Stolen truck - climbing gear inside - Joshua Tree

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Messages 1 - 65 of total 65 in this topic
Funky

Ice climber
Los Angeles
Topic Author's Original Post - Sep 20, 2016 - 08:30am PT
My truck was stolen out of the Coyote Corner parking lot yesterday afternoon. The truck is a red 1986 Ford F-150 with a white camper shell that has stickers on it. I'm not too worried about recovering the gear but I'm hoping if someone tries to sell anything then it will lead me closer to finding my truck. Some recognizable items are Cassin ice tools, Black Diamond crampons in an orange BD case, turquoise BD harness, the cutest snowboard you've ever seen with Burton bindings, brown Vans snowboard boots, black Mamut backpacking backpack, orange and grey Marmot tent... just a few things I kind of liked... Thanks for reading

Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Sep 20, 2016 - 08:48am PT
That's a cherry ride, too bad it's south of the border, or parted out, by now. Condolences.
survival

Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
Sep 20, 2016 - 08:59am PT
Special place in HELL for them.

Best of luck getting anything back.
Funky

Ice climber
Los Angeles
Topic Author's Reply - Sep 20, 2016 - 09:41am PT
Thanks guys
snakefoot

climber
Nor Cal
Sep 20, 2016 - 09:44am PT
this sucks. hopefully you find the A$$ and hang em high!
Tan Slacks

climber
Joshua Tree
Sep 20, 2016 - 09:48am PT
Wow, Really sorry to hear about this!

I'll keep my eye out for your truck and gear.

I know Ethan has some security camera's. Did you ask if he has any facing the parking lot?
Funky

Ice climber
Los Angeles
Topic Author's Reply - Sep 20, 2016 - 10:10am PT
Yeah I'm waiting on the security footage from the saloon and coyote corner. They said it should be available around noon today. Thank you for your concern, everyone, you guys rule
couchmaster

climber
Sep 20, 2016 - 12:19pm PT
That's so damn rude that they stole all your stuff. Things that make ya go GGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!! Funky, how did you mark your gear? Hope that the person suffers a seizure, doesn't pass GO but is sent straight to hell and you get all your stuff back.





And that's why we can't have nice things.




Cole

Trad climber
los angeles
Sep 20, 2016 - 05:42pm PT
Damn that sucks! I'll keep my eyes open. Update us once you see the security footage please.
crusher

climber
Santa Monica, CA
Sep 20, 2016 - 06:23pm PT
Jeez, in the middle of the afternoon??? Hopefully the security camera footage will help. Good luck!
Mungeclimber

Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
Sep 20, 2016 - 06:39pm PT
That blows.

Craigslist in all nearby regions. Set up searches for the gear and check daily.

I'm going to find a canoe thief this way!
Todd Gordon

Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
Sep 21, 2016 - 02:10am PT
If you need anything..let me know..
.a ride, shower, climbing, etc..let me know..(760) 835-1078. I live in joshua tree. So sorry to hear this.
jeff constine

Trad climber
Ao Namao
Sep 21, 2016 - 08:51am PT
Did ya leave your truck with windows down unattended?

Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Sep 21, 2016 - 08:54am PT
^^^^^ Uh, what, 5 seconds to pop the wing window and 30 seconds (max) to hot-wire it?
About the same time to steal a modern keyless vehicle now. Nothing changes!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Sep 21, 2016 - 09:27am PT
totally sucks to lose your home and all your stuff like that! this is worthy of a go fund me!
blahblah

Gym climber
Boulder
Sep 21, 2016 - 09:48am PT
Most unfortunate...

Did they hotwire it???...

Umm, the truck was stolen and, as far as we can tell from this thread, hasn't been recovered.

