Stolen Tractor!

TechGromit · May 26, 2009

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/grd/1175082805.html

I came acrossed this Ad in Craiglist, "John Deer riding mower model GT235-245 stolen from my yard". I was just curious is anyone else has ever had a tractor stolen from them. Tractors are heavy, not a very portable item, not like leaving your weed wacker in the yard when you go in to have lunch and some thief happens along and grabs it. A tractor would require a truck and a couple of pretty strong guys to wrestle it into the truck. I'd wouldn't want to have to pick it up, let along pick it up in a hurry, rushing to steal something before someone notices.

Has anyone ever left there precious tractor in the front yard while they took a break and went inside for a few minutes? Does anyone even have the serial number of there tractor written down somewhere for Identification purposes? If so please forward me the brand, model and serial number, so I can file a police report and get MY tractor back! :aetsch:

davidg · May 26, 2009

around here each spring a bunch of tractors get stolen, but usually they are on trailers. thieves will actually back right up to your trailer, cut the lock, hook it up, and drive off. a buddy of mine had his stolen 3 years ago while he went inside to eat lunch. he had just got thru cutting yards for the day, backed his trailer up where he parks it, unhooked and moved his truck. came outside less than 1 hours later and it was gone!

as far as getting them loaded, most machiens have standard keys, so with a ring with just 4 maybe 5 keys on it you can crank up any number of machines. simply push them to end of the drive, crank them up, drive down teh road a few houses, and load on a trailer. it ain't that hard if someone wants to get one.

at our old house i parked my trailer against the fence with a lock on teh tongue latch and 1 cable lock from frame to a brick pillar and another from the axle to the fence post. on top of that i parked my truck in front of it. 2x i came home from work to find the trailer had been messed with, though they were unable to get it.

mark777 · May 26, 2009

Good luck finding and getting back your JD!!!

Just four day ago, a friend came and picked me and my Yanmar YM1601D up. I agreed to help him back fill a rather large hole from the removal of a spetic tank and leach field lines. It was an all day job, and once I finished the rough stuff, I had my wife come pick me up, so I could tidy up a few spots the following day.

That night, while one of the hired hands was asleep in the middle of this remodel job, and between the hours of midnight and 3a.m. NOPE!! My tractor was still there...but the trailer was GONE! This is a two axle, 22", 6500lb rated trailer that some crack headed - low lifes just stealthly nabbed in the wee hours of the morning.

I felt (and feel) terrible about this and grateful about the tractor still behind the house. My friend is very happy that the only thing they took was his trailer because he is the type of friend that would cover the loss if the tractor were stolen too!

Mark

TechGromit · May 26, 2009

Wonder is you can Lo-jack tractor and trailers? Makes me wonder when I see contruction equipment left at a job site for weeks at a time, but I guess the black market for larger construction equipment is a tad more difficult to move. No one pays 50k for a backhoe without checking it out first. Lawnmowers are lot more movable, an ad in Craigslist is all it takes.

cubguy2165 · May 27, 2009

Several years ago I was mowing the strip up side of the road when the simplicty I had then started sputtering and died. I walked home,about a 1/4 mile got my tool kit and some carb cleaner. I was walking back and came around the corner and this sucker was draging the simplicty over to his truck! I started yelling and running up the road the guy saw me and took off! I didn't get the plate at the time but I will never forget the truck, A teal chevy extended cab 2wd 1/2 ton pickup with a patch on the lower pass side.I told a good friend of mine about it and it turns out he lived 2 streets down from me. I went to see him and He claims he thought it was abandoned there,can you believe this guy balls!

Milwaukee · May 27, 2009

cubguy2165 said:
Several years ago I was mowing the strip up side of the road when the simplicty I had then started sputtering and died. I walked home,about a 1/4 mile got my tool kit and some carb cleaner. I was walking back and came around the corner and this sucker was draging the simplicty over to his truck! I started yelling and running up the road the guy saw me and took off! I didn't get the plate at the time but I will never forget the truck, A teal chevy extended cab 2wd 1/2 ton pickup with a patch on the lower pass side.I told a good friend of mine about it and it turns out he lived 2 streets down from me. I went to see him and He claims he thought it was abandoned there,can you believe this guy balls!

Did you get that tractor back?

Wow look like when my mower died I would have push far from road if I could push or call family member to get gas or watch tractor while I get gas.

Happened to my Grandma. It was old worn out MTD 12 hp 38" Her son in-law was mow grass then it run out gas it was really near road so he walk to barn to get gas then was surprise to see where mower. Well Grandma was happy and bought new john deer.

