've found the cameras people have used to observe me making repairs on seemingly broken pieces of equipment in order to test the honesty of my labor. The worst part of all is the leads they used for the camera broke loose, were sucked into the fan assembly and killed it. Thereby needing a real repair.

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Con Seannery

July 8, 2009 1:03 AM

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@Chumas: Undercover report: OWNED!

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July 7, 2009 3:15 PM

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assholes...I'm glad he kicked em in the balls like that. The whole story reaffirms why I remove anything of value from my truck before I bring it in for service.

","

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gatewaytoheaven

July 7, 2009 3:15 PM

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This is internet win.

The tone of the letter is just amazing. It was James Bond smooth, but without the British accent.

1 replies

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johnmc

July 7, 2009 6:41 PM

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@gatewaytoheaven: ... or correct spelling.

","

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Venkman

July 7, 2009 3:15 PM

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Bustin' makes me feel good!

1 replies

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Rectilinear Propagation

July 7, 2009 6:23 PM

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@Venkman: HAH!

","

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CompyPaq

July 7, 2009 3:16 PM

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The fact that three separate employees did inappropriate things speaks greatly about the work culture at the dealership. Somehow I don't doubt this will stop.

3 replies

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July 8, 2009 5:02 PM

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@computerwiz3491: Dude,,this is a dealership. This is THE culture at all of them. Don't be fooled. The hot chic behind the sales counter is usually banging a few of the grease monkeys, or the sales guy of the month, or the owner while his wife is taking care of the kids. The sales people are drunk or stoned and smoked cig's every 15 minutes and joke about the \"warranty\" that they talked that \"chic\" into buying needlessly. The grease monkey's are doing about everything that is possible illegal in terms of sexist and deviatn behavior. It's standard behavior my man.

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HiPwr

July 7, 2009 4:47 PM

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@computerwiz3491: Well, it means that they will certainly be looking for recording devices in the vehicles they service.

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July 7, 2009 4:37 PM

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@computerwiz3491: Do you mean you doubt it will stop? :)

","

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July 7, 2009 3:16 PM

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He's a manager, so no, I'm not surprised the guy still has a job.

It sounds like he at least got a slap on the wrist, not to mention the embarrassment from having to personally apologize.

Regardless, if I were Jason, I would be extra cautious about bringing my auto there again. At the least he needs to empty the truck of all personal belongings before dropping it off. At the worst, the manager may not be so forgiving of this guy's sleuthing. Just because the three employees were fired doesn't mean the chain ends with them. Jason needs to pay extra special attention to the way his truck runs just in case any future repairs and service are done improperly.

4 replies

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July 7, 2009 3:33 PM

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@Riff-Raff: The manager was fired. 3 employees + 1 manager. 4 people total. They were fired by the owner.

If the owner is smart at all he will put in some cheap cameras to keep further people honest.

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pupu

July 7, 2009 3:32 PM

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@Riff-Raff: Regardless, if I were Jason, I would be extra cautious about bringing my auto there again.

Yeh - I would not think of going back there. One of the fired guys friends may do somthing to get back at you.

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July 8, 2009 4:33 AM

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@pupu: Yeah, I was wondering why he accpted the service contract. I would have told them to give me the $2,000 to pay for my own repairs at an indy...

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July 8, 2009 4:46 PM

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@RedwoodFlyer: good luck with that

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July 7, 2009 3:23 PM

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@Riff-Raff: The manager was fired.

","

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mcnerd85

July 7, 2009 3:17 PM

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Wow...old Mr. Repairman looks like he might have already been a little fucked off beforehand. Notice how he goes to screw the pill container BACK into the ignition AFTER he had already removed the keys. Also, looking like the creepy fat guy from that Bam Margera show doesn't work in ANYONE'S defense.

2 replies

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July 8, 2009 1:54 AM

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@mcnerd85: lol, he licked the pill dust

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July 8, 2009 4:47 PM

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@nuton2wheels: I know I love it when my mechanics and service managers have chemical dependencies.

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TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave

July 7, 2009 3:22 PM

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BTW, those pills must have been good, because the guy forgot where the keys were after he licked his hand. I also liked how he checked the quarters he stole. He's not only a thief, he's a numismatist.

Now me? I would have marked those coins and even some bills, wrote the serials/took pictures of the bills coins in an envelope, sealed it, then when I discovered it missing, called the cops to report breaking and entering, illegal entry, etc... and had them arrest people. Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice/three time? Meet Bubba.

6 replies

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HiPwr

July 7, 2009 4:49 PM

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@TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave: I never give the dealer my entire set of keys. They need the one for the ignition and that is all.

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TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave

July 7, 2009 5:37 PM

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@HiPwr: I give them all my keys. They would have to clean my car to find anything of value.

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DefineStatutory

July 7, 2009 4:02 PM

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@TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave:

Good luck with the breaking and entering and illegal entry idea after you gave them your keys.

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July 7, 2009 6:08 PM

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@DefineStatutory: So if im your friend and I borrow your car but before Im done I steal your cd's, cd player and laptop thats not theft? You gave me the keys after all.

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TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave

July 7, 2009 4:50 PM

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@DefineStatutory: IIRC, if your landlord goes into your apartment and steals stuff, it's still illegal. But if you want to get technical, then it's burglary. Burglary can occur even when you have permission to be somewhere.

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July 8, 2009 4:09 AM

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@TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave: @parad0x360: It is theft, but not breaking and entering or illegal entry, just as Define Statutory stated.

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July 7, 2009 3:50 PM

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@CameraShoe_GitEmSteveDave: Breaking and entering? Illegal entry?

Good luck with that.

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I Love New Jersey

July 7, 2009 3:24 PM

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Seems like the video should also be sent to the police.

1 replies

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Saboth

July 7, 2009 3:56 PM

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@I Love New Jersey:

That's what I was thinking. Even if the dealership has the lame \"not responsible for theft\" sign up...they are still responsible for theft...especially when they are doing the thieving.

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pupu

July 7, 2009 3:28 PM

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The theft would certainly be a misdemeanor, but the service manager intentionally injested some of the guys meds - even if it was just powder - that may be a felony.

1 replies

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July 7, 2009 4:31 PM

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@pupu: You would need to prove intent here. He cleaned his hand in an unorthodox manner, but it doesn't constitute stealing.

The only law broken here that I can see (IANAL) is the petty theft of 75 cents.

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rdm

July 7, 2009 3:28 PM

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Extending the warranty on the truck was probably a no-brainer since the warranty is totally useless at Toyota at least in my experience.

7 replies

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albear

July 8, 2009 3:32 AM

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OP should ask the dealer to give him the money the warranty costs! and I'm interested in the model camera too, it takes great video. I have had stuff stolen from my car too when I used to take it for oil changes, coins mostly.

@rdm: @rdm: @AustinTXProgrammer:

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Adam Gaver

July 7, 2009 11:55 PM

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@rdm:
No the extended warranties suck, the regular ones are great. I've been screwed 2 times now on my extended warranty on my Prius.

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July 7, 2009 6:26 PM

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@rdm: I also must sing Toyota's praises. My extended family has owned 8-10 Toyotas over the past 25 years with virtually no problems.

It's also never occurred to me not to leave stuff in the car when it's serviced. I keep a significant amount of change in the door handle and I've never had a problem. I do not get serviced at the dealership, but my mechanic is a Toyota specialist and is terrific, which is why I've been going there for 14 years.

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Bog

July 12, 2009 2:02 AM

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Of the places that fixes my car actually cleans and vacumes everything as perk. Last time I went in there was a pile of change in my seat from all the change was under the seats, carpet and stuff.

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AustinTXProgrammer

July 7, 2009 4:07 PM

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@IphtashuFitz: The warranty may be useless because you won't need it. Toyota makes a solid product.

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July 7, 2009 4:33 PM

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@AustinTXProgrammer:
I know...that is why I bought Toyota in the first place :)

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July 7, 2009 4:04 PM

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@rdm: You must have had terrible experience. Between my brother, my parents, and myself, we've owned close to 10 Toyotas over the years and every time we've had good warranty experiences when it's been an issue.