How would the owner know the answer to your question?
Funky

Ice climber
Los Angeles
Topic Author's Reply - Sep 23, 2016 - 12:06pm PT
Hey guys, thanks so much for your concern and kindness. I recovered my truck but eeeeverything was taken out of it. My bed, my clothes, all the features mentioned earlier. I don't have time to delete and repost a more relevant post now but I will delete this soon and repost. Thanks again you guys, I'll get in touch with a few of you soon. In the meantime if you know anyone wanting to get rid of any trad gear or ice climbing gear or snowboards please keep me in mind! You guys rule.

Victoria
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Sep 23, 2016 - 12:10pm PT
do you have a place to stay? was the truck your home? pretty low to steal someones bed fer christs sake....
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Sep 23, 2016 - 12:34pm PT
Enquiring minds want to know...

Why, the shoe business getting slow?

A dyslexic half-wit could hotwire an '86 in 30 seconds, if he's slow.
snakefoot

climber
Nor Cal
Sep 23, 2016 - 12:42pm PT
And now I'm curious???? do tell
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Sep 23, 2016 - 12:57pm PT
I always have a 2nd set of keys in the vehicle. you are supremely screwed these days if you lose your only set of keys...
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Sep 23, 2016 - 01:35pm PT
My life experience is that I can and have lost the keys that are on me. If i can get in to the vehicle and get the spare key then things are looking good.
BigB

Trad climber
Red Rock
Sep 23, 2016 - 01:53pm PT
brotherbbock

climber
Alta Loma, CA
Sep 23, 2016 - 02:17pm PT
Damn sorry bro that is a major bummer.

What the fuk is wrong with these savages running around out there?
blahblah

Gym climber
Boulder
Sep 23, 2016 - 02:30pm PT
"How would the owner know the answer to your question?"...

Wouldn't you know if you left your keys in the truck???...

And if you knew you didn't...

how do you think a theif would manage to get the truck running???...(Unless you think someone pulled up with a tow truck???)...





I was indirectly asking did he/she leave the keys in the truck, etc...



My question is...

WHY you couldn't figure that out without having to ask...


Thanks for the explanation, of sorts. But it begs a few more questions:
1. What does the "etc." mean in "I was indirectly asking did he/she leave the keys in the truck, etc..."? Now that I know you like being indirect, are you perhaps insinuating that the owner left a hide-a-key. But then how would the owner know if the thief hotwired, used the hide-a-key, or something else?
2. Did someone pull up with a tow truck?
3. Are there are other ways to steal vehicles besides keys left in vehicles (both in the ignition and otherwise), tow trucks, and hotwiring? Lockpicking perhaps?

Which brings me to the denouement:

4. Instead of "indirectly" asking if he/she left the keys in the truck, etc., why didn't you directly ask if he/she left the keys in the truck and directly ask whatever you're getting at with the "etc."?

Thanks in advance for clearing this up--been wondering about it since I posted.

Edit: In my question 3, I forgot pushing down the road, sorry!

Double Edit: Looks like Locker got me this time! :-(


Dapper Dan

Trad climber
Redwood City
Sep 23, 2016 - 02:36pm PT
I'm surprised more people don't install a kill switch in their vehicle. It's very easy to do, especially on older vehicles. You can tap into the ignition , or the fuel pump , add a simple single pole switch, and you disable the circuit .

I also lock my shifters together which is easier to do if you have a 4x4...


tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Sep 23, 2016 - 03:22pm PT
Isa's westy has a hidden kill switch on the fuel pump. I would not know how to rig that on the Astro? Huge difference betweeen 1986 and 2003......
JLP

Social climber
The internet
Sep 23, 2016 - 03:43pm PT
It's an old truck, EZ to hotwire, give the girl a break. Who cares even if the keys were in there, not everyone wants to live like thieves are everywhere, and even then everyone makes mistakes and lets their guard down at some point. If a thief really wants something, they'll get it.
Jaybro

Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
Sep 23, 2016 - 03:57pm PT
Blah, when I read it I figured Locker was trying to be polite, by asking indirectly.

