Results 1 to 19 of 19

Police visit on a removal job

| A Day in the Life of a Scrapper
  1. #1
    mthomasdev started this thread.
    mthomasdev's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Apr 2012
    Location
    pittsfield, ma
    Posts
    1,300
    Thanks
    348
    Thanked 1,532 Times in 704 Posts

    Police visit on a removal job

    Got a call Friday from a construction company that was finishing up a tank replacement job at a local gas station. There was a good size pile of metal. Mostly old conduit that was used in conjunction with the tanks and pumps. A lot of this conduit still had wire in it. There was also some light iron and some plate and structural. I took 2 loads out on Friday and went back this evening (about 530 PM) to get the rest. What was left needed to be cut to fit on the trailer. I had just finished putting the last of it on the trailer and was texting the owner of the construction company when 2 cruisers pulled in. Apparently someone reported that I was possibly stealing metal. Luckily, I knew one of the officers. He believed me because we knew each other and he also said that he didn't think I'd be stupid enough to steal it in broad daylight on a busy street.


  2. The Following 10 Users say Thank You for This Post by mthomasdev:



  3. #2
    eesakiwi's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Dec 2010
    Location
    NZ
    Posts
    2,531
    Thanks
    2,909
    Thanked 2,556 Times in 1,227 Posts
    If you are doing something like this, I'd get at least a business card from them with a short 'OK' and such written on the back by hand by the owner of the card.
    It speeds up the process and shows you are somewhat organised about things. Police appreciate it too.

    I have done this before and funnyly enough, by the guys wording of speech, I think he was exPolice too.... (Security firm)

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to eesakiwi for This Post:


  5. #3
    msmoorad's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Durban, South Africa
    Posts
    689
    Thanks
    713
    Thanked 746 Times in 356 Posts
    just the card is ok too
    the police can call the guy or u can call and let them speak

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to msmoorad for This Post:


  7. #4
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Las Vegas
    Posts
    1,306
    Thanks
    3,232
    Thanked 1,922 Times in 785 Posts
    Who's snitching?!

  8. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by JJinLV:


  9. #5
    jimicrk's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    2,825
    Thanks
    2,917
    Thanked 4,838 Times in 1,877 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by JJinLV View Post
    Who's snitching?!
    Probably someone that's mad because they couldn't get the scrap.

  10. The Following 3 Users say Thank You for This Post by jimicrk:


  11. #6
    hobo finds's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Nov 2010
    Location
    tucson, az
    Posts
    4,746
    Thanks
    6,035
    Thanked 5,906 Times in 2,555 Posts
    Any time you pick up or transport scrap metal be prepared you could get pulled over, make sure you have all paperwork you need license, registration , insurance. Don't be drinking and make sure you have straps tie downs, tarps and flags as needed no way do you want the few dollars that you would get for scrap to screw you in the future for being stupid!

  12. The Following 7 Users say Thank You for This Post by hobo finds:


  13. #7
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Apr 2013
    Location
    western ny
    Posts
    83
    Thanks
    134
    Thanked 123 Times in 56 Posts
    Our friends in blue can really put a damper on your day. Been there, done that.

    It's their job, where would we be without. Interpretation of laws, well that's , another story.

    Hobo is absolutely correct. Do not give an obvious reason for the law to hassle you. Check your lights also. Broken tail lights and sometimes bumper stickers are unforgiving.
    Last edited by btkr; 08-28-2017 at 09:56 PM.

  14. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by btkr:


  15. #8
    Sirscrapalot's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Mar 2012
    Location
    A sandbar off the atlantic..OBX,NC
    Posts
    6,123
    Thanks
    11,885
    Thanked 8,783 Times in 3,854 Posts
    What those guys above said.

    It's rare I get hassled by the law here on my sandbar. Couple reasons why..

    1. Because they got better things to do then bug me.

    2. It's a sandbar but they still have other/bigger crimes to worry about. Kids get napped, spouses get beat, drugs get bought an used, etc etc. You know the deal.

    3. I say hello an tell them what I do when I run into them at the store, or local community events they come to.

    4. I take a box of doughnuts by the station sometimes. I would bring the cooler, but they can't drink on the job. They sure can eat tho!

    5. I don't act all sneaky an ****. I do what I do in the open. If they pass by while I'm picking something up from Curb co I make eye contact, an wave.

    6. I speak to people I see out, so they know what I do. So there is no suspicion. Stranger Danger!

    7. Thanks for this thread, I got to make another list.


    Good luck, an for the love of beverages an their coolers...Don't get arrested. It makes a horrible impression with customers. New or old.

    The above is directed to those new to this line of work/hobby. An not directed MT or anyone specific.


