Work wheels stolen in Los Angeles! FML
09-10-2012, 11:18 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Work wheels stolen in Los Angeles! FML
I was just in Hawaii for vacation with my family for about a week and came back home this past Saturday night. I woke up this morning at around 9AM, saw my 350Z on bricks...
The car was not broken into, but just my wheels were stolen. The wheels were Work Meister S1 3 piece in polished black with polished lips. The sizes were 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 with the offsets being mid to high +20s. Some of the "Work" logos on the face were lightly scratched away on some edges. All of the rivets had some browning around them due to daily wear and tear. I am located in the San Fernando Valley just outside of Northridge so if you have any information or spot these wheels in person and/or for sale, it would be greatly appreciated if it were forwarded to me.
Contact info:
Alex W.
alex.wong5@yahoo.com
Added information, we had Rays Engineering lug nuts on them (not the $400 formula type) and either the car had been scouted prior or they were just THAT good and took them off within minutes.
Finally, I would like to say that I have no respect whatsoever for people like this. These people belong in the same category as those who throw eggs, take keys to paint, or even write a message in the middle of a dusty hood. They were lucky they didnt get caught in the middle of the night, because both me and my father would not have hesitated to reach for one of our firearms. For all you current and/or future custom wheel owners, lock nuts for your wheels do not guarantee security.
The car was not broken into, but just my wheels were stolen. The wheels were Work Meister S1 3 piece in polished black with polished lips. The sizes were 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 with the offsets being mid to high +20s. Some of the "Work" logos on the face were lightly scratched away on some edges. All of the rivets had some browning around them due to daily wear and tear. I am located in the San Fernando Valley just outside of Northridge so if you have any information or spot these wheels in person and/or for sale, it would be greatly appreciated if it were forwarded to me.
Contact info:
Alex W.
alex.wong5@yahoo.com
Added information, we had Rays Engineering lug nuts on them (not the $400 formula type) and either the car had been scouted prior or they were just THAT good and took them off within minutes.
Finally, I would like to say that I have no respect whatsoever for people like this. These people belong in the same category as those who throw eggs, take keys to paint, or even write a message in the middle of a dusty hood. They were lucky they didnt get caught in the middle of the night, because both me and my father would not have hesitated to reach for one of our firearms. For all you current and/or future custom wheel owners, lock nuts for your wheels do not guarantee security.
09-10-2012, 12:41 PM
#3
BANNED
iTrader: (33)
sorry man...that really sucks. and right in front of your house too...
09-10-2012, 12:53 PM
#4
That sucks.
Anything else (description-wise) that you can let people know that will help ID the wheels, i.e. tire brand and size, any curb damaged, manufacture date/serial # on barrel sticker, etc.
Anything else (description-wise) that you can let people know that will help ID the wheels, i.e. tire brand and size, any curb damaged, manufacture date/serial # on barrel sticker, etc.
Trending Topics
09-10-2012, 07:29 PM
#8
Instructor
Thread Starter
The white Work logos on the faces were chipped away on the edges, but still VERY recognizable. All of the rivets had stains of brown surrounding them from regular brake dust and road use.
$3000 gone, just like that
09-10-2012, 08:12 PM
#9
Suzuka Master
keep an eye on cragslist
some people are that stupid, lets hope these guys are
some people are that stupid, lets hope these guys are
09-15-2012, 05:43 PM
#11
Let me help you!
That sucks. I haven't seen the police report (if any?) for this, but hopefully this isn't a sign that thieves are getting bolder. I have been seeing less BFMV reports (smash and grab) in the area, so I was starting to think that things were getting better. I haven't been going to the Northridge mall since I keep getting reports for cars hit in the structures.
On a side note, someone told me about a couple of dudes who were part of an (Armenian?) ring that stole or broke into cars. The funny thing was that they set up a sting to try to catch one of them (they live in North Hills and targeted certain places near their home), but it didn't work because the guy was already in custody for something else.
Hopefully maybe a neighbor has a surveillance camera that might have caught a glimpse of the theft? Surprisingly we sometimes do get surveillance from a neighbor's property.
On a side note, someone told me about a couple of dudes who were part of an (Armenian?) ring that stole or broke into cars. The funny thing was that they set up a sting to try to catch one of them (they live in North Hills and targeted certain places near their home), but it didn't work because the guy was already in custody for something else.
Hopefully maybe a neighbor has a surveillance camera that might have caught a glimpse of the theft? Surprisingly we sometimes do get surveillance from a neighbor's property.
09-17-2012, 02:30 PM
#12
Instructor
Thread Starter
Might have a lead, someone messaged me from Club Lexus of a guy who posted some Work S1s for sale at only $800 with tires...super sketchy. When does anyone ever sell a set of Work S1s for that cheap?!?!