I had a (borrowed) '82 Sentra stolen in Vegas once. It was gone in minutes. The owner told me that in that year rig, you can just stick a screwdriver in the ignition slot and start it up.
There's all kinds of ways to jack various cars.
blahblah

Gym climber
Boulder
Sep 23, 2016 - 04:09pm PT
Hmmm, how far away was the truck recovered from where it was stolen?
Depending on the distance, that may lend some credence to Locker's "thief just pushed it down the road" theory . . .

Supertopo detective team is on this one!
WBraun

climber
Sep 23, 2016 - 04:13pm PT
Stupid Americans!!!! :-)

Just pull the correct fuse (ignition, run etc) and take it with you when you park remote in a place or if worried vehicle can be hot wired.

Or kill switch wired to ignition, run circuit but thief will look for it.

Or take center coil wire with you.

Or just be stoopid and leave keys in ignition switch for thief's easy access ..... duh!

Ho mannn ......



Crimpergirl

Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
Sep 23, 2016 - 04:22pm PT
Probably used a multimeter.

DMT

I just accidentally spit out a good piece of dinner when I read that. Thanks for the chuckle!
Jaybro

Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
Sep 23, 2016 - 04:26pm PT
There's just one thing that bothers me about this...



I like the stick shift/ padlock rig! Is it hacksaw proof?
jonnyrig

climber
Sep 23, 2016 - 04:27pm PT
There are a number of ways to get around vehicle security systems. In some cases, a slide hammer can be threaded into the lock cylinder of the ignition and it can be popped out in one or two hits. Depends on the vehicle. After the cylinder's out, there's no hot-wiring needed. Just a pair of needle nose or a screwdriver. Takes seconds.

Also, up until sometime in the mid 2000's or so, I've personally been able (dealing with keys locked inside vehicles at work) been able to easily substitute keys from other vehicles, especially when the keys and/or locks (both door and ignition) become a little worn, and simply by a little manipulation got them to open easily and/or start within just a few seconds. This is my go-to method when someone loses/forgets/locks in a vehicle key. Ford, GM, Navistar/International, Peterbilt, Freightliner (including a 2009 and 2010), Mazda, and probably a couple others I forgot. I keep a key bucket around the shop and the garage. No idea where some of them come from; but they come in handy once in awhile.

As to kill switches and such, just make goddam sure you're disabling the correct system, and definitely not hacking into something like the air bag system. Additionally, even if you don't set your bags off, there's a good chance you could disable something and set off trouble codes that you will then have to pay someone an extravagant fee to repair.

At least, if you're unsure, get a wiring diagram so you don't, say, fry your electronic dash or the ECM. Spendy parts to replace.

Sh#t happens. Your vehicle is nowhere near as secure as you hope. In short, don't leave sh#t in it. Sorry for your gear loss.

[Click to View YouTube Video]
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Sep 23, 2016 - 04:44pm PT
Can you also open Locker with a can of Coke?
zBrown

Ice climber
Sep 23, 2016 - 07:10pm PT
In the future every car will have a tamper-proof IED built into the transmission.

In the event of theft the owner will be able to use Google Earth to remotely detonate the device.

It won't get your stuff back, but it will prevent the perp from stealing it again.


Lorenzo

Trad climber
Portland Oregon
Sep 23, 2016 - 07:21pm PT

Sep 21, 2016 - 09:48am PT
Most unfortunate...

Did they hotwire it???...

Umm, the truck was stolen and, as far as we can tell from this thread, hasn't been recovered.

How would the owner know the answer to your question?

Did the owner take distributor parts out of the truck?
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
Sep 24, 2016 - 02:56am PT
My neighbor has a car with a removable steering wheel that he takes with him , I so wish I had a picture!
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Sep 24, 2016 - 03:35am PT
hey there say, i am late here...

so glad you found the truck...

sad of the loss... may things get stable and good again,
as to all the losses...