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July 7, 2009 3:29 PM

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Where has all the trust gone in this world?

- We can't trust mechanics to fix the car without stealing something.

- We can't trust the baggage handlers to treat our bags nicely and load them on board without stealing something.

What else?

2 replies

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July 7, 2009 4:04 PM

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@sir_eccles: I don't even trust the mechanics to fix the car period. I do expect them to break several things in the attempt though, either accidentally or on purpose.

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July 7, 2009 4:08 PM

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@henrygates: Good point

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July 7, 2009 3:31 PM

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I read the United story and now this one in a row...I'm thinking secret cameras in luggage handles might be a good idea. I'd LOVE for the airlines to see just how much their employees rifle through our luggage and help ourselves to our stuff. Try and blame THAT on the TSA, United (oh, and I still want my Christmas gifts back)!

2 replies

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July 7, 2009 3:32 PM

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@burnedout: Should be \"help themselves to our stuff\" not \"ourselves.\" Oops

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hedonia

July 8, 2009 1:46 AM

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@burnedout: I was wondering what kind of \"christmas gifts\" you meant =)

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July 8, 2009 6:08 PM

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@hedonia: United employees held my luggage hostage at O'Hare from Dec 24 through Feb 12. When I finally got it back, the Christmas gifts were missing. I tried to file a claim but the \"24 hour window\" had obviously elapsed, and they would NOT help at all...

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July 7, 2009 3:32 PM

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Folks. I am the the Jason Leonard above. First, this has been an interesting experience.
To clear something up, I found out the guy in the video was not the actual manager, as he told me. However, the actual manager, no way associated with this, was also let go. He called me and apologized directly. I feel bad for him, but he said it wasn't all tied to this.
I will post an article from the local paper when I get back to my house in a few.
I was given an extended warranty for my troubles. The management actually did a good job of trying to make right. However, the fact and truth still hurts.

8 replies

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 7:37 PM

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@jpleonard: @jpleonard: What kind of camera did you use? How did you set it up? I am now tempted to do this as well.

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MissPeacock

July 7, 2009 7:35 PM

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@jpleonard: You are awesome. Thanks for sharing the story, and I'm so sorry this happened to you. Imagine what they were doing to everyone else!

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July 7, 2009 6:37 PM

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@jpleonard: But the manager \"skrewed the pooch\" by ignoring your prior letters and not keeping the people in line...

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Saboth

July 7, 2009 3:58 PM

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I've got 2 questions though (or maybe a question and a statement). Why is your Toyota at the dealer so often? I would expect that of a Chrysler maybe. Secondly, as Consumerist has pointed out, extended warranties are pretty much useless (although if you are at the dealer that often, in your case it might be useful).

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July 7, 2009 7:08 PM

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@Saboth:
There was nothing wrong with his truck. He was taking it in for periodic oil change/service. And they gave him the extended warranty. If he doesn't need it, he's not out anything. If he does, he'll be glad he has it.

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July 7, 2009 4:09 PM

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@Saboth: My 2006 Toyota Highlander has a service schedule of every 5,000 miles for standard maintenance. For the most part it's just oil change, etc. but I prefer to have it done at my local Toyota dealer because it's a hybrid and there are aspects of the hybrid system that they also check, and I wouldn't trust that to a regular mechanic. I've always been pleased with the quality of the work they do there despite the fact that it's a bit more expensive than a local mechanic.

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Hoss

July 7, 2009 3:56 PM

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@jpleonard: I'm concerned for your safety.

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leastcmplicated

July 7, 2009 3:48 PM

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@jpleonard: I'm glad you did this, we shouldn't have to remove our change or CD's or anything from the car before it goes in for service. Perhaps this will dissuade others who are currently or thinking about stealing from a customer. :)

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Jnetty

July 7, 2009 3:35 PM

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I would have reported this to the police also. The quarters stolen is petty theft a misdemeanor.

2 replies

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July 8, 2009 1:53 AM

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@Jnetty: I think the court of public opinion has done a much better job than any criminal court could. I'm not advocating vigilante-ism, but if it's legal in your state for one party recording authorization, I say go for it. (If it isn't, posting to YouTube could get you some crazy federal complaint, illegal wiretapping and all.)

After the AOL story, I bought an earpiece and record all my CS phonecalls. This is better. I would like Consumerist to do a story on exactly what gear/software is preferred for these types of CYA recording activities. (with a thick disclaimer of course.) I've found that even after cleaning them up in Audacity, my recordings sound like crap. I actually had to turn over some of them because of a stalker I picked up. Our legal department said they couldn't use the mp3s, and I sent them a dub of the tape, then they sent someone to record my voicemail because the tape wasn't good enough.

What's the latin for \"seller beware\"?

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July 8, 2009 6:10 PM

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@Tankueray: secret recording is illegal in some states. You have to let the person you're taping know you're doing it (laws vary). I only mention it b/c if you do it illegally you can tie the company's hands - they could be sued if they fire someone for recordings obtained illegally. You could be sued too.

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July 8, 2009 10:04 PM

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@burnedout: Yeah, that's why I said this:

but if it's legal in your state for one party recording authorization, I say go for it.(If it isn't, posting to YouTube could get you some crazy federal complaint, illegal wiretapping and all.)

","

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July 7, 2009 3:35 PM

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I had about $5 in change stolen from my car when I took it to a dealer for service. I complained to the service manager and he offered to give me the $5 back. I asked him what he planned on doing to prevent it from happening again and he said there was nothing he could do. So I told him that if it ever happened again I would show up at the dealership, call the police, and very loudly file a theft report in the middle of their showroom but since I never planned to get service there again, the point was moot.

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chocogray

July 7, 2009 3:36 PM

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these 4 knuckleheads just raised the unemployment rate for no reason.

3 replies

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July 7, 2009 3:44 PM

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@chocogray: I don't think you can file for unemployment if you're fired in this manner.

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July 7, 2009 4:09 PM

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@mrbenning: He wasn't talking about unemployment compensation, merely the amount of unemployed persons.

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July 7, 2009 5:08 PM

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@The Cheat: @K-Bo:

Thanks for the clarification. & K-Bo, you raise a good point with bringing up those hired in their places, though I don't recall the article mentioning anyone else being hired.

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K-Bo

July 7, 2009 4:07 PM

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@mrbenning: That doesn't change the unemployment rate. Unemployment rate is all people unemployed, whether they are claiming unemployment benefits or not. On the other hand, hopefully qualified, honest people were hired in their places, thus not affecting the unemployment rate at all.

","

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 3:38 PM

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Wait a minute, while no one should be condoning the behavior of the staff there, but I have a question...

Why leave your money in the vehicle? Yes, it is an inconvenience, but you wouldn't leave money lying around in your hotel room would you? I use a maid service, but I make certain that all our jewelry and valuables are either locked up or someone is present.

","

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pupu

July 7, 2009 3:39 PM

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The sad part about all this is that those dealership mechanics are paid pretty well. They probably don't need to steal his 75 cents. It's not like they are the $7/hr grease monkeys at jiffylube - these guys probably make $50 -$60k. They steal just to do it. That is the same mentality that would lead to doing subpar work or no work at all on a car that comes in for service.

3 replies

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July 8, 2009 2:19 AM

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@pupu: Actually no, I know at least 15 dealership mechanics that make around $36,000/year, if that. Dealerships are one of the worst places to work because they have no loyalty to their employees. And you have to buy your own tools, like $10,000 plus worth. The dealership may charge $60 an hour for labor, but the mechanic sees maybe half that.

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mmmsoap

July 7, 2009 10:36 PM

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The sad part about all this is that those dealership mechanics are paid pretty well. They probably don't need to steal his 75 cents.

No idea what happened initially that got the OP's attention, but I would bet money that the guy on the video was essentially stealing change (it's only $0.75 afterall) for the vending machine. I see this happen fairly frequently...it's not that someone doesn't have the money, but if they don't have it on them or available, and the customer won't really notice...

