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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Oregon’s Predatory Towing in Action

This is our week to house the homeless at our church. Shortly before Christmas, one of our homeless clients purchased an $800 van to return to Mexico. But there were battery problems so he asked for permission to leave it parked for a short time at Perry's Auto Repair in West Salem. They said it would be ok. But along comes Bales & Brady and snatches the van. Three days later it will cost over $300.00 to get the van back. This homeless father of two gets only $300 a month of TANF for his children. He has no money to ransom his van.

The manager of homeless shelter pleaded with Bales & Brady to at least allow him to get his personal items out of the van. They include his children's coats. They are ages six and two. No chance!

That was over a month ago. Now the fee to get the van out of their lot is $2,700.00. They will take over ownership of the van and its contents tomorrow. And they will send a bill collector to collect the bill.

I agree with a former state trooper who calls this legalized auto theft.

A rare instance in Oregon? Unfortunately, it is all too common. Once in a while the Portland media get involved and a towing company gives in. But mostly they want and get a pound of flesh closest to the heart.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's CRAP! You should send your blog posting to the newspaper. So sad that leeches like that exist to prey upon the people. It's flipping 30-40 degrees and they won't even let them have their little kids coats? If you want to go to a Goodwill or Target and buy the two girls coats, we'll send you some money. That just makes me mad!
~C

Unknown said...

Hello Sir,

I am a writer for the Salem Monthly newspaper. We are working on an upcoming issue that features local Bloggers in Salem. I would be honored to ask you a few questions regarding your online writing. This Predatory Towing entry in particular caught my eye.

If you would be interested in allowing me a brief interview, please contact me at:

Salemcopywriter@gmail.com

My name is Michael Warren.

Thank you in advance.