Sierra Ledge Rat

Mountain climber
Old and Broken Down in Appalachia
Sep 24, 2016 - 04:53am PT
I used to remove my distributor wire and take it with me. Bastards would have to tow my truck to steal it.
James Wilcox

Trad climber
Goleta/Virginia Lakes
Sep 24, 2016 - 09:15am PT
Glad the truck and camper shell was recovered. Woot!
All the climbing gear stickers on the shell may have played a role in the vehicle being targeted in the first place.
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Sep 24, 2016 - 09:28am PT
I have a window sticker that says

"I love my poisonous snakes!"
Chaz

Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
Sep 24, 2016 - 09:28am PT
Hot wiring, slide hammers, slim-jims ... that's some old school sh#t. You have to know something abut how an auto works to use those, too.

The kids are all using Shaved Keys now. Especially for ubiquitous models, such as Toyota trucks and F-150s. They just shop for a vehicle that matches their key - and has an automatic transmission.

Somewhere like Joshua Tree, the average kid on the street is just as likely to have a set of shaved keys as he is to have a job.
Darwin

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Sep 24, 2016 - 09:37am PT

RE: FREE CLIMBING GEAR

Is most climbing gear is stolen by climbing aware people and targeted as such, or is it opportunistic: as in "I've broken into this car, too bad there's no wallet, but I might as well take everything". Then somewhere down the line the lightbulb goes off and "holy sh#t, these things are worth $50 each even second hand!".

It sure seems and I hope that it would be difficult to sell in a discrete, "safe" and profitable manner.
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Sep 24, 2016 - 09:46am PT
My new truck doesn't even have a damn key but it turns out that just makes it easier to steal.
The manufacturers and insurers have no desire to make it harder to steal cars. It costs more
now to get in the game but it has always taken money to make money. Just be glad you don't
live in Europe where they steal high end rigs every few seconds and ship them immediately to
Russia, the Middle East, and Africa. And, of course, if you're caught you basically get a slap
on the wrist.
rottingjohnny

Sport climber
Shetville , North of Los Angeles
Sep 24, 2016 - 10:34am PT
A neighbor owns a vintage Porsche worth 60 grand...They are being stolen and shipped from LA harbor to china so he's concerned about leaving it anywhere unattended..
bajaandy

climber
Escondido, CA
Sep 24, 2016 - 06:42pm PT
Hot wire? You guys watch way too much TV. 80's Ford trucks can be started with a pair of channel locks.
Chaz

Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
Sep 24, 2016 - 07:41pm PT
My Grove Truck is a three-on-the-tree.

I'm waiting for the day someone tries to carjack it. I'll just stand aside and laugh my ass off while I watch the punk try to drive it.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Sep 24, 2016 - 07:43pm PT
screw driver in the key hole for the old rigs...
Funky

Ice climber
Los Angeles
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 1, 2016 - 12:36pm PT
You guys are hilarious. Sorry for the late reply, I had no idea everyone was so consumed by the mystery of how exactly they stole it... I hope you've all been sitting in the same spot, unable to move, gripping the edge of your seat, sweating with anxiety and unable to pry your thoughts from this suspenseful plot. Ready for the twist? Well there isn't one; I left the f*#kin keys in the car. But in the many years I've been living on the edge in this manner nothing has ever happened! I live in Tahoe and I never lock my car or take the keys out. I'm guessing some tweaker saw me leave my keys and jumped on the opportunity. Sooooooo yeah. CHP called me the next morning and said they found it behind the old Ford dealership off Kickapoo in Yucca Valley. They ditched it cuz it ran out of gas. They left it right next to this dudes house and he swears he heard and saw nothing... What doesn't make sense to me though is why they took my license plates, registration info, title, and tried to light my cab on fire... thankfully the amateur pyro didn't realize fire needs air to get stoked and after he lit the bottle of motor oil (which also doesn't burn well) and threw a perfectly good phone book and shirt on top they shut the door with the windows rolled up and the fire put itself out... After burning a huge hole in the floor... They didn't even take the stereo or speakers... Idiots.