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July 7, 2009 6:14 PM

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People at all levels of income steal, regardless of if they need to or not. Sometimes it's a compulsion, for others they are just greedy, lazy or too stupid to know any better.

My ex-step father is a mechanic and he screwed me over on a truck I bought from him, way back when we were still really tight. That fucking truck was the beginning of the end of our relationship.

I know for fact that he stole from actual stores for fun, I watched him steal a dog house from a TSC store once, and we had no need for money.

I have zero trust for mechanics sadly, and force myself to do most of the work myself.

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dosdelon

July 7, 2009 3:50 PM

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Idiots! They didn't see the freaking camera there? They didn't take the camera? Wow, stupidity defined!

2 replies

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Nytmare

July 7, 2009 5:54 PM

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@dosdelon: It was hidden of course.

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Nytmare

July 7, 2009 6:06 PM

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@nytmare: Whoops, it wasn't that hidden. Dude was probably getting away with it for so long, he didn't expect to have to look for recorder, or check whether it was running.

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stuny

July 7, 2009 3:55 PM

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I understand that some people will steal small things if given the opportunity. The temptation is there and the they probably don't consider the significance of the crime. However, this video demonstrates that this is a chronic problem and even routine, based on the matter-of-fact manner in which the employee checked the compartments, as if it was a routine task to be performed with each vehicle.

Any business, dealerships, service centers, parking garages, relies on some implied level of trust. Their entire business is based on people entrusting them to take care of their car and possessions in their absence. If that trust is betrayed, they are essentially out of business.

Other posters are right. If this happens so often with so many people, it is probably ingrained in the dealer's culture.

Customers should avoid this dealer like the plague. The dealership should fold from lack of business and put all the employees out of work so they can consider whether this 75 cents was worth everyone's livelihoods.

3 replies

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July 7, 2009 6:39 PM

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\"Any business, dealerships, service centers, parking garages, relies on some implied level of trust. Their entire business is based on people entrusting them to take care of their car and possessions in their absence. If that trust is betrayed, they are essentially out of business.\"

These same businesses also have disclaimers/releases on their paperwork or receipts that say they are not responsible for vehicle contents.

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stuny

July 7, 2009 11:19 PM

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I am not making a statement about the legal liability of the company. They may very well be 100% indemnified. I am talking about customers simply taking their business elsewhere. If you went to park your car at a garage that posted a sign \"we routinely steal your personal items\", would you park there?

Also, what is the definition of \"vehicle contents\"? Engine? Seats? Radio? Theft is still illegal, even if you post a sign...@econobiker:

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Nytmare

July 7, 2009 6:00 PM

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@stuny: You would think that when an employee has a routine behavior problem, that there would be a pattern of complaints that would lead the management back to him.

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July 7, 2009 3:59 PM

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From local paper:

July 2, 2009

Hidden camera catches dealership's attention

Automotive customer videotapes employees to get action on complaints

Jeff Moore
jeffmoore@theadvertiser.com

When phone calls and letters failed to get a local business to own up to its mistakes, a local man used the power of technology to catch employees in the act.

Jason Leonard of Lafayette placed a video camera in his truck after he suspected Hampton Toyota employees of stealing money when he brought it in for service.

The camera recorded what appears to be employees digging through the truck's compartments, pocketing loose change and emptying a medicine vial attached to his keychain.

Leonard, 33, posted three videos on YouTube on Wednesday morning, and within four hours, they had generated more than 300 views a piece.

Leonard later removed the videos, but not before receiving an offer for a $2,000 extended service warranty on his truck.

\"I think it took something like this to spark them to pay attention to it,\" Leonard said. \"The proof is in the pudding, and I think I got a nice jar of pudding right here.\"

Leonard purchased a new truck from Hampton Toyota in 2007. When he brought the truck in for its first oil change, he noticed more than $10 worth of quarters were missing from the driver's side door compartment.

The next time he brought in his truck for service, Leonard noticed more quarters missing from the same compartment.

He complained and sent letters to the dealership on both occasions, but never received a reply.

During his third visit, Leonard decided to take matters into his own hands. He placed a small, digital video camera in the passenger side door.

The camera recorded what appears to be three separate employees rifling through various compartments, pocketing loose change and watching what sounds like pornography on a diagnostic computer.

All three of the employees were fired after the dealership received the video, along with its service manager, said Hampton Toyota business development director Randall Mann.

The dealership has also showed the videos to other employees as a means of caution.

Hampton Toyota owner Mark Hampton and Chief Financial Officer Mike Perry apologized personally to Leonard. They offered to extend his service warranty for his trouble.

\"Obviously, we're embarrassed it happened,\" Mann said. \"But we feel like we responded the best way we could with regard to the customers and employees.\"

Leonard has continued to bring his truck to Hampton Toyota for service, and said he plans to accept the dealership's extended warranty offer.

He said he removed the videos at the dealership's request, but may post them again in the future.

\"It opened a giant can of attention, which is exactly what I wanted to do,\" he said.

Sharane Gott, president of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana, said this is the first time she's heard of a consumer using a video camera to capture poor service.

It's natural, however, for customers to become frustrated when their complaints are not resolved, she said. Hampton Toyota has received an F rating from the bureau for failing to respond to previous complaints.

Gott said customers should check with the Better Business Bureau before doing business with a company. If their complaints aren't resolved, she suggested taking it to manufacturers or other sources up the chain of command.

\"The great thing is there is more than one company to do business with,\" she said. \"Consumers have a choice.\"

1 replies

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July 7, 2009 9:28 PM

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@jpleonard: Thanks for posting the article!

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July 7, 2009 4:06 PM

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Yay Jason. Frankly I think he should have gone directly to the local media with his videos, but thanks to the power of the internet and Consumerist, I suppose the word will get out anyway.

I'm curious what videocamera he used for this; despite what it says in the letter it's hard to imagine it went unnoticed by otherwise theiving employees if he left it in plain sight.

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July 7, 2009 4:09 PM

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I never had such a problem but then I always remove everything from the console, glove compartment etc. I just assume they will snoop/steal.

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July 7, 2009 4:31 PM

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Jason - can you post a picture of the camera you used? I'm curious how they missed it sitting there.

3 replies

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July 7, 2009 4:43 PM

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@Streblo: I used the RCA Small Wonder. Similar to the iFlip. I do have a picture of exactly how the camera was positioned. It clearly was not hidden.

I am going to link to the pictures:

[i68.photobucket.com]

[i68.photobucket.com]

[i68.photobucket.com]

[i68.photobucket.com]

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July 8, 2009 2:27 AM

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@jpleonard: Please ignore my earlier request for the camera, I thought that you probably used something similar to the flip. You were very sneaky with the subversion of placing a stuffed animal in with it so it looked like a kid just left it there and it was no threat.

Thank you sir.

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morlo

July 7, 2009 5:29 PM

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@jpleonard: The guys couldn't have been that bad if they didn't steal the camera. Often change isn't considered real money, and they probably stole it out of boredom more than anything.

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July 7, 2009 9:33 PM

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@morlo: It might not have a huge value, but I would expect that someone who keeps rolls of quarters in their car plans on using them for tolls, parking, or other situations where you need small change immediately. The sudden disappearance of a pretty small amount of cash can be a major inconvenience.

And stealing out of boredom seems like a pretty bad social maladjustment.

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LoadStar

July 7, 2009 4:33 PM

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I guess I'm paranoid. I empty my car completely before taking it to the shop, and I only turn over the car keys (no special keychain or anything else attached to the keys, other than a plain old keyring.)

If they want, they're welcome to listen to the radio, but that's about the only entertainment they're getting from my car.

3 replies

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July 7, 2009 6:42 PM

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@LoadStar: Make sure that the vinyl protectant is, in fact, Armor All....

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morlo

July 7, 2009 5:31 PM

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@LoadStar: How many times has your driver's seat been raped?

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pecan 3.14159265

July 7, 2009 5:30 PM

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@LoadStar: Well, they did bring their own porn.

