Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Bryan Young on May 01, 2011, 08:46:35 pm

Title: A question for car nuts.
Post by: Bryan Young on May 01, 2011, 08:46:35 pm
I realise that this is a bit out of the ordinary, but it's worrying me a bit,
Over the last few years one or two cars in our very quiet cul-de sac have been damaged. Mainly by "keying". All the damaged cars  belonged to neighbours who'd had some sort of spat with an "incoming" neighbour. "Keying" isn't nice, but I can live with it.
But just recently that seems to have escalated. Two of us (neighbours) have had 2" screws driven into the sidewalls of a tyre.
My turn came today when Mrs.Y was driving along a busy road and the steering "went funny".
I'll post a photo of that in a moment.
My question is 2 fold. What are the chances of a 2" screw getting embedded into the sidewall of a tyre? Into the tread area, well I can see that it's possible, but the sidewall? In the same area as one of the neighbours got one? This could have killed my wife, but the Police just don't want to know.
The question is.....what are the chances of a screw getting there in the first place.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: Shipmate60 on May 01, 2011, 08:50:52 pm
In that position I would say millions to one.
the 2 inch screw would have to be physically driven into the sidewall either by direct force or screwing.
2 different cars with the same problem almost unlimited to one for usual street driving.

Bob
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: w3bby on May 01, 2011, 08:52:38 pm
I'd say likelihood just about zero in that position.

CCTV of your driveway would be a way forward. You may not catch them but it would /should at least have a deterrent effect.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: triumphjon on May 01, 2011, 08:57:02 pm
zero chance of it getting there without human assistance ! seeing that it has been screwed to the inside wall of the tyre must mean somebody has crawled around under the vehicle . where is the vehicle parked when not in use ?
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: tobyker on May 01, 2011, 09:00:13 pm
The tyre would have to be running almost flat to pick up a screw in that area. I have to say that one like that is bad luck - two would suggest criminal damage.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: matphoto on May 01, 2011, 09:00:44 pm
For it to happen to two cars in the same cul-de-sac is not coincidence,  >>:-(  >>:-( you say the police do not want to know. I would write a letter of complaint to the Chief Constable marked Private and Confidential setting out the circumstances of the incidents, and request a reply.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: JayDee on May 01, 2011, 09:01:39 pm
Hello,

One of my Sons was driving along the M6 Motorway, when he got a puncture.
He stopped and changed the wheel, then came home.

In his tyre was an 1/2 inch x 7/16th open ended Forged Steel Spanner, bent like an "L".
After that, I would believe anything can give you a puncture !!.
But, this screw thing does look like vandalism.

John.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: boater12 on May 01, 2011, 09:03:04 pm
Looking at the photo, it seems that the screw head is distorted, thus meaning a hammer has been used ?

Especially if the car was parked.

A sad affair there Bryan, like w3bby says, posssibly cctv is the way ahead, but why should anyone need to go to that ......

Pressurise the police, keep at them and then hopefully for you they will patrol your area more regularly and hopefully catch the morons.

Good Luck, and Chin Up  :-))

Jim.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: wartsilaone on May 01, 2011, 09:04:28 pm
Hi Bryan. I think it is possible to pick up a screw in the area shown in the photo but this is very odd for two cars to have the same problem. Very fishy indeed.
Ali
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: nhp651 on May 01, 2011, 09:05:24 pm
definitely been propped up against the tyre ready for when you drive forward.

i had it done to me on two front tyres when years ago i was dating a young lady who had not quite got round to telling me she was married.

i got into the habit of reversing my car on start up from that day on, and the screws/nails fell harmlessly onto the path.....only direct forward motion immediately on start off will allow them to penetrate the tyre, unless the cunning bar steward puts them at the rear of the tyre as well.
neil.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: wartsilaone on May 01, 2011, 09:07:28 pm
You will have to catch the little blighter's in the act.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: riggers24 on May 01, 2011, 09:09:13 pm
Bryan,

Looking at the picture thats the inside edge of the tyre not the outer wall so you have to be going some to get our hands around the insdie of the wheel arch to put the screw in.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: Shipmate60 on May 01, 2011, 09:09:23 pm
Neil,
The head of the screw looks about an inch above the road surface so difficult to believe that it happened "naturally".

Bob
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: nhp651 on May 01, 2011, 09:20:51 pm
Bryan,

Looking at the picture thats the inside edge of the tyre not the outer wall so you have to be going some to get our hands around the insdie of the wheel arch to put the screw in.
you don't need to press the screw home, just prop it up against the tyre and as the wheel rotates on take off, it drives into the tyre by itself...very easy trick, done by many a miscreant many times a day..quick and simple and no one ever thinks of checking their cars before setting off.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: fatcat123 on May 01, 2011, 09:28:30 pm
I'd say very little chance looking at that, plus the sidewall is the strongest point or supposed to be.