I have so very much enjoyed reading everyone's comments. Got some good laughs and I also really appreciate the offers and sympathy from everyone. It's been a weird couple weeks for me. One day you're naked drinkin tequila in a pool exclaiming to yourself how rad life is and the next day your car/house/life is stolen, lit on fire, and abandoned down a dirt road in the desert. Things have only been getting stranger too... waiting to have the meaningfulness of it all revealed as I pass through this threshold of bullshit and mystery into the next phase of life. I'll be out in J Tree guiding a bunch of high school students in the park this week. If anyone wants to grab a beer and hear the whole suspenseful story in quality real-time we could coordinate a story telling time. Maybe I should create a Meet Up for it?

Totally kidding about the meet up. Very serious about beer. Thanks again everyone.

Victoria
rwedgee

Ice climber
CA
Oct 1, 2016 - 01:39pm PT
You should have a "Go Fund Me" page. I would chip in, more so than the guy with the busted rat dog.
Funky

Ice climber
Los Angeles
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 1, 2016 - 02:05pm PT

Oct 1, 2016 - 01:36pm PT
Wait 20 years and try answering everything you've just stated, Victoria !

You show good spirit in the face of adversity.

Right? Everything in retrospect I guess... thank you :)
Funky

Ice climber
Los Angeles
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 1, 2016 - 02:09pm PT
page. I would chip in, more so than the guy with the busted rat dog.

Hahaha! That's very kind of you. I'm incredibly stubborn and not allowing myself to be vulnerable enough to make a Go Fund Me page. A lot of people have suggested that. I dunno, it just feels weird. I'm even having a hard time accepting gear people are trying to give me. I know I need to accept it and allow people to help...hey maybe that's why all this happened; so I could learn to accept generous offers ;)
John M

climber
Oct 1, 2016 - 02:17pm PT
I couldn't imagine leaving my keys in my vehicle in Tahoe, and especially not in Josh. Plenty of tourists and opportunist out there. I lived in Wawona in southern Yosemite for 25 years and mostly didn't lock up my cabin, or my vehicle at my house, but did lock my vehicle most everywhere else. Wouldn't dream of leaving my keys in it. I also lived in south Tahoe 30 years ago. I locked my vehicle even then. Not at home, but everywhere else.

I hope things work out for you.
zBrown

Ice climber
Oct 1, 2016 - 02:26pm PT
Will submit your story to the pimp my ride guys if they're still in business.

You've been lucky. People steal
Stuff
All the time.


Some (many) times just for the 'thrill' of destroying something .

SuperTroupers not exempt.

cuvvy

Sport climber
arkansas
Oct 4, 2016 - 11:47am PT
Nothing wrong with innocence, thinking the world is a wonderful place full of caring, considerate, loving people..BAM!!!!
The truth sucks
blahblah

Gym climber
Boulder
Oct 4, 2016 - 12:56pm PT
I couldn't imagine leaving my keys in my vehicle in Tahoe, and especially not in Josh. Plenty of tourists and opportunist out there.

Yep, I know whenever I go on vacation, first thing I do before I head to the beach or whatever is check for any cars with keys in the ignition--a nice joyride and arson attempt really lets me unwind and get away from the rat race, it's a great way to kick off a vacation!
John M

climber
Oct 4, 2016 - 01:23pm PT
oh good grief.

If the keys are in it, then the doors are unlocked.

its not usually car theft in a place like Yosemite. But they will rummage through your vehicle looking for things to steal.

I lived in Yosemite for 25 years. Yes.. the tourists steal. Even thieves go on vacation.

sometimes its employees.
Sometimes its tourists

We had one thieve break into the gift shop in Wawona. Didn't get much, except caught on video. He wasn't a local. Plenty of other stories. Phones, cameras, computers. Yes..people travel with their computers. all kinds of sports gear. It happens.

In Wawona we rarely had homes broken into because the thieves have to be around long enough to feel comfortable to break into secluded homes. If homes were broken into, it usually turned out to be a local. The tourists are usually opportunistic thieves.