","

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skloon

July 7, 2009 4:33 PM

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When working as a tech I always felt the change in the ashtray was some sort of honesty test. I did get in trouble for throwing out what looked like six months worth of fast food containers from a car that was so messy I had to vacuum it before I could work on it, aparently the owner had winning game pieces in there, so I had to go dumpster diving and he got $100.00 credit from the dealership.

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July 7, 2009 4:34 PM

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What I want to know is... WHERE do I get a hidden camera like that??

2 replies

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July 7, 2009 5:52 PM

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@Fist-o™: eBay, my good friend. The Chinese have those 'mini spy cameras' all over the place on the ol' Bay.

[cgi.ebay.com]
[cgi.ebay.com]

And a guy on Youtube by the name of Ashens reviewed that spy pen -

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July 7, 2009 8:51 PM

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@dragon:ONE: are you sure that's not simon pegg?

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jbviau

July 7, 2009 4:36 PM

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This is the most interesting post I've seen on Consumerist in a while. Go Jason!

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viqas

July 7, 2009 4:44 PM

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@jbviau: I concur! However i can see how the manager could get charged with tampering with the guys meds too.

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July 7, 2009 4:45 PM

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I expect to be able to leave $100 on my front seat and still have it there when I get back in car. Having said that, I've learned now to take a picture of my odometer because a dealer rented my car out and drove it over 2,000 miles! I had no actual proof that time. I also remove any items from the car I don't stolen, even though I would expect it not to get stolen. I will not pay for repairs I don't authorize. Period. Dealers are horrible, but they must adhere to the law. Sorry.

2 replies

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Garbanzo

July 7, 2009 8:45 PM

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@vastrightwing: Between the time that I bought my scooter and the time that I picked it up, the odometer went from about 25 km to 150. They claimed it was just a routine part of \"testing\" it in preparation for turning it over to the customer. Yeah, I didn't believe them either.

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July 7, 2009 6:44 PM

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@vastrightwing: Sweet mother of god- 2,000 miles! on a dealer rental? How the heck did they tapdance out of that one?

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Goatweed

July 7, 2009 4:45 PM

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I make it a rule that anytime I bring my vehicle in for servicing, I remove any and all personal items that I wouldn't want to lose or have someone go through. Many times I'll even hang around the shop and stand outside the area where it's being worked on, just to add that extra \"yes, I'm here and I can see you\" level of security.

We lucked out when we moved to our current address, there's a garage 5 minutes away and the owner is very trustworthy, reliable, and his workers are cut from the same cloth. Every time I bring my car in I get it back in the same condition and/or repaired without having to go back right away for some other mystery issue occurring.

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July 7, 2009 4:46 PM

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\" . . .I think I got a nice jar of pudding right here.\"

Ha ha, I LOVED that!

I haven't had any trouble with the place I take my car, but there's a big window in the door to the shop right there and I can stand in the waiting area and watch the whole entire time.

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pgh9fan1

July 7, 2009 5:03 PM

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I'd have sent the video to the police and district attorney's office. There were crimes committed.

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DaBull

July 7, 2009 5:09 PM

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I ALWAYS empty every single compartment in my car when I leave it for service. I take my EZ-Pass, change, and write down my exact mileage. This way, I know nothing is going to get stolen, and that they aren't joyriding around in my car. If I bring in my car for an oil change, there should be no excuse to have \"test driven\" it for 10 miles.

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sabrinad

July 7, 2009 5:11 PM

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I love what you do for me, Toyota!

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July 7, 2009 5:13 PM

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I used to know a guy in college that worked at the local Wal-mart oil change bay. He said that he would routinely steal a few pills out of bottles of controlled meds that people would leave in their cars when getting the oil changed. I've also heard of oil change techs stealing bags of pot and other street drugs.

1 replies

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July 7, 2009 6:46 PM

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@temporaryerror: I am sure they would boost illegal drugs as the owner couldn't complain about it.

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humphrmi

July 7, 2009 5:20 PM

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OK this comment is going to make some of you cringe, for those of you with weak stomachs you may want to avoid reading this. You've been warned :).

I had a friend who's high-end aftermarket stereo was stolen by someone in the dealership service department. They claimed he didn't have a stereo when he brought it in. He was out of luck.

He went to buy a new one, and before he installed it, he soldered razor blades, business side facing out, on the back of the stereo. Then into the dash it went.

Long story short, the stereo stays put everywhere he goes, until his next service appointment at the dealership. He goes to pick up his car, and there's clearly been blood wiped from the console.

He never found out who did it, but he got his revenge.

5 replies

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July 7, 2009 8:56 PM

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@humphrmi: That would be awesome, so long as he tells the technician to ask him before removing ANYTHING for repairs. That way, they've been warned.

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July 7, 2009 6:47 PM

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@humphrmi: Isn't this an old mechanic's tale?

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humphrmi

July 7, 2009 8:15 PM

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@econobiker: Maybe my friend heard the mechanics tale and decided to try it out for himself. In any case, the guys is known for making up stories, so it could be BS. But then again, this is a comment blog, so no big loss, right? ;-)

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 5:54 PM

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@humphrmi: Wow, I did the same thing years ago. My Dodge had the nice receiver/deck stolen from it at the local long term parking when I went on a trip.

I went back a few weeks later with a similar deck, except I crazy glued some razors to the housing and secured the deck with some pishing line so someone had to give a big tug to free it. Had to get the upholstery cleaned, but it was worth it.

Still brings a smile.

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adamczar

July 7, 2009 5:51 PM

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@humphrmi: What if they had to remove the radio to get into the dash? I know my car requires the radio come out to even lift the dash at all.

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Waverly V Phillips

July 7, 2009 5:26 PM

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Way to go Jason. Curious to see what type of cam you used? I had a rig setup like this with my netbook once.

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sashazur

July 7, 2009 5:39 PM

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Nice job. But I never would have done this. Why? Because after the first or second time they stole money out of my truck, and ignored my complaints, I would have taken my business elsewhere. You don't have to go to the dealer to get your vehicle serviced, even if it's still under warranty.

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boomersix

July 7, 2009 5:42 PM

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Ths s wsm, lv t whn trds lk ths r cght n th ct. T bd t tks ths knd f prf bfr nythng hppns.

9 replies

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Paul Carr

July 10, 2009 5:30 PM

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@boomersix: Personally I think the moderator is retarded for disemvoweling and banning boomersix. The comment was fine and the moderator is being a power hungry asshole.

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Garbanzo

July 7, 2009 8:20 PM

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@boomersix: I wonder why this post was disemvowelled. Re-emvoweling it in my head, it seems pretty innocuous.

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chauncy that billups

July 7, 2009 8:03 PM

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@boomersix: can someone explain why boomersix was disemvoweled and banned? the use of the word \"retard\"? boomersix, you should have said 'mentally handicapped'

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July 9, 2009 5:22 AM

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@bilups: As someone who's been disemvoweled before, yeah, it's pretty much BS. You're completely at the mercy of whatever moderator is...on shift? Or however it works. And, if someone posts something that a moderator disagrees with, then you get disemvoweled. Anyone can see blatant trolls NEVER getting disemvoweled. But, someone uses a term that *might* be \"retard\" and BAM! Disemvoweled. But, then again, I guess we don't HAVE to read this site. It's just a matter of sorting through some of the biased BS. Take everything with a grain of salt and you'll be fine.

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July 7, 2009 8:47 PM

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@bilups: But was it \"retard\"? There's no r at the front. Was it \"tard\", or perhaps \"turd\"? Either way, I don't get it. I don't see anything in the comment code about using common terms like that-- is that supposed to fall under the \"racism/sexism/hatred\" category? Because if that's the case they may as well ban the word \"idiot\" and everything else that's ever been used to refer to people who are actually mentally disabled. It's not like the people in the article had Down's or anything. If whatever happened here is all it takes to get disemvoweled then perhaps that should be spelled out more clearly in the comment code. \"The 7 Words You Can't Say on Consumerist\" or something like that.

