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.

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)

just the card is ok too
the police can call the guy or u can call and let them speak

Who's snitching?!

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Originally Posted by JJinLV

Who's snitching?!

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Probably someone that's mad because they couldn't get the scrap.

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!

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.

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

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 🤣

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...he knew you before he questioned your stupidity. Sometimes people just need to mind their own business ��

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...???

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Originally Posted by DakotaRog

...???

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If you read the story, at least the cop didn't just jump to conclusion.

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!

You KNOW it was someone on this page who called on you :-l....LOL Scrapper Snitches need Stitches... NJSouth out.....

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Originally Posted by hobo finds

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!

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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.

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Originally Posted by MattInTheHat

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.

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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

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

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.

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Originally Posted by MattInTheHat

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.

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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!

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 o:) 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?