Edit: and its not like there are hoards and hoards of them. Is just that it happens often enough that I learned to lock my vehicle. With 4 million visitors a year, there are bound to be a few less then honest people.
steelmnkey

climber
Vision man...ya gotta have vision...
Oct 4, 2016 - 01:23pm PT
You guys are hilarious. Sorry for the late reply, I had no idea everyone was so consumed by the mystery of how exactly they stole it... I hope you've all been sitting in the same spot, unable to move, gripping the edge of your seat, sweating with anxiety and unable to pry your thoughts from this suspenseful plot.


For what it's worth...
I realize that having your vehicle/life/house stolen is a huge life-altering deal, and you seem to have handled it with grace, but I wouldn't read too much into people's desire to know the details about how it all went down. It's sort of like reading ANAM...you get the details about how something happened, and then (if possible) use the detailed information to take steps to avoid having the same thing happening to you. I don't think anyone was out to poke fun at you as much as they were a little worried the nature of someone driving off in THEIR ride if they visited JT.

I see the same thing on a mountain bike forum I read from time to time. People post up about how their bike was ripped off and then everyone's clamoring for details. In general, the victim doesn't want to give general details on the heist (house, off the car, general part of town). But it's kind of a public service to share at least some of that info in case there's someone working a certain part of town, or if they've stumbled on a loophole/trick that allowed them to snag someone's ride.

Thieves suck huge.
Chaz

Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
Oct 4, 2016 - 01:55pm PT
When I park my bike, I un-do the quick-release on the brakes. If a thief decides to take off on it, he had better not plan on stopping.

couchmaster

climber
Oct 4, 2016 - 02:02pm PT

I predict that this will drone on for 8 more pages anyway. Thanks for the update, people who do things like that are a sh#t stain in the white underwear of life. Victoria, you sound like a great person. If we ever meet up the beer and dinner is on me for sure. I'd even toss some gear your way due to general principal. My best to you in your travels.

Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Oct 4, 2016 - 02:30pm PT
What on earth for???!!!

So they can monitor their computerized colostomy bag.
micronut

Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
Oct 4, 2016 - 04:25pm PT
Hi there Victoria,

I shot you a little email today. A few years back I had my entire rack and all gear including a bunch of skiing and avy stuff stolen from the back of my rig. I was amazed at how many Supertopo folks sent me gear and it was quite humbling. I'm a freakin doctor and have great homeowners insurance and could have bought it all back immediately but was really overwhelmed by the support of (then) mostly strangers on this site. I had posted up a rant just complaining about the lowlifes that stole my gear. I never expected a thing from anybody other than some thief bashing and maybe some flack for leaving my truck unlocked in a sketchy part of town. Emails started showing up and stuff immediately started arriving at my front door. I still have and use much of that gear. It brings a smile on my face to lace up with that old stinky pair of Scarpas every now and then and I still use an ATC somebody selflessly gave me to get me by. It meant a lot and I'd love to return the favor. Check your email and I'd love to pass some loot your way. I have too much gear.....ropes, cams, biners, camping gear etc.....just lemme know where to send it! Take care and keep adventuring!

Scott
John M

climber
Oct 4, 2016 - 04:43pm PT
Youse guys are right. El cap pics should leave his damn computer home. No editing of photos. Make the cubicle pukes wait.

http://www.elcapreport.com

I probably should tell Karl to leave his computer home too. He doesn't even post here anymore.

Okay.. Okay.. the colostomy bag comment was funny. ;-)
JLP

Social climber
The internet
Oct 4, 2016 - 06:23pm PT
So some thief steals an old but well cared for truck belonging to someone who likely doesn't have a lot of money...they empty it out...and try to burn it...with no gas left in the tank...?!?!

How much lower could they have gone?

Sorry-a$$ humans - your life with a burned out truck is still 100000x better than theirs, I'm certain of this.

Good luck,
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