The picture of the wheels shows everything I described the wheels at, brake dust caked around the rivets, work wheel logo chipped away on the edges and the tires are pretty beefy vs being stretched.
If the tires match up to be my Nitto NT555 Extreme 245/40 and 285/35, I am going to follow up and pretend to be a buyer to see them in person. Once I confirm them as being my wheels, I am going to forward my information to the detective handling my case.
The picture of the wheels shows everything I described the wheels at, brake dust caked around the rivets, work wheel logo chipped away on the edges and the tires are pretty beefy vs being stretched.
If the tires match up to be my Nitto NT555 Extreme 245/40 and 285/35, I am going to follow up and pretend to be a buyer to see them in person. Once I confirm them as being my wheels, I am going to forward my information to the detective handling my case.
09-17-2012, 02:41 PM
#13
BANNED
iTrader: (33)
tann? 
09-17-2012, 04:09 PM
#15
Instructor
Thread Starter
ATTENTION: LOOK AT THIS PAGE!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1004...6265296809447/
How sketchy does this look...? Many things to notice here:
1) Sale says Work Equipt wheels
-- Theyre Work S1s
2) The picture shows many tells these could be my wheels
-- The Work logo on the face is chipped away on the edges, just as I had described.
-- There is a whole lot of rubber showing the tire sizes are pretty beefy (my specs were 18x8.5 18x9.5 with 245/40 285/35 Nitto NT555 Extreme tires. If you know your fitments, those are big tire specs for such small wheels, and the photo shows just that)
-- You can make out some of the orange stains and caked brake dust around the rivets.
-- You can almost make out the letters "Ex" from Extreme, and the tread pattern looks VERY similar to the 555 pattern.
Lastly, the picture was taken and posted "near Chatsworth". Chatsworth is literally 5 minutes away from my house. According to the author's (Eduardo) personal page, he is located in North Hollywood, which is only 20 minutes away.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1004...6265296809447/
How sketchy does this look...? Many things to notice here:
1) Sale says Work Equipt wheels
-- Theyre Work S1s
2) The picture shows many tells these could be my wheels
-- The Work logo on the face is chipped away on the edges, just as I had described.
-- There is a whole lot of rubber showing the tire sizes are pretty beefy (my specs were 18x8.5 18x9.5 with 245/40 285/35 Nitto NT555 Extreme tires. If you know your fitments, those are big tire specs for such small wheels, and the photo shows just that)
-- You can make out some of the orange stains and caked brake dust around the rivets.
-- You can almost make out the letters "Ex" from Extreme, and the tread pattern looks VERY similar to the 555 pattern.
Lastly, the picture was taken and posted "near Chatsworth". Chatsworth is literally 5 minutes away from my house. According to the author's (Eduardo) personal page, he is located in North Hollywood, which is only 20 minutes away.
09-19-2012, 05:04 AM
#18
Instructor
Thread Starter
The guy posted his number on the page. I spoke to the detective and she said I cant prove theyre mine since I dont have any positive way of identifying them....WTF?!
I would go over there myself but I kind of want to avoid the confrontation considering they know where I live.....
What do you guys think I should do?
I would go over there myself but I kind of want to avoid the confrontation considering they know where I live.....
What do you guys think I should do?
09-19-2012, 06:53 AM
#19
Well, the detective is correct. You can't prove that they're yours. It's not like each wheel has a ID # on them that you've recorded or have on file somewhere like a car's VIN.
That's why I asked earlier if there was a manufacturer sticker showing date/serial # you have written down/picture of/etc. to ID them.
Maybe go with a buddy (or two) to look. Pretend one of them is the buyer. If they look like yours, start asking questions like when he got them/how long he's had them, where he bought them from, etc. just to see what the background info is.
If you're really sure they are yours, confront the guy and then threaten to call the cops? Did you ask detective what you can do or who to proceed?
That's why I asked earlier if there was a manufacturer sticker showing date/serial # you have written down/picture of/etc. to ID them.
Maybe go with a buddy (or two) to look. Pretend one of them is the buyer. If they look like yours, start asking questions like when he got them/how long he's had them, where he bought them from, etc. just to see what the background info is.
If you're really sure they are yours, confront the guy and then threaten to call the cops? Did you ask detective what you can do or who to proceed?
09-19-2012, 07:01 AM
#20
Well, it will be your word vs. theirs, which is true.
Are there any identifying factors that you can think of, that are NOT mentioned in the ad. basically, anything you can use to prove to the detective (or so that she can prove they are stolen, since I'm sure she believes you) that these are YOUR wheels? Something you couldn't have figured out by reading it in the ad?
J.
Are there any identifying factors that you can think of, that are NOT mentioned in the ad. basically, anything you can use to prove to the detective (or so that she can prove they are stolen, since I'm sure she believes you) that these are YOUR wheels? Something you couldn't have figured out by reading it in the ad?
