Would you buy stolen tools?

[kidney]

In most states, pawn shops are the party that assume the most liability - if they purchase stolen property, and resell it, and then it's discovered that the property was stolen and has to be returned to it's rightful owners, the pawn shops have to make good on that - refund of purchase price to the customer, etc. They're the ones left holding the bag.

Exactly...Around here there is a Police task force that goes around to different pawn shops and checks out some of their items from time to time. Mainly those that carry serial numbers. I've have a few friends that have had their stolen speakers returned to them b/c the serial numbers on the speakers were still intact, they also had written down the numbers and kept proof of ownership. I know all my Milwaukee tools have serial numbers on them. I understand that after years of use those numbers get worn off, but it doesn't hurt to keep a record of them. I know it's a pain, but some tools have information cards that you can fill out to register that tool. On some of my high price items, I save the sales receipts, take a quick digital picture and write down, if any, serial numbers.

Also, a little bit of time with a number punch set might be worth it, too. Punch in a number in a hidden place. Say like on a drill, some you can remove a piece to replace the brushes. Put it in there, take a picture and document it. You never know what might help get your tool back. Or at the very least, have proof for your insurance.

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

When it comes to pawn shops, Yes they are regulated. Most require two forms of identification to pawn an item. However most items that criminals sell to them know that items are not marked. Even if the items are marked, the cops do not have the time to spend combing through pawn shops.

I know for a fact that pawn shops do not care, and will give things up only when faced with certain facts. For example. I was watching an item on EBAY that was clearly coded with a US Army ID number, this was so clearly marked with the unit of designation and was so new, that the buyers absolutely knew that it was misappropriated. The pawn shop that tried to sell it was less than 2 miles from Fort Lewis. However, They still tried to sell it. Only after I called the pawn shop, local police and company commander of the unit, that it was it de-listed and an OOPS was issued by the seller.

By the way it was a Brand new Snap on Impact gun.

Since it was not over $500.00 CID did not get involved. It was a matter of military prosecution (More work for the Company Commander) In the end, nobody really cared, because the Snap on Impact gun was getting written off as class 9.

Thiefs know what they can get away with.

So I am not on the "Pawn shops" care about stolen items bandwagon



-BWP

 

[kythri]

If a pawn shop buys stolen merchandise, and that stolen merchandise gets taken away from them to be returned to it's owner, the pawn shop is out money.

It's in their best interest to not buy obviously stolen merchandise.

As stated earlier, you have to be an idiot to believe that nothing at a pawn shop is stolen, but, by and large, it's my belief that most of the stuff is legit. I've dealt with pawn shops from Portland, OR to Medford, OR, and they're mostly single-business, single-owner. They don't want to buy stolen stuff, because they know that it's a hassle for them and a severe cut into their profits.

I mean, if some crackhead walks in off the street with a toolbox full of tools he wants to pawn, there's a real good chance it's stolen.

If some doucher from the Army, clean-cut and dressed decently walks in with a new impact wrench, a sob story about how he just bought it, but really needs to make a car payment, and the buyer doesn't know anything about the markings, I can easily see that situation occuring.

All of the pawn shops I've visited in Oregon, where I've had chance to witness a person pawning their goods, the procedure it pretty much the same - other than a small item here or there (under $100), the majority of the stuff gets taken in the back "for the manager to examine" or some such other phrase. They take it in the back to check it against fresh police reports of stolen property, they phone it in to the police with serial numbers (if any), and do their best to ensure it's not stolen. They then log it into their inventory system (who isn't computerized these days?) and check the seller's ID (which also gets keyed in).

Trust me, they care.

And seriously - on the moral spectrum of things, is buying gray-market merchandise (such as possibly stolen tools at a pawn shop) any worse than taking advantage of a seller who has no idea what they're selling, lowballing them due to their lack of education on the product?

 

[MarkH]

To sum it up. We have lived around the country. Rules and enforcement vary.

From no id, no ownership, no problem, to you do not bring it here if it is hot so you better stand on the corner with your trunk open, up to the police have been called. So this arguement may never end with the wide spread nature of this forum. How the pawn system works just varies too much.

 

[kidney]

And seriously - on the moral spectrum of things, is buying gray-market merchandise (such as possibly stolen tools at a pawn shop) any worse than taking advantage of a seller who has no idea what they're selling, lowballing them due to their lack of education on the product?