My cars been recently keyed, not nice considering it cost over £40k.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: pugwash on May 01, 2011, 09:49:32 pm
Hi  Bryan Once had a puncture like that with a screw just into the side wall like yours.  It is possible but the
chances of two in your little cul-de-sac are non-existent.
Definitely  compaint letter to C.C.s office at force headquarters is the way to go.
Geoff
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: Martin (Admin) on May 01, 2011, 09:55:50 pm
On a side note, don't be put off by the police, insist on a crime no.!
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: pugwash on May 01, 2011, 10:03:12 pm
Problem is they will not give out a crime number for the damaged tyre - no absolute proof it is a crime.
It only becomes a crime when they have someone in custody then they can reduce the crime figures.
Geoff
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: class37 on May 01, 2011, 10:09:39 pm
If they won't give you a crime number, then ask for an incident number, this will normally be composed of a serial number and the date of the report.

this normally works if you report it via the non emergency line. otherwise if you are reporting either to a pc [that is if you can find one] or to a police station make a note of date / time, and if you are dealing with a pc then note their number.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: triumphjon on May 01, 2011, 10:18:27 pm
perhaps the best cure is to catch whichever mindless prat who is causing the damage & give them a good beating !
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: RaaArtyGunner on May 01, 2011, 10:25:50 pm
As this has now escalated and Police will not get involved with "domestics" You all need a means of catching/identify the 'neighbour'.
These days battery drills are tiny, compact and portable so easy to put screws into tyre sidewalls. <:( <:(
Quicker, easier and more positive than propping the screw against the tyre.

Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: nhp651 on May 01, 2011, 10:52:43 pm
get one of these bryan with an 8gb micro sd card and mount it on the rear seat head rests.that'll pick the bar steward up on camera, then take it to the ol' bill.


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380335691763&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

cheeper than forkin out for new tyres every time he strikes.
neil
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: triumphjon on May 01, 2011, 11:12:50 pm
leave a set of scabby steel wheels witth tyres the have the steel bracing poking out of the inner walls , pehaps when culprit has cut its hands on the wire it wont want to poke its hands there again !  maybe a camera fitted in the lower air intake of the front bumper would catch them in the act too  ?
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: Bryan Young on May 02, 2011, 06:08:20 pm
Thanks for all the replies. It's just so easy nowadays to destroy someones peace of mind and sense of "security". Suspicions alone are no good, so it seems I'll just have to fork out for a new tyre and control my anger. Bryan.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: JB on May 02, 2011, 06:44:09 pm
Hmmm. a tough one this...I've had thorns in the same place on tyres, new tyre required, it is possible that could happen by accident but 2 cars in the same street...no I don't think so, keep your eyes open, you could see something that might make you think.

A recent experience with my car left me a little angry but it was not vandalism...I did feel like I'd been 'mugged' after having a new tyre fitted on Saturday in the middle of the easter weekend, have you had a new one fitted yet ? be careful if you just turn up at a tyre fitting company..unless you have booked & paid up front on line and arranged an appointment in advance, also check what they are going to charge you for first.

I'll give more info but a PM would be necessary to 'shop' the miscreants   <*<

J. 
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: Bryan Young on May 02, 2011, 07:06:18 pm
No problems getting a new tyre. I've found that my main Toyota dealer (I have a Corolla) is a lot cheaper and more accommodating than the High Street lot. I wouldn't have minded so much if it had been one of the rear tyres as they both need replacing after 47,000 miles, but the damaged one has only 6000 miles on it! BY.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: JB on May 02, 2011, 07:11:55 pm
I can beat 6000 miles  {:-{

New tyre only on the car 2 days..I drove down the track to a local flying club...came home with a thorn in the side, just like your screw..no can fix said the tyre man...new tyre for you my lad  <:(

Never mind... the joys of motoring eh..!!!
Glad you have sorted the tyre without any problems, its always a worry if you need to visit the garage these days.
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: HS93 (RIP) on May 02, 2011, 07:28:50 pm
any building work in the area?

Peter


Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: JB on May 02, 2011, 07:50:51 pm
As we are on odd tyre damage would it be OK for me to offer this one for 'analysis'...? !

This is recent, 22nd April, and was replaced with a new tyre...at a cost..!

Please move to a new thread if thought necessary.
J.

Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: Roadrunner on May 03, 2011, 08:50:48 am
If the cops don;t wanna know, which is usually the case in most minor crimes nowadays (pathetic ain't it, remind us why we pay council tax?) get ya box of screws and do the same to all 4 of this punks car and watch the plod turn up on your door!

                                                                     (not recommended unless you have big kahonas!)

But if your not into the revenge plot seek legal advice or keep phoning up the 'bling brigade' and make a complaint against them for and epic fail in public service! Be sure to keep a photo record of damage and repair costs.
Personally i would phone them and ask why there doing nothing about this and the simple phrase is ''are you refusing to come and deal with this crime, you know this phone call is recorded right?'' (watch them shift there butts to your door then!) remind them that should an accident happened because of damage made to the car that they have failed to save lifes and uphold the law and you will be seeking legal action not only against the party that caused the incident but the law too ....


Or next time u see a screw in a tire.... drive it into the back of a cop car, and when they asked what a happened you say '' well if you guys had did you job in the first place and sorted out the plonker who put the screw in my tire then i wouldn't have driven into the back of you!''  <*< <*< <*<



I have a story about a similar event that occurred at work a few years back, one guy had a habit of doing similar tactics to some of the guys cars ( don't know why he did it but he did) anyhow after a few light words in his ear about doing it again, it got worse, well on one of the night shifts a few of the lads picked up his car with the forklift and put it on top of a storage lockup and left it there, needless to say once he saw the car up there and begged to get it down he never trashed another car again!
Title: Re: A question for car nuts.
Post by: funtimefrankie on May 03, 2011, 10:46:16 am
As this has now escalated and Police will not get involved with "domestics"
My son-in-law spends most of his evening patrols dealing with "domestics" usually when hubby comes home from the pub.