My son’s car was stolen yesterday. The only reason I post this here is because he did something that I’ve watched runners do. Here’s the whole story….
He and a couple friends went surfing in the morning on the peninsula in Newport Beach. The got dressed in their wetsuits, got their gear ready, and then stashed their clothes, wallets, keys, and phones in the car. Then he had a problem. He drives a car with a remote keyless entry system – as many people do. You can’t get the key wet without risking the need to replace the key from the manufacturer for a cool $400. So what to do with the key? Why hide it somewhere on the car, right?* So that’s what he did. Off to the waves they went. He was sickened when he returned to an empty parking spot.
So – the next time you go off for a run and decide to hide your key on the car (let me guess – under the bumper, under the fender, behind the gas tank door, or on top of a tire) – someone might be watching. My son was only in the water for 30 minutes….
* I’m pretty sure that the way this went down was someone was watching. As soon as the guys turned onto the sand, the key was extracted from its hiding place and the car was gone.
OH NO! That is awful! And a great reminder to all of us.
ReplyDeleteYikes!! That's such a horrible experience! My friend was out running errands and had to run home for about 30 SECONDS and opened the garage, left her keys in the ignition, and came back out and her car was gone. It was found, 4 months later, but was stripped to nothing and abandoned in some drug lord parking lot. I hope your son's car is found sooner and in better condition!
ReplyDeleteAwww Glenn, that sucks. And I'm guilty of that... did that when I was in the OC, actually. :O
ReplyDeleteWow, that is awful. This reminds me, I need to get a spare key made. I'm sweating all over my expensive electronic key and I need to get one made that will just let me back into my car.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder.
Yikes! So sorry to hear about what happened. Thanks for the reminder..many of us in the OC think of this area as "safer" and do not consider that people might be sitting near the beach, trailheads, etc. watching us. Reminds me to stash my purse far in my trunk before parking in a lot; I already carry the valet key.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not the thieves who stole only a broken ipod from Patrick's car. Major bummer, especially after a surf session.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a bummer! I am sorry that your son had that terrible experience! I always put my key through my shoelaces for just that reason! I know that it is harder for your son because of not being able to get his keys wet. Hopefully it will be found soon.
ReplyDeleteWow sorry to you and your son. It makes even more amazing the happening at our last Newport Beach trip. We went to Balboa to have some sand time. Parked in the Beach Parking lot. Mom and Dad (I just finished the OC HM) were tired. Not paying close attention. Anyway, one of our kids forgot to close their door. We walk back after a few hours - door wide open. Suburban still there and nothing taken. Phew!!!
ReplyDeleteThat totally stinks. Gotta be careful out there.
ReplyDeleteThat sucks! And I DO that all the time when I've had to drive myself to a race. Usually behind a tire. Obviously I need a better plan but just haven't come up with one yet. Thanks for bringing it back to my attention!
ReplyDeleteUgh. That sucks. My friend found her car after it got stolen by watching to see what gas stations were charged to the credit card. They drove to where one was, spotted the car and called the police. Maybe these guys will be dumb enough to leave a trail, too.
ReplyDeleteThat sucks!
ReplyDeleteI take my remote with me. Of course I'm not getting wet. If I was, I would take it with me "TO" the water and wrap it inside a towel or something like that. Poor kid.
That sucks.
ReplyDeleteMost wetsuits have a key pocket. He might use it next time.
I know there recently have been a rash of car breakins in Laguna. It sucks that criminals make us have to worry about stuff like this but it is highly recommended not to leave any valuables in your car in Laguna.
How crappy! I see people do that all the time and I was always wondered how many of them come back to the same surprise. I invested 90 dollars into a keyless entry system that attaches to my car and requires a code. That way I can still leave all my stuff in the car (still a risk I know), but my keys are locked inside. If they really want in they have to set off the alarm and at least put something at risk. I know it isn't likely, but I hope they catch the guys!
ReplyDeleteHorrible! I've heard about that happening a lot lately, I'm so sorry! Thanks for the GREAT reminder!!
ReplyDeleteEeek! How horrible - like other said, hope the car is recovered soon and in a decent condition (and on a stroke of good luck or the thieves' ignorance, with the valuables intact.)
ReplyDeleteOh I am so sorry to hear about it! I hope they find the shmucK. Sooner then later that person will get smacked in the face with a vicious case of Karma!
ReplyDeleteThat's awful. I was at Belmont Shores yesterday to swim and noticed a sketchy dude watching me. I ended up giving my bag to this couple to watch...
ReplyDeleteWhat a bummer! Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteThat's terrible! I'm sorry that happened. Thanks for the reminder though :-\
ReplyDeleteThat just sucks!
ReplyDeleteIf thieves what something bad enough they'll take it regardless if it's locked up or not. We've had a car stolen and stripped in our early years of marriage. Not fun.
I hope they catch the person/people who stole the car!
I do that all the time!!
ReplyDeleteI've seen so many people do that and never thought twice. Crazy!!
ReplyDeleteThat totally sucks, I've seen people do that at trailheads. I use the Valet key when I run, it's the cheapest one I have
ReplyDeleteI once drove 5 miles to run a 16 mile trail course, leaving my car key under some leaves at the start of the run!
ReplyDeleteOnly I couldn't find the key when I got back!!! Added a slow 5 mile to my run that day and didn't make the same mistake again! Always leave it in the wheel arch up to now, hopefully I shall be more circumspect and hide it where I can find it in future!
Great cautionary tale, even if it was at your son's expense. I hope they find the car, though by now who knows what condition it might be in.
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