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West Coast Secessionist

July 7, 2009 8:57 PM

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@Clobberella: yeah seriously. wtf is up with this disemvoweling.

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SpruceStreetPhil - in a new Pine flavor

July 7, 2009 11:05 PM

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@West Coast Secessionist: Moderators have a mind of their own... alas, if it was for the word \"retard\" or some version thereof, it is rather petty of the moderators to do so. The word itself is so commonly used to reference things that are \"not liked\" (dumb, idiotic: using synonymous words) in everyday conversations that it should never be perceived as hate speech. It would be much different if it was a word referring to actual retarded people. (And yes, the last sentence may not be politically correct, but its definitionaly correct; political correctness is peer pressured censorship of the masses)

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XJSGUY

July 8, 2009 12:13 PM

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@SpruceStreetPhil - doggarn bike thieves:

\"Moderators have a mind of their own...\"

Actually it's just petty intellectual jealousy on thier part.
They have no life other than angrily censoring others.

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July 8, 2009 4:27 AM

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@SpruceStreetPhil - doggarn bike thieves: Judging by these posts, Consumerist has no objection to the \"the R word\" (Btw, a bunch of mi*gets are in New York protesting that word now..incase someone has a spare Snow White costume they want to offend people with!)

[consumerist.com]

[consumerist.com]

[consumerist.com]

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July 8, 2009 1:00 AM

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@consumerist: disemvowelling? seriously? what are guys, twelve year olds?

I just lost a lot of respect for this site. This disemvowelling crap is childish. Either delete a comment or don't.

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July 7, 2009 4:26 PM

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@boomersix: I agree. It's a real shame that the consumer had to go to so much trouble with the camera, posting videos, etc. to get these problems addressed. The fact that his prior two complaints were completely ignored is unforgivable.

(Of course, I wouldn't want to blame the victim or anything, but why the dude kept going back there is kind of beyond me too. But I do understand that it wasn't his fault the service dept. was full of thieves and low-lifes!)

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July 7, 2009 8:13 PM

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@Groovymarlin: Plus, it sounds like they did a good job actually fixing the vehicle, he just didn't like them 5-finger discounting him.

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July 7, 2009 4:37 PM

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@Groovymarlin: Well, the next Toyota dealership is over 30 miles away. With wait time, drive, etc, it seemed simple to drive 5 minutes down the road.

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July 7, 2009 4:35 PM

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@Groovymarlin: Going to the service department where you bought the vehicle is encouraged and all but required, a lot of times. I do it largely because my car is a lease...so if anything gets messed up, I can say it was their own service department, and so they have the records. I think it can help with warranty claims, too, so they don't say you went to an \"unapproved service department\" or some BS.

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minsky

July 7, 2009 5:52 PM

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This is amazing. First off, hats off to the OP. Great letter in tone and content. I wouldn't have been as patient as he was, the first time stuff was stolen, I would have escalated it to Toyota Corp. and the State Atty. General. To be ignored like he was with a legitimate complaint was inexcusable.

But, as he did catch them red-handed is incredible. I think the dealer didn't do nearly enough for him, he could have totally ruined their rep. with his video and prior experiences. He should have at least gotten lifetime free oil changes. But I would really wonder how good the mechanics are at that place, given the scum they seem to hire there.

I love posts like this that prove the point of the consumer and show how we are being ripped off in practically every corner of what we do.

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July 7, 2009 6:03 PM

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the behavior of these dealership employees was absolutely vial.

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July 7, 2009 6:07 PM

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Ive noticed noticed anything missing after I brought my car to the Acura dealership where I bought it but this isnt really surprising.

That guy is funny as hell sniffing and then licking his hand as if he's gonna get high off some pill residue. Amazing! I love how he almost forgets to put the cap back on the pill container.

Now Im not blaming the owner here at all but honestly why would you give them your pill container with your keys? When I bring my car in they get the car keys and thats it. I dont even give them the normal part of the keychain. 1 key on a single ring and the remote is all they get and I would never leave any money in the car either. I know it shouldnt be but thats just asking for trouble.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 6:08 PM

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For what it is worth, I have been a resident of Lafayette (where this dealer is located) for 22 years, and can confirm the shady reputation of this dealership. No one, I repeat, no one I know will buy a car from either of his two dealerships (Toyota and Mitsubishi).For those of you applauding the dealer for taking action, a good business man would never have ignored the original complaints and would have done his own investigating. Hampton's reputation as a dishonest businessman finally caught up to him.

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squinko

July 7, 2009 6:19 PM

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@sir_pantsalot: I didn't kidnap your child. You let them go to school unattended, so it's not like you wanted them.

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ZManGT

July 7, 2009 6:29 PM

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Would have been funnier if they just stole his money and his camera this time.

haha just kidding ;). Seriously good job on catching them.

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Michael Lowenstern

July 7, 2009 6:33 PM

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Another example of an internet win.

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JoeDirt

July 7, 2009 6:37 PM

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I love it. Always write down your mileage before leaving the service center. These dirtbags like to take your car for joy rides as well. Once I took a 1992 Lincoln Continental to a Ford dealership service center in Fort Payne, Alabama and when I picked it back up, it had more than 100 extra miles on it.

1 replies

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July 7, 2009 6:48 PM

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@JoeDirt: They probably used it for a new car transfer run to another dealer.

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corinthos

July 7, 2009 7:04 PM

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If I was loaded I would do stuff like this all the time. I would love to get some small hidden cameras and let my car get impounded to prove what they take.

1 replies

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July 7, 2009 7:22 PM

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@corinthos:
A tow truck driver stole a fifth of whiskey from under my car seat. I should have taken it out before the tow, but the cops were right there, so I didn't think it would look good even though I hadn't been drinking.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 7:26 PM

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They would have instantly paid off my vehicle. That would have been the only result I would have accepted. Charges would have been filed, as well. One thing - most dealerships state that nothing left in the car is their responsibility. This kind of video would seriously challenge that policy in any court.

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coren

July 7, 2009 7:43 PM

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I'm surprised his digicam made it back alive.

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July 7, 2009 7:43 PM

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I don't understand \"just watching\" porn. If it doesn't arouse you & make you want to climax in the customer's car then what's the point?

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July 7, 2009 7:46 PM

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I never give my entire key chain & always remove house keys - & the garage door opener.

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Rachel Coker

July 7, 2009 7:50 PM

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You know, I live a little further Southeast of Lafayette...and recently I noticed a small change purse missing - just had dimes and nickels, maybe a few quarters, \"just in case\" - no big deal - and I rarely even pull it out - so when I noticed it missing the other day I chalked it up to theft in my apartment complex (I had forgotten to lock the door one day). However, I now wonder if my 2007 Toyota has fallen victim to a similar scheme...that's a shame. Great comments, great letter. Made me chuckle. First because it was funny, then came the sad realization that this shit really happens...

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uglyjdkdjdodkdldkdl;d;'dd;dldldel;eie8e88

July 7, 2009 8:01 PM

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I only steal from old people cars. Not technology savvy enough to setup a camera.

1 replies

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uglyjdkdjdodkdldkdl;d;'dd;dldldel;eie8e88

July 7, 2009 8:05 PM

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No No I am not done.
Haaaaaaaaaaaaa. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
etc.

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pyehac

July 7, 2009 8:12 PM

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Luckily nothing was touched in my car while at the dealership's service center - but I always see the service technician take down my mileage and VIN whenever I bring my car in. I did notice that everytime I bring my car in, the radio station is tuned into a specific preset station (even if I change the presets and I listened to my CDs)

Then again, I take any personal belongings from my car (military installation ID, CDs, etc) and they know I live near a Midas and I have no warranty.

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dwasifar

July 7, 2009 8:19 PM

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His pills were in a \"vile\"?

They must have been some pretty unpleasant pills.

I'd use a \"vial\" for that, but what do I know.

2 replies

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spindle

July 7, 2009 10:26 PM

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@dwasifar: what do you no?