I've always felt that as long as the person selling the item is happy with the price given, there is no problem. However, for sake of the argument, lets say some old lady is selling off her husband's truck brand tools. And you offer her a low price, while telling her what a great deal you are giving her b/c those tools aren't very good. Then yes, I would think that was pretty shifty.

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

If a pawn shop buys stolen merchandise, and that stolen merchandise gets taken away from them to be returned to it's owner, the pawn shop is out money.

It's in their best interest to not buy obviously stolen merchandise.

As stated earlier, you have to be an idiot to believe that nothing at a pawn shop is stolen, but, by and large, it's my belief that most of the stuff is legit. I've dealt with pawn shops from Portland, OR to Medford, OR, and they're mostly single-business, single-owner. They don't want to buy stolen stuff, because they know that it's a hassle for them and a severe cut into their profits.

I mean, if some crackhead walks in off the street with a toolbox full of tools he wants to pawn, there's a real good chance it's stolen.

If some doucher from the Army, clean-cut and dressed decently walks in with a new impact wrench, a sob story about how he just bought it, but really needs to make a car payment, and the buyer doesn't know anything about the markings, I can easily see that situation occuring.

All of the pawn shops I've visited in Oregon, where I've had chance to witness a person pawning their goods, the procedure it pretty much the same - other than a small item here or there (under $100), the majority of the stuff gets taken in the back "for the manager to examine" or some such other phrase. They take it in the back to check it against fresh police reports of stolen property, they phone it in to the police with serial numbers (if any), and do their best to ensure it's not stolen. They then log it into their inventory system (who isn't computerized these days?) and check the seller's ID (which also gets keyed in).

Trust me, they care.

And seriously - on the moral spectrum of things, is buying gray-market merchandise (such as possibly stolen tools at a pawn shop) any worse than taking advantage of a seller who has no idea what they're selling, lowballing them due to their lack of education on the product?

First,

KYTHRI

I have read many intelligent posts by you and was shocked by what you said.

Another thing, please don't use the word "doucher". It is a useless idiom; "Douch" is French meaning to shower/clean. Stolen is dirty and we all know that.

To paint the picture of a woe is me soldier, pawning off a stolen tool bothers me the most. It is irresponsible to say the least.

What is clear to me is that no matter WHO took/missaproprated or found the tool is immaterrial.

What is disconcerting is that a pawn shop took the tool.

TRUST ME, A PAWN SHOP KNOWS WHAT EVERYTHING IS WORTH, AND WHAT NOTHING IS WORTH.

To actually say or believe they did not know unit markings (around a military post!!!!).. Is ludicrous....Pawn shop keepers know every unit and what they are doing...directly effects their business).

So this "babe in the woods" S#!t dont't work on me. They knew where it came from and only took a guess no one else would.

-BWP

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I've bought a lot of used Snap On tools off eBay, you never know if they are stolen or not

 

[kythri]

First,

KYTHRI

I have read many intelligent posts by you and was shocked by what you said.

Exactly what shocks you?

Another thing, please don't use the word "doucher". It is a useless idiom; "Douch" is French meaning to clean. Stolen is dirty and we all know that.

At least in the US of A, "douche" is a noun, referring to a product used to clean the vaginal or **** cavity. Therefore, a doucher is a person that uses such product. I stand by my use of the word.

To paint the picture of a woe is me soldier, pawning off a stolen tool bothers me the most. It is irresponsible to say the least.

Kiss my ***. There's thieving assholes everywhere - Army, private sector, etc. Suddenly, I'm the bad guy, because I used a soldier as an example? Exactly who do you think stole that tool that "was clearly coded with a US Army ID number, this was so clearly marked with the unit of designation and was so new, that the buyers absolutely knew that it was misappropriated." that YOU brought up?

I'm going out on a limb here, but I'll bet you that it wasn't a civilian who snuck onto the base, stole it, and sold it to a pawn shop.

Perhaps my earlier illustration, based off of YOUR comments is what was shocking?

What is clear to me is that no matter WHO took/missaproprated or found the tool is immaterrial.

What is disconcerting is that a pawn shop took the tool.

TRUST ME, A PAWN SHOP KNOWS WHAT EVERYTHING IS WORTH, AND WHAT NOTHING IS WORTH.

To actually say or believe they did not know unit markings (around a military post!!!!).. Is ludicrous....Pawn shop keepers know every unit and what they are doing...directly effects their business).

