We've heard quite a few times that the cops didn't even care to act quick enough before the thieves strip everything down. They just don't care since it's not their own property and there're no injuries or lives involved.

What do you think about this:
When we report our car stolen, we tell the cops that the thieves "seems" to be armed so you were afraid to stop them. Or make it even a bigger deal like the theives robbed you with a gun-like object pointed at your head. With a case like that, I think the cops would try to look for the suspects much more seriously (instead of finding your car when it's dumped in a junk yard)? And if they really caught the thieves, those bastards would be treated as armed robbers and get the appropriate "treatment" from the police.

I know it's not right to lie to the cops. So what do you guys think?

 

cops look more than you think, but don't you think the thieves get the car off the street as soon as possible?

every officer is notified when a car is stolen and given the info and directive to keep an eye out for it...it's not as easy as you think

 

But from what we heard from several victims here, the cops just appeared to be "not care". One time the 911 operator didn't even mention to the cop the color of the car, letting the stolen car drove right pass the cop. "Oh I just saw it."

 

And the key words are look and keep an eye out instead of actively search for the car and suspect, especially when the stolen car is being driven from the stolen spot to the hot shop/garage.

Often times the cops won't get on the case right a way (you should know better than me), giving the thieves plenty of time to hide the car and do their job.

So by elaborating the seriousness of the case, you think it would motivate the police a little more so that they have a better chance catching the thieves BEFORE the car arriving the garage?


[Modified by Wai, 10:49 AM 6/11/2002]

 

unfortunately that happened, but the officer wasn't given the information, which he should have been given...he was just responding to the scene as dispatched to.

The lookouts are usually given out every morning, they don't usually get broadcasted across the airwaves as soon as it happens, especially in my area, b/c everything is a metro area and it could go anywhere in 5 mins. Jurisdictions here are small, area wise, so it's quite easy to be out of city limits in minutes.
It was probably different in the other case

 

Jason, what do you think if the suspect was reported to be armed? Do you think it would raise a flag and make the police react differently? Maybe even sending a helicopter out to find the suspect asap?

I know it would waste a lot of police force (tax payers' money) if they were gonna search out the suspect like what they did to OJ's Bronco. So I want to know if anyone thinks that it is justified.

 

depends on the jurisdiction, some agencies don't have the ability to acquire a helicopter.

Also, if you couldn't give them any other reason than he was armed, I don't think it would help any. they know what people will say so they are taken more seriously, and would probably not enjoy being lied to. i.e. if you can tell them that they are armed, you should be able to give some sort of description.

You're better off telling them all of the information that you know is 100% true...

 

Its a car. This is not a major thing on their to do list. Did you know that police officers have to respond to EVERY 911 call they receive? WHich is ALOT. They do it in the order they were received unless its a life threatening emergency. So next time a cop is on his way to stop some guy from beating up on his wife, he should just turn around and head to your house when you call in your car is getting stolen.... uh no...

Dont get me wrong, i do NOT like cops. Personal reasons. But, as for them acting like they dont care, well, they dont. And they are not paid to care if your car is stolen. If you saw the dark side of human nature as much as a police officer does, you would shut everything out just like they do.

Ya, go ahead and tell the cop that guy was armed or robbed you at gun point. Then when you post that you got arrested for lying and just being an idiot, post so i can make fun of you...

 

Depends on how you present it to the cop or 911 operator smart man. I guess you are the idiot if you don't know how to talk in a way to leave yourself room to cover your own a$$.

Just for everyone info, I saw a footage from TV a few years ago that during a road rage, a person pulled out an object and pointed it at the other driver. The other driver freaked out and called the police about the possible armed driver. They took it SO SERIOUSLY that they were able to locate the suspect within minutes. It ended up that he was pointing his cell phone at the other driver. I know it is bullshit, but hey it's part of their job and I highly respect that.

 

What would you be lying about? You saw a gun when your car was being jacked.... or at least that was what you think you saw at the time.

If you really want to increase the chances of getting your car back, you'll see a gun in the perpetrators's hands whether it was real or imaginary.

 

I think I used the wrong word. I shouldn't say "lie".
If I were R748, I would definitely call up the police and tell them the guy took off in my car from my driveway/garage with a seems-like auto weapon in his hand. If the police caught up with the suspect, he SHOULD be treated like an armed robber and get his *** kicked.

 

It is true that the police would definitely handle it a lot differently if it were just a car theft or armed robbery (serious stuff).

 

I can say that where I live the cops DO NOT GIVE A FLYING F**K. About a year ago, while I was at work, i heard my alarm go off (not w/ the type R, w/ an Si.) So i ran out to see 2 guys start the car and drive off, I did not have enough time to run after them of give chase, as the car drove off as soon as I stepped out. This happened in daylight, and one of the busiest streets in town. I rushed back in the store and called the cops, and you know what the cops said????? And I quote

" If you would like to file a stolen vehi report, please come to the police station at your leisure, and we will gladly take the report"

What did i do, i went off on the cops. If they had given two ***** about my car being stolen then they would have sent a cop out to at least take a report.

Oh by the way, when i went into the police station, I got a lecture on how to respect cops, before they even asked about my car

 

That sucks. The next time (knock on wood) remember to tell them about the gun they were aiming at you. Stoopid cops.

 

If thieves really decided to visit me some day and got what they want, that is what I fear most. That's the main purpose of this thread and see if it would make a difference by describing the case in a more "serious" manner.

 

Since I *am* R748 I don't think I'd do that. First, the cops just don't view this as a priority. I can tell you that from personal, unfortunate, experience. They did come, they did it quickly, but just took a report. Since mine was a break and enter, into a home (garage) they took it somewhat seriously.

If they found out you exaggerated the situation, you may be in trouble.

On a side note, I'm quite sick of the Honda scene. I came to Honda from Ford, I remained a CAR guy not a HONDA guy and promoted Honda on its *merits* when it was warranted. The recent theft and the general attitude of some here has really soured my taste for Hondas.

When I purchased the car 4 years ago, the ITR crowd always seemed more mature, less inclined towards show, and more go. They were more into the performance aspects of the car. I look at the ITR forum today and I just have to shake my head. I don't know what's going on, but the people who care better wake up and take a good look around yourselves. It's not going in the right direction. Everything from thefts and Altezzas and this endless fascination with everything JDM.... I just don't get it.


It's too bad, the ITR is one of the best cars you can buy, regardless of price. It's unfortunate it has to be a Honda and deal with people it does.

 

Again I'm really sorry about your loss. I do agree with you that the general Honda scene is stepping towards the bad direction..... When I first got my car (which was also 4 years ago), I could park it almost anywhere without worrying about theft. I even left the windows slightly open during summer time. But now it's a totally different story.