Blazin_Jason · May 27, 2009

Thieves will steal anything it seems. I wonder if I should put a GPS tracking device on my tractor too! If someone steals my truck I have a GPS tracking device installed (similar to lojack) and would love to show up uninvited to inquire why they had my vehicle. I heard a story where someone stole an older shelby stang from someone that had a lojack installed. The owner and a few friends met up with the thieves on a logging road where they had just began to start stripping the car. Those guys won't be stealing anymore cars

Upper5Percent · May 27, 2009

You guys need a SNITCH...

http://blacklinegps.com/index.html

Here is some marketing blurbs about them...

http://gps-snitch.com/marketing/moreAbout.html

Justin · May 27, 2009

Two quickies. I know a guy who used to be a contractor. Had his bobcat stolen from the jobsite. Apparently they use a universal key.

One of my buddies is a drummer. He had a really nice drum set, same model and year as what Ringo played in the beatles. Played a set, went for a smoke break, 10-15 min., come back and its gone. Drums ain't easy to tear down or move. Who room of people nobody saw anything.

TechGromit · May 27, 2009

PaulChristenson said:
You guys need a SNITCH...

Looks pretty good. When they sell Lojack at a dealership they want something like $800 bucks for it, Im not sure if there's a markup, but $300 sounds like a reasonable alternative. I'll have to seriously consider it, but the monthly service plans are a killer.

Also consider this one,
http://www.ggppss.com/HSIRTT/tracker_lite.htm
Monthly Plans available for only $6 a month, that's a lot more reasonable.

defcondaze · May 27, 2009

TechGromit said:
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/grd/1175082805.html

I came acrossed this Ad in Craiglist, "John Deer riding mower model GT235-245 stolen from my yard". I was just curious is anyone else has ever had a tractor stolen from them. Tractors are heavy, not a very portable item, not like leaving your weed wacker in the yard when you go in to have lunch and some thief happens along and grabs it. A tractor would require a truck and a couple of pretty strong guys to wrestle it into the truck. I'd wouldn't want to have to pick it up, let along pick it up in a hurry, rushing to steal something before someone notices.

Has anyone ever left there precious tractor in the front yard while they took a break and went inside for a few minutes? Does anyone even have the serial number of there tractor written down somewhere for Identification purposes? If so please forward me the brand, model and serial number, so I can file a police report and get MY tractor back! :aetsch:

thats sad

good luck with this tho "If so please forward me the brand, model and serial number, so I can file a police report and get MY tractor back!"
lol.... police report :00000060:

Sergeant · May 27, 2009

a Friend of mine who was a landscaper at the time had his Ford 8n with loader stolen from a Job site. The actually got the tractor back 15 years later. He Was at a New Holland dealer Looking at used Ford's and came across his Ford siting in the dealers Lot. Brought the police report to the dealer. Dealer Gave him his tractor Back. The dealer had gotten the tractor From a Guy in Michigan who had Bought it from another dealer up there it's amazing it traveled through so many states while it was stolen.

Tractor-Holic · May 27, 2009

It's happened here too..not as often as cars getting swiped,but anything is game today..

Think about it..if your at a mall,and see a ramp truck back up to a car and pull it on the flatbed,who would think anything but the car simoply wouldn't start,and the owner called for a tow?..yet in many cases,the car is actually being stolen,in broad daylight!..the apparently "legit" tow truck with triple a stickers and a phony name painted on the door and phone number,and a driver who looks "professional",can easily take even a very expensive car in broad daylight,without anyone suspecting a thing..about three minutes,and he's off,with a car worth thousands,headed for a chop shop..

Most tractor thefts here happen either overnight,or when the owner is working,and away from home..theives do their homework,they case a place for days or weeks,to find out when the people who own the stuff aren't home,and their work schedules..some lowlifes even hit homes when peoople are at FUNERALS!..knowing everyone will be away..and the hours are printed in the paper--how conveinient..

Lowe's near me has had several riding mowers stolen,trailers too,and some thefts they suspect the culprits used a trailer they stole earlier,to steal two tractors!..--thieves in a "cube" van will back right up to the row of 15-30 new tractors on display outside the store (which have NO chains,locks,etc on them whatsoever!)--and they'll shove one in the van and screw,within 20 seconds they can hit the expressway,or take a half a dozen other roads as an escape route..it's rare for them to get caught..

