Asheville cheers as predatory towers get thwacked

7 Comments

1. 

   granma December 24, 2008

   Melissa,
   APD should spend more time on a crime they have been informed of — dangerous speeding on residential streets. This tower frequently speeds on the residential section of Clingman Ave where children and elderly live. We even saw him screech to a stop at high speed and make a U-turn on a blind curve.

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2. 

   b.c.w. December 23, 2008

   The problem with AllSafe, Melissa, is that they have unleashed these predatory practices on privately contracted spots/lots as well for many years but have been able to get away with it for the very reason you mentioned… it was a ‘civil’ matter, not ‘criminal’. I know this because I was a victim several years ago. My story is rather long and involved, but the point is that they knew they were wrong in towing my car all along, but will/would never admit that fact. I had parked in this lot with a valid pass and with permission for MONTHS before this happened and they said I probably got towed because the driver ‘didn’t recognize my car.’ BULL. The people who own the lot we rented our spots from didn’t want to deal with it because they got a kickback from it. AllSafe finally got caught doing what they’ve been doing all along because they were contracted to administer to a public lot and it showcased their crooked practices. Serves them right, in my opinion. I for one will never park in any lot, public, private, whatever, that AllSafe patrols because I know they don’t care if you’re supposed to be there or not. You are in danger any way you go.

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3. 

   Melissa December 23, 2008

   P.S.

   In case this never makes it into the local media: that lot at Lexington has only been under contract with All Safe for about 4 weeks.

   All the other lots All Safe deals with are PRIVATE PROPERTY. Any complaints on private lots must be dealt with civilly, and police can legally deal only with criminal complaints.

   APD was able to take on this Lex lot because, although it is privately owned, it is open to the general public (not designated for apartment tenants or business employees.)

   And again…All Safe has only been towing from that lot for 4 weeks. Police did not sit around and do nothing. They planned and executed a successful operation.

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4. 

   Melissa December 23, 2008

   It would certainly be nice if people looked on the positive side and gave police credit for undertaking this, in addition to all the other important issues in this city. It is a force of about 200 in a city that draws well over 100,000 people most days of the week.

   Towing from private lots is a civil issue, which means police have no legal jursidiction to get involved. This company had been towing from that particular lot for only about 4 weeks. In this case, they were able to legitimately lodge a criminal complaint. But it required a stakeout (staff, time, video equipment and vehicles).

   But, just like with graffiti, panhandling and other quality-of-life issues, police are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

   When officers arrest someone for vandalism, prostitution or panhandling (which they deal with far more often than with violent crimes) many have the same criticism: "Don’t you have anything better to do? Shouldn’t you be out arresting drug dealers (murderers, rapists, etc…)?"

   For the people who suffer from the seemingly low-level crimes, the answer is "No."

   And then, as in this case, there’s the classic response: "What took you so long?"

   Instead of being cynical, how about being glad that Asheville is generally a safe and beautiful place to live? How about being appreciative that the APD DID do something? How about volunteering at the department or signing up for a ridelaong with an officer to see what they really deal with all day? It’s clear that most people have no clue what it’s like for them to wear that uniform and work this city. Most civilians couldn’t handle one week on the force, let alone 15 or 20 years.

   If you want to ride with an officer, call (828) 259-5875 to inquire. Your police force is comprised of many honorable and hardworking men and women. I am proud to work with them every day and I appreciate what they do — "big" or "small."

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5. 

   Wanna scrap, bring it on December 23, 2008

   Just because they have been busted doesn’t mean it is OK to park where ever you like. Asheville has the cheapest parking in the southeast. So spend a few bucks at a garage to have a piece of mind.

   Now I know these were down right crooks towing cars that had already paid, so lock them up. But if there is a sign that says private or reserved parking, beware you might suffer at the wrath of the property owner.

   Last note: people who complain there is no parking in Asheville are out to lunch. You might have to walk two blocks but there is plenty of parking on any given day or night within a safe walking distance.

   Signed:

   Mr. I. Hate Towtrucks

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6. 

   Lacy December 23, 2008

   Can somebody with APD tell me why it still took so long for this to happen?

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7. 

   RadioLongAgo December 23, 2008

   I know several folks who refuse to come back to Asheville, angry over their car getting towed. They have vowed not to return until predatory towing is taken care of…

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