/sarc

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dwasifar

July 8, 2009 3:42 AM

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@spindle: Well, they fixed it, so what can I say?

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July 7, 2009 8:19 PM

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I would have asked for the dealership to pay off the note as a condition to my taking down the YouTube videos. This is the kind of negative publicity which puts people out of business.

1 replies

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July 8, 2009 2:01 AM

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@halcyondays:
Good idea, except that would be extortion

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 8:29 PM

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This is not unexpected. I have heard similair complaints and heard sound recordings before. This is the first time that I have seen a video of the theft. Well Done!

But it should come as no shock to anyone that the workers at the Toyota garage are thieves. Most of the workers at any brand, (Ford, Chevy, Nisson, Pontiac, etc) steal as a matter of course.

It makes you wonder tho... if these people who you give your car or truck to, commit petty stealing as a matter of course, then what do they NOT do when working on your vehicle? Do they SAY the air cleaner was changed when it wasn't? Do they SAY the changed the oil filter and didn't? A thief will SAY anything.

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Cylon12

July 7, 2009 8:37 PM

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This is pretty much a 'business as usual' activity! When I take my car in I leave NOTHING... not even pennies in the car.

The rot is as this video states from the top (Service Manager) to the bottom. The three that got fired were probably re-hired a few weeks later.

I have read about similair complaints and heard sound recordings of people pawing thru glove boxes, and foul language many times before. And when brought to an owners attention, rarely was even an acknowledgement of the complaint issued.... Forget about an appology! And the complaints were about ALL makes of cars. Not JUST toyota. Most of the workers at any brand, (Ford, Chevy, Nisson, Pontiac, etc) steal as a matter of course.

This is the first time that I have seen a video of the theft. Well Done! I hope a lot more folks put hidden video camers to record the car maintenance / repair industry thieves.

It makes you wonder tho... if these people who you give your car or truck to, commit petty stealing as a matter of course, then what do they NOT do when working on your vehicle? Do they SAY the air cleaner was changed when it wasn't? Do they SAY the changed the oil filter and didn't? A thief will SAY anything.

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Skater009

July 7, 2009 8:45 PM

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Great Job !!!!!!!!

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John Brown

July 7, 2009 8:54 PM

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I want one of those cameras. I'm guessing it was battery operated with internal storage. Something like this one which runs $35 - [www.amazon.com]

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topgun

July 7, 2009 8:55 PM

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Sweet. I only wish I could have seen the videos before they were taken off.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 9:04 PM

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I just recently brought my car in for a basic service in Rochester, NY (I replaced brake pads, tires and got an oil change). Before dropping off my car I removed my GPS, and other valuables... I unfortunately forgot to remove my $150 sunglasses which were hidden beneath lots of papers and in my center console. The person working on my car STOLE MY SUNGLASSES!

Of course the owner, mgr and tech working on my car all deny the theft. I'm going to follow your example and hide a camera in my car before my next service.

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militarydave

July 7, 2009 9:23 PM

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now i know what i'm doing next time i go for an oil change!!!!!

-dave

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July 7, 2009 9:41 PM

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S thy stl sm chng tht Y LFT BHND.

Ppl wh wrk n crs wtch prn, sll plls, nd s rcl slrs. Dd Tyt gt y t blv tht vrythng ws lly wht bcs t ws dlrshp? Th wrst thng s, y knw thy wr gng t tk th chng.

vry dlr, shp tc hs sgn tht sys \"nt rspnsbl fr lst vlbls.\"

mplys r thr fr th mny, nd why flt thm whn y lft lttl nttndd. Tht s lk fltng ctfsh fr btng wht y hv n yr hk.

Srry yr bbbl ws brst.

12 replies

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Hoss

July 7, 2009 9:41 PM

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@Dnsc29625: gr wth y cmpltly. S h plys dtctv vr fw qtrs. Th prblm s dtctvs hv gns nd t's prbbly flny f smn rtltd. nd h gt bth n plgy nd cmpnstn bt dcds gn t dfm th dlr. Ths s dtc

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TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave

July 7, 2009 9:17 PM

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@Dansc29625: He did not KNOW the change would be taken. It had been before, but that doesn't mean it would be this time. But he set up a way to prove it if it was.

He also left it in HIS CAR. He didn't leave it behind. He left it \"behind\" as much as he left the tires \"behind\". If he came back and the tires were gone, would you say he \"lost\" them?

There is a difference between \"lost\" and \"stolen\". If I lose twenty dollars in outside, I'm responsible, and I lost it. If someone pick-pockets me, or breaks into my car and takes said $20, it was stolen. Big difference. By your definition, there is no difference between suicide and murder, and someone who murders you shouldn't be held accountable, b/c you left the house knowing there were murderers outside.

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Hoss

July 7, 2009 9:47 PM

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@TheyCallMeStacey_GitEmSteveDave: It appears everyone is thinking that catching someone take 75 cents and a sniff of pills at a car dealership is the same as outing AOL for it's renewal tactics or finding kids at Burger King messing with food. First the scale of this is drastically different -- but more importantly, the average sales, management, maintenance and owners at car dealerships are the type that would kick your ass (or worse) for doing anything personal against them. These are not wimpy office workers, or 16 yeaqr olds. Here we have someone that got an appology and compensation but is looking for more -- now there are 1200 Diggs on the story. I'm greatly concerned that this person is risking safety for the opportunity to pat himself on the back for catching a 75 cent thief. How can he possibly return to this dealership after doing this kind of damage to their reputation? 1200 diggs and they know who he is and where he lives

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July 8, 2009 7:15 AM

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@Hoss: I doubt they'd do anything, but their previous continual stonewalling should raise an eyebrow. They don't respect this guy at all. He will be screwed with, definitely.

On another note, if you want your vehicle fixed and unmolested, take all your crap out of it first to reduce distraction. A lot of people in this field hate their job and don't give a shit, have no morals or both. You're trusting strangers with your car. If you want ass-kissing service, go buy a Bimmer. You won't get it anywhere else.

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Duke_Newcombe sez íViva la Revolucion de Chihuahua!

July 7, 2009 8:34 PM

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@Dansc29625: @Dansc29625: What Chuck E. Cheese do you work at again? I want to make sure I don't leave my sandwich and kid's tokens on the table when you're on shift.

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morlo

July 7, 2009 5:24 PM

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@Dansc29625: Even if the shop tells you beforehand that everything not nailed down will be stolen, watching porn in the vehicle is out of line. Hosing down the interior after it is repaired is not possible.

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legwork

July 7, 2009 5:14 PM

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@Dansc29625: Joking, right? He left his belongings unattended, so that means it isn't theft?

The OP's evidence and your post both display a serious breakdown in personal standards.

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July 7, 2009 4:36 PM

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@Dansc29625: It is not the amount of money. It was the fact that this happened more than once and all complaints were ignored until the video.
But the main thing is not the money, it was the pill issue.

Yes, we know people steal from cars, trucks, etc. So am I the victim or the guilty party?
Should we blame someone for driving and getting hit by a drunk driver? I mean, we know people drive drunk, so who is at fault here?

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Hoss

July 7, 2009 4:44 PM

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@jpleonard: I assume the pills were prescription meds. You have responsibility there

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July 7, 2009 4:33 PM

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@Dansc29625: \"Why fault them when you left a little unattended\"? Because it's wrong, that's why. I have rarely read such an idiotic post.

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Saboth

July 7, 2009 4:33 PM

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You just HAVE to be trolling with logic like that.

#1. They ARE responsible for lost valuables, no matter what their sign says. They just hope people won't question it.
#2. So if my doctor rifles through my wallet and takes $50 out while I am under, that is ok, because he is there for the money.

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sir_pantsalot

July 7, 2009 4:33 PM

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@Dansc29625: I totally agree with you.

-Anyone who does not have at least 3 locks on all their doors is asking for their home to be broken into.
-Any woman wearing a skirt wants to get raped.

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July 7, 2009 4:28 PM

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@Dansc29625: And what happened to the catfish happened to the employees: they were rudely expelled from their zone of comfort.