Your probably thinking "yeah,but they were probably caught on a surveillance camera"..WRONG!..one night I was at Lowe's,at the customer service desk--a woman called ,and told the woman at the desk she got home,and discovered her cars passenger side was stoved in,evidently while parked there!..she asked if there was any surveilance cameras on,that might possibly have evidence of her car being hit,and who did it.
....the manager took over,and told the woman--"no ma'm,I'm sorry,we dont normally take surveiliance of the parking lot area--just the inside of the store,and loading dock areas..and even if we did,the picture quality is so low,its highly doubtful you could read a licence plate number,or identify someone for certain anyway..
Isn't THAT nice?..(for the crooks and hit and run drivers,that is!)..

When I used to have a flatbed on my other pickup with a small crane setup I made,and picked up a ot of "freebie" tractors and scrap,I got pulled over by the police and grilled,asking "where did you get this from,WHO did you get this from"..they didn't like one word answers,or me trying to explain I got it from "a guy named Zack on Craigslists "free" site"..one time I had to lead the cop to back to the guys home I got it from,and HE had to convince them HE had been the legit owner of the tractor I had,it was quite embarrasing for both of us!..evidently some people ,disgruntled with a neighbors "eyesore" or noisy mower,etc,will post them for FREE on CL,and hope some unsuspecting sap like ME will come grab it,when in fact,your STEALING it!..I always have anyone giving me anything give me a complete name,adress,phone number,AND a "bill of sale" to sign,saying they gave me the item free of charge now,or how much I paid for it if it was on sale--if they are not willing to do that, I wont take or buy the item--I posted here before about the slide in truck camper I got "free" off CL,and it turned out a neighbor who hated looking at it was who posted and offered it,NOT the owner!..I nearly got arrested for that deal,I never want to be in that situation again..but 90% of the things I got off CL were legit and from honest folks,its the other 10% that'll get you in DEEP doo-doo,if your gullible,like I used to be!..

PopRivit · May 27, 2009

Tractor-Holic said:
It's happened here too..not as often as cars getting swiped,but anything is game today..

Think about it..if your at a mall,and see a ramp truck back up to a car and pull it on the flatbed,who would think anything but the car simoply wouldn't start,and the owner called for a tow?..yet in many cases,the car is actually being stolen,in broad daylight!..the apparently "legit" tow truck with triple a stickers and a phony name painted on the door and phone number,and a driver who looks "professional",can easily take even a very expensive car in broad daylight,without anyone suspecting a thing..about three minutes,and he's off,with a car worth thousands,headed for a chop shop..

Most tractor thefts here happen either overnight,or when the owner is working,and away from home..theives do their homework,they case a place for days or weeks,to find out when the people who own the stuff aren't home,and their work schedules..some lowlifes even hit homes when peoople are at FUNERALS!..knowing everyone will be away..and the hours are printed in the paper--how conveinient..

Lowe's near me has had several riding mowers stolen,trailers too,and some thefts they suspect the culprits used a trailer they stole earlier,to steal two tractors!..--thieves in a "cube" van will back right up to the row of 15-30 new tractors on display outside the store (which have NO chains,locks,etc on them whatsoever!)--and they'll shove one in the van and screw,within 20 seconds they can hit the expressway,or take a half a dozen other roads as an escape route..it's rare for them to get caught..

Your probably thinking "yeah,but they were probably caught on a surveillance camera"..WRONG!..one night I was at Lowe's,at the customer service desk--a woman called ,and told the woman at the desk she got home,and discovered her cars passenger side was stoved in,evidently while parked there!..she asked if there was any surveilance cameras on,that might possibly have evidence of her car being hit,and who did it.
....the manager took over,and told the woman--"no ma'm,I'm sorry,we dont normally take surveiliance of the parking lot area--just the inside of the store,and loading dock areas..and even if we did,the picture quality is so low,its highly doubtful you could read a licence plate number,or identify someone for certain anyway..
Isn't THAT nice?..(for the crooks and hit and run drivers,that is!)..

When I used to have a flatbed on my other pickup with a small crane setup I made,and picked up a ot of "freebie" tractors and scrap,I got pulled over by the police and grilled,asking "where did you get this from,WHO did you get this from"..they didn't like one word answers,or me trying to explain I got it from "a guy named Zack on Craigslists "free" site"..one time I had to lead the cop to back to the guys home I got it from,and HE had to convince them HE had been the legit owner of the tractor I had,it was quite embarrasing for both of us!..evidently some people ,disgruntled with a neighbors "eyesore" or noisy mower,etc,will post them for FREE on CL,and hope some unsuspecting sap like ME will come grab it,when in fact,your STEALING it!..I always have anyone giving me anything give me a complete name,adress,phone number,AND a "bill of sale" to sign,saying they gave me the item free of charge now,or how much I paid for it if it was on sale--if they are not willing to do that, I wont take or buy the item--I posted here before about the slide in truck camper I got "free" off CL,and it turned out a neighbor who hated looking at it was who posted and offered it,NOT the owner!..I nearly got arrested for that deal,I never want to be in that situation again..but 90% of the things I got off CL were legit and from honest folks,its the other 10% that'll get you in DEEP doo-doo,if your gullible,like I used to be!..