So this "babe in the woods" S#!t dont't work on me. They knew where it came from and only took a guess no one else would.

-BWP

While the possibility is extremely slim, it's possible still that it could have been a legitimate acquisition. When you purchase merchandise off of eBay, or from any second-hand source, do YOU ask the seller if the merchandise is stolen? Do you check the serial numbers with police?

I'm not saying that the trafficking of stolen merchandise is right, but blaming a pawn shop for the stolen merchandise problem isn't right, either.

I've seen a number of comments in this thread about how the pawn shops are the problem, because they create a market for stolen merchandise, enabling the thieves to ply their trade.

Personally, I think it's our lax criminal justice system that's to blame. If we had harsh punishments for crimes (they don't have a vandalism problem in Singapore because you get whipped to **** if you do it, for example), we'd have less crime. You get caught stealing, you lose a hand. Simple as that.

But, no, that's barbaric.

 

[wilbilt]

Personally, I think it's our lax criminal justice system that's to blame.

The reason we have a lax system is because of people's lax attitudes.

"Who cares?"

 

[kythri]

The reason we have a lax system is because of people's lax attitudes.

"Who cares?"

So, you're in the "blame everyone but the criminal" crowd, too.

Why am I not surprised?

Obviously, it's people like kartracer55's fault, for not losing sleep over the possibility that some of his legally purchased tools might be stolen property well before he purchased it.

Here's a shocker for you, buddy: You've purchased second-hand stuff. The likelyhood that at least one piece of your collection was stolen prior to your purchase of it IS PRETTY DAMNED GOOD.

Are you a guilt-wracked insomniac because of that possibility? Because if you're not, you're a goddamned hypocrite.

 

[wilbilt]

Here's a shocker for you, buddy: You've purchased second-hand stuff. The likelyhood that at least one piece of your collection was stolen prior to your purchase of it IS PRETTY DAMNED GOOD.

Are you a guilt-wracked insomniac because of that possibility? Because if you're not, you're a goddamned hypocrite.

You just don't get it.
If I found out a tool I bought was stolen, I would make every effort possible to return it to the rightful owner. I do care, and believe in prosecuting criminals to the fullest extent of the law.

What I have a problem with are statements like "The tools are already stolen, so who cares?"

 

[thefairlaneman]

I hate thieves. I wish someone would offer me a stolen tool. I would call the cops. (not that it would do any good) I bought a nice mikita saw once from a guy who said he used it in his work and needed some fast cash. Good price and later I heard he was in jail because his work was stealing..........LOL

 

[kythri]

You just don't get it.

You're a hypocrite. I think I got it just fine.

If I found out a tool I bought was stolen, I would make every effort possible to return it to the rightful owner.

I guess I missed the part where anybody here said anything to the contrary...

What I have a problem with are statements like "The tools are already stolen, so who cares?"

What you have a problem with is your comprehension of the statement that was made. It may not have been worded as clearly as you may have liked, but 90% of the people here got what he was saying.

If his statement was meant as you interpreted it, then how do you explain his statement that he wouldn't knowingly buy stolen tools? The statement that you continue to misinterpret, as misinterpreted, and ALL of his other comments contradict, but you obviously can't wrap your head around that.

You holier-than-thou hypocrites need to climb down off your soapbox.

 

[wilbilt]

You're a hypocrite. I think I got it just fine.

So, in your mind, because I have purchased used tools and don't lose sleep over it (even though I would return a tool should I find out it's stolen) I am a hypocrite?

But someone who would not knowingly buy a stolen tool, but found out later that it was stolen, and doesn't care about that fact, is not a hypocrite?

 

[thefairlaneman]

I dont buy stolen tools, I just buy them from harbor freight where the tools ARE MADE BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE STOLEN AMERICAN JOBS! LOL

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

I dont buy stolen tools, I just buy them from harbor freight where the tools ARE MADE BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE STOLEN AMERICAN JOBS! LOL

Sad, but so true......

 

[kythri]

I dont buy stolen tools, I just buy them from harbor freight where the tools ARE MADE BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE STOLEN AMERICAN JOBS! LOL

Pro-Trade-with-Asia politicians make tools?

 

[wilbilt]

Pro-Trade-with-Asia politicians make tools?

No, slave-labor proles in poverty and working in despicable conditions make tools.