J.
09-19-2012, 09:30 AM
#21
Drifting
if anything, ask the detective to ask that person to show receipts to prove he bought them somewhere. thats the only thing I can think of. if he cant prove how he got them legally, you *might* have a shot.
09-19-2012, 11:49 AM
#22
Person could always say he got them used off eBay, Craigslist, some car forum, etc. which usually don't provide receipts.
09-19-2012, 12:38 PM
#23
Pro
I think the only way this is going to turn out well is ... well you're going to have to trick him. Hidden tape recorder, pull out a photo of your car on bricks suddenly, and warn him very angrily "look I want my goddamn wheels back NOW, or the police are going to get involved". If you can get any sort of admission on tape ( == the surprised reaction) then you are golden.
Hope you're in a state where recording audio is legal.
Hope you're in a state where recording audio is legal.
The following users liked this post:
rockstar143 (09-19-2012)
09-19-2012, 03:54 PM
#25
Instructor
Thread Starter
I cant just go confront him myself, they know where I live. If I show up and demand my wheels back, whats to stop them from coming to my house and fucking up my Z, my TL or any other car I have?
09-19-2012, 05:17 PM
#26
Drifting
you cant really. double edged sword. at this point, insurance should just take over. nothing you can do if there is no way for you to legally prove those are your wheels, even though you know beyond reasonable doubt that they are.
you're right, whats to stop them from screwing with you? unless you f*** with them first, then its a downhill slope from there and lots of headaches.
sorry man.
you're right, whats to stop them from screwing with you? unless you f*** with them first, then its a downhill slope from there and lots of headaches.
sorry man.
09-21-2012, 02:53 AM
#28
Instructor
Thread Starter
I did have a set of a quality locks on them...
Just found out insurance is going to reimburse me for MSRP of stock wheels as well as tires and lug nuts. About $2800...but its the principle of someone stealing that bugs the shit out of me
Just found out insurance is going to reimburse me for MSRP of stock wheels as well as tires and lug nuts. About $2800...but its the principle of someone stealing that bugs the shit out of me
09-21-2012, 07:55 AM
#29
^^^Ummm...that works out VERY well. for that much money, you can have your pick of any number of black market wheels on acurazine...as a matter of fact, take a look at those LINEA CORSE ones...the OP seems to be getting antsy and his last offer was $1300 OBO.
I wish I didn't believe in Karma. I'd have Majofo find out where the fk face lives and go pour paint stripper on his entire family's cars and dog.
I wish I didn't believe in Karma. I'd have Majofo find out where the fk face lives and go pour paint stripper on his entire family's cars and dog.
09-21-2012, 12:32 PM
#30
09-21-2012, 05:35 PM
#31
Instructor
Thread Starter
Im still a little pissed though...my buddies and I are figuring something out right now
09-21-2012, 07:23 PM
#33
Thanks for the tip but I dont do rep wheels. Already picked up a set of Work VSXX 19x10.5 19x11.5 in burning black for $2500, so less the $500 deductible from insurance, I only lost about $200 on this whole debacle...
Im still a little pissed though...my buddies and I are figuring something out right now
Im still a little pissed though...my buddies and I are figuring something out right now
probably why got you in this debacle to begin with. baller wheels.
I would have taken the money and replaced with something more cost effective and put in savings.
What exactly are you and your friends "planning"?
09-25-2012, 11:21 AM
#34
Drive It Like U Stole It
i down to help if u need me ..im ex military police and i have no problem with breaking someones face that deserves it...just hit me up if u need me 240-477-0583 im n north hollywood
The following 3 users liked this post by tsxteecee:
09-25-2012, 11:51 AM
#35
Moderator
dude... those are your wheels..
personally, id fuck up their car.. put a potato in the exhaust tip or something..
as far as they know.. they think they got away.. they dont know you know... keep it that way...
id find a couple of buddies, find out where he is going and jump his ass for being a dumbfuck...
personally, id fuck up their car.. put a potato in the exhaust tip or something..
as far as they know.. they think they got away.. they dont know you know... keep it that way...
id find a couple of buddies, find out where he is going and jump his ass for being a dumbfuck...
The following users liked this post:
tsxteecee (09-26-2012)
09-26-2012, 11:48 AM
#38
the overexplainer
what might be an idea next time is to engrave a tiny, tiny mark somewhere hidden, probably in the barrel or behind one of the spokes for ID next time, perhaps even on the outside of the barrel (covered by a mounted tire)
Last edited by ez12a; 09-26-2012 at 11:54 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mada51589
3G TL Problems & Fixes
79
05-03-2022 08:54 PM
TLDude876
Car Talk
134
12-28-2016 03:18 PM
rockyboy
2G RDX (2013-2018)
46
01-25-2016 06:00 PM