Interesting. The Lowes that I patronize has all of their equipment outside the store looped with an alarm cable-if it's cut it sets of an alarm.

They also had a lady struck by a pickup in the store parking lot a few years ago and it was caught on surveillance. The pickup truck driver fled the scene. The fairly high quality pictures were splashed all over the news; the driver and vehicle were quickly located.

Sounds like your Lowes better get up to speed.

Tractor-Holic · May 27, 2009

I agree--for a town that prides itself in having a very computer savvy police chief who knows a LOT about them,and survielance cameras,cell phones,pagers,etc,who once led the county drug task force,and has a high tech surveilance camera not 1/4 mile from Lowes mounted on a water tower that can read a licence plate 5 miles away,and at all the stores parking lots nearby,including Lowe's and Walmart,you'd think the stores would have the latest hi-tech cameras too--or at least have the things chained up!.

--maybe they feel since that water tower "cam" can see all,they dont need it?..but the fact is,it cant be looking everywhere at once!..even if it caught a glimpse of the suspects vehicle,once it gets on the many roads nearby,it'll be blocked from view..I'm rather surprised they were that lax about keeping things protected.but maybe they feel this isn't a real high crime risk area(or have lots of insurance?)..it wasn't,but is becoming one more and more!..crooks probably know a small town doesn't have the means to have a cop everywhere they need to be,and take full advantage of that..

Walmart has quite a surveilance system I hear,but the pictures I saw on the news one night it took after a carjacking occoured there were shown,I wasn't impressed with the quality of the pictures..they have it going 24/7,I guess a lot more than what Walmart sells gets sold in their parking lot,like drugs..
It's also a good place to get robbed if you go late at night,but you never hear about that on the news--guess they dont want to scare customers away..(ours is a "Super Walmart" open 24/7,and they want to build another one 3 miles away!--in a town of 15K people,it's ludacrist).
....about twice a day I hear on the scanner the police get called to Walmart,to arrest shoplifters,I guess addicts come from all over to steal stuff there..I dont go there too often,I prefer smaller stores..I find their prices are no better than others,sometimes more too!..

diesel_nut · May 27, 2009

I used to leave my 1872 in the back yard (inside a fence). The new one gets the garage. I left a golf cart on my trailer in the front yard and in the middle of the night some kids had taken it off and turned it over in the yard. I'm lucky it was still there I guess(key was NOT in it but they are the same.....universal key). No damage was done other than battery acid spilled on the grass. I needed new batteries anyway, so no real damage done to them($500 worth of batteries). Not much in the way of thievery around here, thank God.....rural Midwest. Makes you wonder about our 'justice system' in other parts of the country.

old school · May 27, 2009

we dont have a big problem with stolen things around here.we have guns.
one time i thought mine was stolen but my neighbor borrowed it.

bontai Joe · May 27, 2009

Over the years, I've had my truck broken into twice, cost me hundreds of dollars of stuff both times, stereo the first time, tools, sleeping bag and chains in the locked bed cover in back. Both times in a well lit area, but at night. I make it a practice when I see "free" stuff at the curb, to go to the house and ask if it is indeed free stuff, even if it's obviously on top of the garbage can, or has a sign on it. Stuff I get from Craig's list or Ebay, I carry a prinout of the listing, printout of any e-mails sent back and forth, and my mapquest directions, to at least show how and where I got the widget hanging out of my car's trunk.

diesel_nut · May 27, 2009

old school said:
we dont have a big problem with stolen things around here.we have guns.
one time i thought mine was stolen but my neighbor borrowed it.

I have neighbors like that also. I have my friend's tiller in my garage and just the other day he called and asked if I came over to borrow it

. Only in rural America...... but of course the media in big cities make us out to be something else

earth · May 28, 2009

I've been very lucky. I don't recall having anything stolen .... nothing I can remember. But I am still angry to hear about all these thefts. I am sorry for all your losses.

Stolen Tractor!

TechGromit

davidg

mark777

TechGromit

cubguy2165

Milwaukee

Blazin_Jason

Upper5Percent

Justin

TechGromit

defcondaze

Sergeant

Tractor-Holic

PopRivit

Tractor-Holic

diesel_nut

old school

bontai Joe

diesel_nut

earth

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