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Police 'Steal' From Unlocked Cars

Posted by samzenpus on from the necessary-to-destroy-the-town-in-order-to-save-it dept.

Robadob writes "Police in south-west London have started to remove items from unlocked cars to protect motorists from thieves. From the article, 'Supt Jim Davis said no law was being breached but admitted: "Technically we are entering the vehicle." But a leading lawyer said police could face civil proceedings for trespass if any items taken by them were damaged.'"

11 of 38 comments (clear)

  1. I'm seeing a trend... by SOdhner · · Score: 3, Interesting

    So, first we have a story about reverse-pickpockets, and now reverse-policing.

    Oh no... watch out for the fire department!

    1. Re:I'm seeing a trend... by rm999 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I think I'd be more concerned of the paramedics.

  2. I guess this means... by calmofthestorm · · Score: 2, Informative

    ...we need to start funding our police better!

    --
    93rd rule of Slashdot: No matter how obvious my sarcasm is, my comment will be taken seriously by someone.
  3. Why not lock the car? by mrdogi · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Subject really says it all.

    A minor addition would be 'hide the valuable item under the seat' or some such.

    1. Re:Why not lock the car? by v1 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Because replacing a smashed window is expensive.

      Not sure if you were trying to be humorous or insightful, but you're actually being informative.

      I know at least three people that live in high crime areas, that leave their vehicle unlocked and the radio removed. They're tired of paying for new windows.

      --
      I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
    2. Re:Why not lock the car? by dave562 · · Score: 2, Funny

      I do the same thing. I park at a train station and ride the train into work. After having my window smashed out I just leave the doors unlocked now. I drive a 1992 Volvo. If they want to steal that hooptie (and can actually get it to start) then more power to them.

  4. Re:People still leave cars unlocked? by brainboyz · · Score: 2, Informative

    I know more than a few. The way they see it, anything in their car will be less expensive to replace than the cost of the window plus lost productivity time to take the car to the shop. But, these people also take measures not to leave their iPod, laptop and cell in the vehicle when they leave and if they have to, it goes under a seat.

  5. what I would do by Coraon · · Score: 2, Funny

    1. leave a camera in my car 2. let cobs enter my car 3. go to police and demand they arrest the person that broke into my car 4. sue police 5. Profit!!! wash rinse repeat until rich or this stops.

    --
    -Ours is the wisdom of Solomon, the magic of Merlyn, the fall of Icaris.
  6. Re:People still leave cars unlocked? by Fujisawa+Sensei · · Score: 2, Informative

    That's the point. If someone is going to steal my $2 in quarters I'd prefer that they not cost me hundreds by breaking the window to get it.

    Then there are those of us to drive convertibles who would prefer not to have our roof cut.

    --
    If someone is passing you on the right, you are an asshole for driving in the wrong lane.
  7. Re:No freedom anymore... by PrimaryConsult · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The problem with the freedom to be stupid is that it usually leads to someone else having to clean up after your mistake. The police have to work a lot harder to track down someone who actually stole your laptop than to just hand it back to you. Not to say that they're right in this regard, but at the very least they're saving taxpayer money by reducing the amount of work they have to do.

  8. Re:No freedom anymore... by RobVB · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The police have to work a lot harder to track down someone who actually stole your laptop

    ... but they usually don't.

    --
    I'd rather you rationally disagree than irrationally agree.