And we all buy them. Your'e right, I am a goddamned hypocrite. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

Since I began reading this thread, and posting about it; I have seen what a hot button issue stolen tools can be. I find this provocative issue has brought out anger, resentment and bitterness (not unlike the feelings of being robbed).

For Kythri and Wilbuilt. I must say that I have read almost every post that you have written and have found them to be informative, entertaining and responsible. To which I find myself regretting my continuation of this thread with some of my posts being harsh and not in line with my usual self.

Respectfully,

-BWP

 

[Uncle Buck]

No, slave-labor proles in poverty and working in despicable conditions make tools.

And we all buy them. Your'e right, I am a goddamned hypocrite. Thanks for clearing that up.

No Wil, you are not, I get what you are saying. Your problem is with the sound of the casual air of indifference and the oh well attitude correct. Well, I caught the same thing but I am not going to go around with anyone about it at this point. What is the use, peoples attitudes, morals, principles and outlooks were established long before I started communicating with them on this board. And as Paul Harvey always says, "It is not one world"

 

[kythri]

I've never been trying to condone the theft of tools...

Anyhow, I'm out.

 

[wilbilt]

No Wil, you are not, I get what you are saying. Your problem is with the sound of the casual air of indifference and the oh well attitude correct. Well, I caught the same thing but I am not going to go around with anyone about it at this point.

Yes, I know you are right, and I believe my interpretation of the statements made are correct, as many have been repeated.

I'm done with it.

 

[Ray in Kingwood]

Absolutely not. Its the right thing to do.

 

[toxicz28]

Knowingly, never!

 

[Stanger]

Old thread guys.

 

[eschoendorff]

Not this thread again!!!!!!

 

[5wndwcpe]

Not this thread again!!!!!!

It's kinda like The BLOB it just keeps coming back.

 

[rsanter]

I would not knowingly buy stolen tools, however I would knowingly turn their info over to the cops.
for me it not about Karma but rather I dont like dealing with people I cannot trust.

I did end up buying tools one time that I now suspect were stolen. he sold be a few tools under the 'hard luck' story and I gave him a fair price. the next several days he was hounding me to buy more, but this time there was not the hard luck story but more the offer that he could get me all the tools I may want.
I had to explain to him several times that I was not interested and that he should stay away.

bob

 

[daddylama]

heh... old thread.

i was at a garage sale one time... the usual stuff; bunch of ****. long story short, i see bits of a chopper i knew had been stolen from a guy i knew.

call him up, he calls the cops...

about a week later i get a call from the cops... want me to come down to the station and identify some tools that have my name etched into them, that they recovered from that house. they'd been stolen from me like 3 or 4 years earlier!

good karma rocks.

oh, the dude was a double felon for theft... three strikes. bad karma is a *****

 

[T56 Impala]

Never bought used tools before. Don't think I ever will.

 

[eschoendorff]

Mods: PLEASE KILL THIS FRIGGIN' THREAD!

 

[Danglerb]

I've bought tools at a police auction, 100% stolen.
I've also bought things from someone at a swapmeet that later on was arrested, so I suppose those items were stolen as well.
Ebay has to have its share of stolen items.
Pawn shops I actually doubt get stolen items that often since they are checked.
Nice little retail store was open locally for almost 3 years before the owners were arrested, seems they worked nights in a big warehouse and supplied the store with 100% stolen goods.

I'm not going to do anything to help a thief. If I think somebody is trying to sell me stolen goods I want no part of it, but how are you supposed to tell?

 

[CaptinCrash]

Theres No Way in A Cold Hell i would Buy stolen tools if i knew that the were stolen Except maybe from a police auction may be its just because I've grown up where tools put food on the table but buying stolen tools is like paying someone to permanently damage some ones income or job for a long period of time and its just not right and (in my own opion) who ever does is a scumbag

 

[Thumper]

Mods...........please lock this thread. This dead horse no longer needs to get kicked.

And by the way......Hell NO I won't buy hot tools.

 

[Danglerb]

Nobody, or at least almost nobody buys known stolen goods, thats why the profession of fence exists. A fence openly buys stolen goods, and typically at least, sells them as if they were not stolen.

A question with some meaning is to what extent do you make sure the tools you buy are not stolen? Beyond the obvious not dealing with anybody that acts shady, I don't know what to suggest. The basic skill of any con man is to NOT appear to be a con man, so I would not expect a fence to be easy to identify as a fence.