    Sirscrapalot - BEEP! - an Answering machine

  16. The Following User Says Thank You to Sirscrapalot for This Post:


  17. #9
    Wildleecoyote's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    11
    Thanks
    15
    Thanked 9 Times in 3 Posts
    Well at least the boy in blue believed you cause he knew you before he questioned your stupidity. Sometimes people just need to mind their own business 🤣
    Last edited by Wildleecoyote; 08-30-2017 at 08:47 PM.

  18. #10
    DakotaRog's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Aug 2014
    Posts
    1,611
    Thanks
    602
    Thanked 1,675 Times in 830 Posts
    ...he knew you before he questioned your stupidity. Sometimes people just need to mind their own business ��
    ...???

  19. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by DakotaRog:


  20. #11
    Wildleecoyote's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    11
    Thanks
    15
    Thanked 9 Times in 3 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by DakotaRog View Post
    ...???
    If you read the story, at least the cop didn't just jump to conclusion.

  21. #12
    BurlyGuys's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Waterford Michigan
    Posts
    1,591
    Thanks
    1,109
    Thanked 1,620 Times in 635 Posts
    I was hired recently to remove two clothing donation bins from a parking lot when the owners of the property were unable to get the donation bins removed by the bins' owners. My only request was that they send me a text granting me permission to remove said containers,

    Got the first one loaded up without incident. While we were loading the second one three squad cars descended upon us and surrounded us. Three things saved us: The text from the customer, my signs on my truck, and my grinning as the cop pulled up and looking totally unconcerned! I walked over with a big smile on my face to the nearest cop and said something along the lines of "Well I told the owner we would need texted permission!" We all had a big laugh over it.

    The outcome of this could have been completely different had I not come prepared!
    Burly Smash![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
    John Terrell (248) 224-2188
    Burly Guys Junk Removal LLC
    5499 Perry Drive Unit P Waterford, MI 48329
    http://www.burlyguys.com

  22. The Following 6 Users say Thank You for This Post by BurlyGuys:


  23. #13
    NJSouth's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Feb 2011
    Location
    South Jersey
    Posts
    272
    Thanks
    669
    Thanked 319 Times in 147 Posts
    You KNOW it was someone on this page who called on you ....LOL Scrapper Snitches need Stitches... NJSouth out.....

  24. #14
    MattInTheHat's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Sep 2012
    Location
    rock hill, sc
    Posts
    1,464
    Thanks
    1,142
    Thanked 1,396 Times in 703 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by hobo finds View Post
    Any time you pick up or transport scrap metal be prepared you could get pulled over, make sure you have all paperwork you need license, registration , insurance. Don't be drinking and make sure you have straps tie downs, tarps and flags as needed no way do you want the few dollars that you would get for scrap to screw you in the future for being stupid!
    I always put two extra straps on after I decide the load is safe. I want the first thing the cops see to be how well secured my load is. I've never had a load checked, and have had some interesting piles on my trucks.
    Currently looking for a job in or related to scrap/recycling. Relocation is possible for the right offer.

  25. The Following User Says Thank You to MattInTheHat for This Post:


  26. #15
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Jacksonville, NC
    Posts
    4,917
    Thanks
    15,632
    Thanked 5,861 Times in 2,713 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by MattInTheHat View Post
    I always put two extra straps on after I decide the load is safe. I want the first thing the cops see to be how well secured my load is. I've never had a load checked, and have had some interesting piles on my trucks.
    And using the bright yellow straps helps make the load safe and easier tor the LLEOs to notice what a good job you did. Mike
    "Profit begins when you buy NOT when you sell." {quote passed down to me from a wise man}

    Now go beat the copper out of something, Miked

  27. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by miked:


  28. #16
    directrecycle's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    520
    Thanks
    95
    Thanked 467 Times in 226 Posts
    i agree with burly..i always get email or text from owner clearly giving me permission..rarely have had to use it but you never know

  29. #17
    adda's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Jan 2016
    Location
    south bend, in
    Posts
    16
    Thanks
    16
    Thanked 21 Times in 10 Posts
    This thread .... haha. Not too long ago, I drove by a house (empty/foreclosed) where the police had some guy who was actually pulling off all the aluminum gutters/etc off the house - in broad daylight. Of course, that actually can make you look "less suspicious" as I understand it. That sort of brazen stuff actually makes me angry though, because it makes it rough on those who are just trying to make a living/get by without resorting to dishonesty/theft/trespassing. I've had several lectures on fines (if I get into recycling containers) and staying off people's (home) property. I wouldn't do that but don't take the lectures personally, because of what I've seen. The neighborhood FB page I joined had people saying they had things (including a refrigerator) right up by their house that vanished ... very obviously not "in the trash".

    I hate the people who "dumpster dive" and tear open everything in a dumpster and throw it all around. There's a gas station I go to and a couple times there's been bags of stuff dumped all over the parking lot (from the dumpster). I've actually cleaned the mess up because I didn't want to have trouble because of some maniac ... they recently got a new dumpster that's a lot harder to deal with so I don't go there anymore ... can't help but wonder why, though.