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July 7, 2009 9:41 PM

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Srry, ll sympthy tht mght hv hd wnt cmpltly dwn th drn nc y strtd sng \"Vl\" nstd f vl. Rptdly.

5 replies

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Aphex242

July 7, 2009 7:36 PM

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@LeighAegyptus: Irony: [io9.com]

You spelled Shia LeBeouf wrong. Today.

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Brandi Hendrix

July 7, 2009 7:44 PM

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@aphex242: BURN!!!!!!

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Nytmare

July 7, 2009 6:33 PM

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@LeighAegyptus: Here we see a type of ad hominem argument, specifically where someone found to be wrong on one issue is therefore wrong with regard to other issues. He made a spelling error in describing the situation, therefore the entire situation was his fault.

That's some laughable logic there, bucko.

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July 7, 2009 5:10 PM

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@LeighAegyptus: Wow...that is what I get proofing my own stuff.

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Brandi Hendrix

July 7, 2009 5:10 PM

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@LeighAegyptus: I assume you're perfect and have never made a mistake, but from the tone of your post methinks you are VILE yourself.

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MissPiss

July 7, 2009 10:12 PM

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GOT YOUR ASS!!!!! Fail for Toyota!!!

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Gonzobot

July 7, 2009 10:40 PM

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Why would you buy a car from a dealer that has an F rating at the BBB? I mean, ever? Why would you even step foot on their property?

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July 7, 2009 11:01 PM

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It's pretty sad that without the video, the dealership would have done NOTHING at all, blown him off and it would be going on today. With all the dealerships closing down, let's be sure THIS one gets the axe. The culture of the top management has dribbled all the way down to the bottom, and it's corrupt throughout.

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DaisyIce

July 7, 2009 11:43 PM

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My mother took her van to several mechanics who have obviously and purposefully damaged it so that she would take it back to them, once again, to have it fixed. She ended up spending thousands of dollars before she realized what was happening and got no where with her complaints. Is this really any different? Whether it be damage to the costumer's personal belongings which are stored inside the car, or damage to the costumer's car, you simply cannot trust people these days.

I suggest that when paying anyone to do anything, no matter how small, you should do a full background check, even if they seem okay. Because this is just ridiculous.

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m-p{3}

July 8, 2009 12:13 AM

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Nothing works better than publicly showing how a company is providing bad customer service.

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Anonymous

July 8, 2009 12:23 AM

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I'm surprised they didn't steal the video camera too !Good on him.I used to have an F250 truck and they are quite rare in Australia... I used to wonder what happened when I took it into the Ford dealership to have it serviced.. I used to take a note of the odometer reading before I dropped it off.. but I bet the young apprentices took it for a spin around the block a few times showing off !

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July 8, 2009 12:42 AM

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This is felony theft - why not report this to the police? If it's happened to you it's got to be happening to others.

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evilhapposai

July 8, 2009 1:48 AM

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Sorry, no sympathy here. Hate to play blame the victim but as with any service TRUST ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, EVER. Theft in service centers is not exactly a rare crime and a person smart enough to put a camera in a door compartment I would hope would have enough sense to take anything he did not want stolen out of his car.

Yes, theft IS bad and the workers should have been fired. However, are people so lazy that they can not get off the sofa for 5 minutes to throw their stuff in a grocery bag and put it in the house until the service is done?

4 replies

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runswithscissors

July 8, 2009 11:36 PM

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@evilhapposai:
That's some grade A, class 1, top-of-the-line, unjustified victim blaming there! I'm super impressed!

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July 8, 2009 4:58 PM

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@evilhapposai: Obviously the purpose of the entire thing was raising awareness, NOT garnering sympathy. Since he took the trouble to do all this, laziness is not the issue. Actually your attitude of \"Never trust anybody ever\" is a generalization of a lazy mind that fears taking risk to trust anybody.

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evilhapposai

July 9, 2009 5:13 AM

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@Fist-o™: We already know this is happening pretty much everywhere and most crimes are crimes of opportunity. I really do not see a victim here. Just an idiot that is being celebrated for an over-excessive solution to being robbed three times. All three were completely preventable.

Try this little experiment at home. Go outside and place a hundred dollar bill just inside your property, just off of the sidewalk and see how long it takes for someone pick it up. It is still theft as the bill is yours and on your property. Now rinse and repeat 2 more times only with the third time place the $100 and hide a video camera in the bushes. Even though you may have caught the thief red handed good luck proving who took the previous $200. Next, as you sit crying about being poorer remember you could have prevented it by simply not doing the experiment and keeping the money in your pocket where it belongs.

Don't give anyone the chance to steal something because they will.

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July 8, 2009 3:26 AM

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@evilhapposai: \"Hate to play blame the victim but...\"

but of course you will play it anyways.

does it feel good to be so self-righteous?
or do you hate it?

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Anonymous

July 8, 2009 1:57 AM

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Lots of luck contacting Toyota corporate. I had a Toyota dealer sell me a \"new\" car only to find out later it was a used car. Trying to get someone's attention at Toyota was like barking at the moon. Toyota has a good reputation. They must build good cars, because their dealer network leaves much to be desired.

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Anonymous

July 8, 2009 2:23 AM

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As a former dealership employee at a 'reputable' dealership, I can say, without hesitation, that this is the norm throughout most of the automobile industry. With the exception of a few of the mechanics, nearly everyone I worked with was a thief, con artist, philanderer, racist, sexist, or some combination thereof, and nearly everyone I met from other dealerships around town were just as bad or worse. There is systemic fraud permeating the entire industry and it's time that the dealerships were reigned in. Only do business with these people if you 'have' to buy a new car, and only have repairs done there if it is under warranty. Otherwise, buy from private parties and get your work done at a Angie's List Approved repair shop. You will be happy you did.

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etla

July 8, 2009 5:14 AM

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A Toyota Dealership with a F BBB rating? I thought they only handed those out to GM and Chrysler dealerships.

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Anonymous

July 8, 2009 7:09 AM

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From where I come from, the customers attendants clearly instruct the car owners to remove all valuables/personal artefacts from the vehile before leaving it for servicing/repairs

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obbie

July 8, 2009 10:52 AM

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you asked for it? you got it! TOYOTA!!!

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XJSGUY

July 8, 2009 12:11 PM

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If I take any of my vehicles to a dealerSHIT, not ship, I think I'll leave a fresh turd in a little container and leave it right there for the creeps to check with a note, \"This is for you as, I KNOW you're snooping & stealing.\"

Dealers are crooks anyway as, they don't do mich of what they charge for.

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July 8, 2009 12:42 PM

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Prevention and common sense are the best answer: I only give the service people my valet key by taking it off of my keychain before I go into the service center. I also make sure all valuables are either locked in the trunk or with me in a tote bag. It's pretty simple to do this.

This totally prevents any possibility of theft or any risk of someone pawing through my stuff. All I keep in the glove compartment are the car's documents and manuals, along with any minor items that no one would want anyway (hand sanitizer, car fuses, etc.)

Why? Because I've heard too many stories like this one. I've never had anything stolen from my car at a service center and I don't want to risk it. (shrug)

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layton59

July 8, 2009 1:19 PM

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This is why I do almost all my auto repairs myself. Well, this type of thing and the fact that I am one cheap S-O-B. I always keep my dated store receipts, like, for oil and filters, so if there are any warranty concerns. My 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, bought new, now has 220,000 miles on it. My similar 2001 C-T-A-C now has 130,000 miles on it. I paid $100 at each purchase to buy the 3 inch thick specific Chrysler shop manual. I always use a torque wrench on repairs and you get the idea. Oil plug is torqued to 30 ft/lbs and oil filter is torqued to 15 ft/lbs. No dealer service ripoffs for me. At the very least, everyone should subscribe to Popular Mechanics magazine and learn a few things.

1 replies

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July 8, 2009 5:11 PM

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@layton59: broke or frugal these are excellent tips & my dad was the same way.

now if only our landlord would allow tenants to work on vehicles here. . . .

