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Tom'sLandscapeDesign · #1 08-06-2009, 10:42 PM

So I show up at a house today ready to trim some hedges. My brand new Stihl FS90R with HL135 gearbox was in my trailer with my blower and string trimmers.

I did a walk around the house, back to the truck, 10 minutes later(!) and Im short the hedge trimmer system!

So I left, called the customer and told her I couldnt do the job today.

I look on Craigslist for a trimmer so I could do the job (and get paid so I could buy a new setup) and posted about 10 minutes before I checked, was a "Stihl FS90R Hedge Trimmer" and he was asking $300.

I knew right then it was mine, so I start a plan. I called, offered him $200 and agreed on $250. I tell him to meet behind K-Mart.

I called one of my friends who is 6'8" and north of 300lbs. He brought along his friend Mr. Glock.

I head off to K-Mart in my truck and trailer (the one that the trimmer was stolen out of). I see a pickup truck backed up against the wall, so I assumed it was him. I block him in with my truck.

Me and my friend jump out of our truck, he jumps out of his. I asked to see it, and he pulls MY TRIMMER out of the back of his truck. At this point, I dont think this kid realized that he stole it out of the trailer that was now blocking his exit.

I ask him to start it for me. Now, if anyone owns a FS90R, they know theres a starting sequence. He couldnt get it started.

I grab it, look at him, pointed at my trailer, and said "Thats the truck you stole this out of this morning." and his face turns. I tell him "Either I take this and you leave under your own power, or we beat the living sh!t out of you, take the trimmer, and have the police pick you up in an ambulance."

He backs off and says "Its yours man. I dont want any trouble!"

Part of me wishes he wouldve resisted so we couldve kicked his a$$, and part of me still wishes I wouldve called the police after I got my trimmer back, but Im just glad I got it back.

And that's my story!

Mowbizz · #2 08-06-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom'sLandscapeDesign

So I show up at a house today ready to trim some hedges. My brand new Stihl FS90R with HL135 gearbox was in my trailer with my blower and string trimmers.

I did a walk around the house, back to the truck, 10 minutes later(!) and Im short the hedge trimmer system!

So I left, called the customer and told her I couldnt do the job today.

I look on Craigslist for a trimmer so I could do the job (and get paid so I could buy a new setup) and posted about 10 minutes before I checked, was a "Stihl FS90R Hedge Trimmer" and he was asking $300.

I knew right then it was mine, so I start a plan. I called, offered him $200 and agreed on $250. I tell him to meet behind K-Mart.

I called one of my friends who is 6'8" and north of 300lbs. He brought along his friend Mr. Glock.

I head off to K-Mart in my truck and trailer (the one that the trimmer was stolen out of). I see a pickup truck backed up against the wall, so I assumed it was him. I block him in with my truck.

Me and my friend jump out of our truck, he jumps out of his. I asked to see it, and he pulls MY TRIMMER out of the back of his truck. At this point, I dont think this kid realized that he stole it out of the trailer that was now blocking his exit.

I ask him to start it for me. Now, if anyone owns a FS90R, they know theres a starting sequence. He couldnt get it started.

I grab it, look at him, pointed at my trailer, and said "Thats the truck you stole this out of this morning." and his face turns. I tell him "Either I take this and you leave under your own power, or we beat the living sh!t out of you, take the trimmer, and have the police pick you up in an ambulance."

He backs off and says "Its yours man. I dont want any trouble!"

Part of me wishes he wouldve resisted so we couldve kicked his a$$, and part of me still wishes I wouldve called the police after I got my trimmer back, but Im just glad I got it back.

And that's my story!

What the heck man...I would have made him lay face down in the dirt (let him think about what kinda crap he's in) while the cops came...dang it he's gonna be out stealing again tomorrow. I'm glad you got your property back but I think you handled this scumbag wrong. He has no problem taking your hard earned property and making a quick buck on it...you released him to go do it again. To boot, he may try to hit you again now that he knows your area...you messed up.

metiernan · #3 08-06-2009, 10:49 PM

One thing I try and do with my equipment is mark my name on it somewhere where most people won't look then if Im ever in a situation like that I can show it to them and look at the look on there face.

Glad you got it back, you should have made him come help you on the job for the trouble he caused.

whoopassonthebluegrass · #4 08-06-2009, 10:56 PM

Drama! Best you didn't open a can on him. Hopefully he'll be too scared to do it again.

Mahoney3223 · #5 08-06-2009, 10:58 PM

hell ya! you should have shot him!

Tom'sLandscapeDesign · #6 08-06-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mowbizz

What the heck man...I would have made him lay face down in the dirt (let him think about what kinda crap he's in) while the cops came...dang it he's gonna be out stealing again tomorrow. I'm glad you got your property back but I think you handled this scumbag wrong. He has no problem taking your hard earned property and making a quick buck on it...you released him to go do it again. To boot, he may try to hit you again now that he knows your area...you messed up.

Like I said, part of me wishes I wouldve made sure this guy didnt leave under his own power, but its too late now.

If the cops wouldve come, my trimmer wouldve been taken as evidence until trial. That could be months..even years. I spent north of $500 THIS MORNING on the setup because I NEEDED it to do the job.

All my fishing stuff is coming out of the bed of my truck and anything that can be carried is going in there now under my locking tonneau cover.

Tom'sLandscapeDesign · #7 08-06-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metiernan

One thing I try and do with my equipment is mark my name on it somewhere where most people won't look then if Im ever in a situation like that I can show it to them and look at the look on there face.

Glad you got it back, you should have made him come help you on the job for the trouble he caused.

I try to mark my equipment too, but I left my house, went to the dealer, then went to the customer's. Seriously, it was 30 minutes between the time I swiped my card to pay for it to teh time it was gone.