    I live where there are two cities and two police departments. On the whole, one is much more laid back ... as far as police/scrapping go .... the one that isn't has better scrap (of course). When I first moved here, I was pretty stunned to have a police response of FIVE units (including K9) when I reached into a garbage can to pull out two discarded soda cans (seriously, all response within about 30 seconds). What blows my mind is that there are people going round getting into cars EVERY night ... and far as I know, police haven't caught up with any of THEM.

    I've occasionally run into police that are jerks but I really appreciated the ones that stopped to question me one night while I was getting cans from a dumpster. My license is suspended because I couldn't make it to court timely (for having no PROOF of insurance and no muffler) after being thrown out of house by another court (where I was not allowed to speak) after a divorce scam, effectively made homeless. When I got organized, I went to the court to try to take care of things, but they told me I could "deal with the collection agency" and I would be arrested if I didn't leave (that wasn't legally true; I made it in time to file for a motion to vacate the default judgment but didn't know even that terminology at the time). So anyway, I was getting the cans and the police are questioning me and asking if the nearby car is mine and want license info ,,, I told them to go ahead and take me to jail, cause my license was suspended, They were actually very gracious ... said they hadn't SEEN me driving ... and I left after them, obviously. But that has put a damper on my scrapping ... until I figure out enough legalese to deal with the license .... since even with the scrapping, I was just barely getting by. Since I usually get cans (and anything interesting in the dumpster) when I see them, they're almost always satisfied as long as I've asked permission. Only one officer has insisted on (my) getting something in writing.

    Sadly, it's the ones who don't have any respect that make it hard ... I know I'd be so much better financially if I could go through all the TRASH, just TRASH ... without fear or embarrassment, leave the area as good or cleaner than I found it ... and just take what would help me get back on solid ground without "taking" from anyone.

  30. The Following 3 Users say Thank You for This Post by adda:


  31. #18
    BurlyGuys's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Waterford Michigan
    Posts
    1,591
    Thanks
    1,109
    Thanked 1,620 Times in 635 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by MattInTheHat View Post
    I always put two extra straps on after I decide the load is safe. I want the first thing the cops see to be how well secured my load is. I've never had a load checked, and have had some interesting piles on my trucks.
    I solve this problem by using an enclosed box truck. If they can just casually glance at your load it could be a problem for you, but if it is contained, they have to pull you over and ask to see what you are hauling, and then they have to have probable cause.

    As a side note, years ago I was hauling car panels from a collision shop. One was hanging over the edge of the side by six inches. My ticket for an "oversize load" was $600.00. They're never going to do that to me again!
    Last edited by BurlyGuys; 11-17-2017 at 09:48 AM.

  32. The Following 3 Users say Thank You for This Post by BurlyGuys:


  33. #19
    Skunkhead's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Oct 2013
    Location
    stockton on tees england
    Posts
    5
    Thanks
    8
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts
    im in the north of england the poorest part of the uk and narrowest,we get hassle of the law all the time,yer can months with getting a tug then crash bang wallop they all over yer like a rash,they wait outside the scrapyards and pull trucks over at random,then go through yer like a dose of salt,with allthe real crime going on in my area i ask why do they do this? im one of the lucky ones as when if i do get pulled they sort of shocked to see me out scrapping instead of my last trade if im pulled in my county its to see what scrap i have in the back of my van,if i go to the next county im pulled to see if the van is full of salmon other than traveling on land which in the uk is a no no,they isnt a route anywhere now in the uk where yer not seen by ANPR cameras (automatic number plate recognition) so everyone is tracked now if need be,or they can track your movements if they wish via yer car regestration.talk about big brutha or waht?
    Last edited by Skunkhead; 12-12-2017 at 01:48 PM.

  34. The Following User Says Thank You to Skunkhead for This Post:



  35. Similar threads on the Scrap Metal Forum

    1. Props to Ridgewood, NJ Police, an their 10 year old honory Police chief
      By Sirscrapalot in forum Off Topic Discussions
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 09-19-2014, 04:22 AM
    2. First scrap yard visit advice
      By wedjlok in forum Scrap Metal Tips and Advice
      Replies: 18
      Last Post: 07-09-2014, 10:29 PM
    3. found a dumpster i will visit again
      By johnyor29 in forum A Day in the Life of a Scrapper
      Replies: 19
      Last Post: 03-08-2014, 05:38 PM
    4. The missus went to visit her mamma...
      By auminer in forum Off Topic Discussions
      Replies: 4
      Last Post: 09-27-2013, 12:34 AM

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

 
Browse the Most Recent Threads
On SMF In THIS CATEGORY.





OR

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

The Scrap Metal Forum

    The Scrap Metal Forum is the #1 scrap metal recycling community in the world. Here we talk about the scrap metal business, making money, where we connect with other scrappers, scrap yards and more.

SMF on Facebook and Twitter

Twitter Facebook