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July 8, 2009 1:35 PM

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That's it, I am emptying out my entire car when it goes in for service. I usually remove some things and clean the car up. But next time, they are going to probably think it's going on the sales floor, as empty and clean as it will be. maybe they will treat it better. This story is sick!

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CajunGuy

July 8, 2009 1:47 PM

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\"Hampton has it! Hampton's HOT!\"

If you don't live around Lafayette, LA, that's been Hampton Toyota's tag line for a while now. Just a tad ironic, isn't it?

I'm glad you did this, Jason. I live around Lafayette (and did live there for about 10 years) and bring my Hyundai to a local dealership there. They've never stolen anything, but maybe this will serve as a warning to any dealership that some of us are a little more savvy than we look.

Nice going, you crazy Cajun!

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IronCrow

July 8, 2009 2:27 PM

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Does anyone have a link to a camera that could be used to do this??

2 replies

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July 11, 2009 1:08 AM

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@IronCrow: They are pretty inexpensive these days cause a new model comes out every 6 months. You should be able to pull one from ebay for like $50. I have a first generation flip video that I purchased because I thought it was a good product. It is a good product! I would go with the flip over RCA though because the RCA's have issues if you take video in low light, but I don't know if that is true anymore.

When you use the camera people just think you are holding a cell phone.

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jp

July 8, 2009 5:37 PM

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@IronCrow:
OP said it was a RCA Small Wonder. I just went to their website and have to agree w/ Zuke. I can't understand why they didn't steal the camera. It must have been very well conceal.

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July 8, 2009 3:05 PM

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Not Toyota! This is nothing but lies. The saintly auto-giant Toyota can't do wrong. Only GM and other American manufacturers can. Don't pay attention to this. He must be a former GM employee, that explains it!

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ZukeZuke

July 8, 2009 4:30 PM

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Awesome story. Thieves are scum.

I still don't understand why they didn't steal the \"digital video camera, clearly visible\"?

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July 8, 2009 5:43 PM

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Mr. Hampton: \"Y'all come by sales conference room #2 at 3:00, I have a little training film I want to show you\".

Idiots: \"Sure thing, boss!!\"

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Mona Mayeux Woodson

July 8, 2009 5:48 PM

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This is the absolute worst car dealership-and I know from personal experience. I tell everyone NOT to buy from them. My coworker had $200 stolen out of his console when his vehicle was serviced by Hampton. Everything about them is crooked from the top down.

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James Siwinski

July 8, 2009 11:21 PM

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I took my GMC pickup to a GMC dealer that I regularly went to in Orlando, Fl. and on one occasion I noticed several different things that bothered me. 1. The 18 year old mechanic played with my remote start, turning my car on and off and on again repeatedly. 2. I witnessed him doing a donut in the back parking lot when bringing my truck back up to me after it was serviced. 3. My Ipod was missing from my center console. I didnt notice my missing Ipod until the next day when I was taking a road trip. The Ipod NEVER left my car, it was for enjoyment while driving only. Needless to say I will not be going back to that dealership. My warning is no matter how reputable a place you think you are going to, keep an eye on your goods.

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Vernon Ray Brown

July 8, 2009 11:30 PM

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This has nothing on Thornhill Buick. Scumbags from the top down.

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July 9, 2009 1:00 AM

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They do a similar thing at Volkswagen service - just replace \"quarters\" with \"engine parts\".

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Anonymous

July 9, 2009 2:34 AM

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Am I the only one who thinks it's fake? The way he takes the red pill thing apart, looks in the compartment on the door — it looks too practised and unnatural. Normally wouldn't you naturally just stare at the pill thing and wonder what it is? Wouldn't you naturally poke around and find the door compartment accidentally?

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Fran Hagler

July 9, 2009 2:38 AM

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This is ridiculous! I cannot believe the audacity of some people. These customers are paying your salary. How can you steal from them?

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Dave J.

July 9, 2009 4:01 PM

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No way would I continue to take my car there for service, even after getting the extended warranty. From the video, you can tell that theft is an absolute epidemic at this dealership--the guys don't even look around nervously, they just straight up steal his money. And you just know those fired mechanics have plenty of buddies who will nurse a grudge against the dude who taped them stealing. Odds that this guy's customer file has some sort of notation indicating who he is? Exactly. Still feel comfortable with that brake job?

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Anonymous

July 9, 2009 4:07 PM

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If anyone has a problem with the guy putting the camera in HIS own truck and catching a thief, needs to wonder why they dont think it is the right thing to do. Everyone needs to act right and act like the camera is on them any time they arent at home. I am glad he did it. I personally take everything including my paperwork from my vehicle. I only leave the car key, no other keys. I have heard burlars have made a copy of your house key and they have your address. Better safe than sorry.

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Anonymous

July 9, 2009 4:21 PM

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I am glad Jason was able to get this on \"film\". These guys got exactly what they deserved, as did Jason when he was awarded with an extesion of warranty on his vehicle.I turned wrenches for 15 years, and one of the things I enjoyed was repeat customers. Repeat customers not merely for the services that I performed on their vehicles, but also because I respected their property. I cannot recount the number of vehicles that came into my hands for service with paper currency, coins, credit cards, drivers license in broad daylight in the center counsel. I did not have to open anything to see this, but still I respected their privacy, and left things completely alone.Only once, I had a customer file a complaint that I had stolen an object from his vehicle. This was on a military installation, and he involved the Military Police. When they (the MP's)questioned me, I was most alarmed to learn that the item he was accusing me of stealing was his gym bag, full of his used gym clothes. I then told the MP's that this was ridiculus, they said yes, that they agreed, and end of story. Fortunately, I never saw this customer again.

To all of the folks reading this story and all of the posts, know that not all service techs/managers out there are crooks, but there are some, indeed! Find one you can trust, and do not let them go.

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SigmundTheSeaMonster

July 9, 2009 5:59 PM

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I'd like a tutorial on how to setup a decent video camera w/sound to record (3-9hrs digitally) the next time I take a vehicle into a repair shop. And did I mention, cheaply?

I purposely leave $3.25 in change and count it after a few trips to a \"stealership\". So far, the two I've been to haven't touched the change. A good thing.

However, they don't know of the emergency $50.. oh crap. Now EVERYONE knows...

1 replies

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July 11, 2009 1:12 AM

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@SigmundTheSeaMonster: Gonna be hard to get 3-9 hours out of the little portable cameras that are around these days. I would imagine most only do 1-2 hours (maybe 3 if you are lucky) and they have built in batteries these days so the battery only lasts for a predetermined amount of time before it needs charging.

Perhaps you could set up a wireless webcam of some sort and sit with a laptop in the waiting room??

The good thing about portable cameras is that for some reason not a lot of people use them, so if you have one people think of it just as another person using a cell phone. My point is many people won't recognize one if they see one, they aren't as mainstream as the iPod.

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seattlemaninblue

July 9, 2009 11:12 PM

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Headline is inaccurate (hardly unusual here). They are (were) not Toyota employees; they work(ed) for the dealership.

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Bellandran Patricio De Bartholomeo

July 10, 2009 3:59 AM

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I wanna see the footage of the guy with the laptop watching porn! That's got to be funny...

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July 11, 2009 1:16 AM

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While I do trust my local mechanic, I always strip my car of anything valuable before bringing it in for even the most simple work. Better safe then sorry.

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Bog

July 12, 2009 1:59 AM

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I have a bottle of pills in my glove box. One catch, they are poisonous. If someone were to break in to by glove box and decide to try my pills then they will be unhappy.

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Anonymous

July 13, 2009 4:29 PM

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\"and the service manager who had ignored Jason's complaint, personally apologized to Jason\" Of course only after Jason had dirt on the company does he get an apology or the matter looked in to. Reading an article like this makes my spine shiver as i had to take my mothers car to a dealership for some allignment and tire work, now who knows what could have taken place. The thing that suprises me the most is that he didnt sue... this could have been a very large lawsuit im sure.

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