THEFT

Reader upset about motorcycle theft follow-up

I was recently the victim of a motorcycle theft. I had little hope of ever getting it back. To my surprise, a sheriff knocked on my door a week later and notified me that they have located my motorcycle.

I was told that it will be taken to Moses Lake Towing and that I would have to contact them to get it back. I was confused, but being that time was a factor, I called immediately. It was about 10 minutes to 5 on a Friday, and the sheriff advised me that I hurry so I don't get stuck with impound fees. Impound fees?!

I rushed my family into the car and we headed out there. When we got there, to my amazement, the bike was in one piece, still on the tow truck.

I walk in to the office and the nice guys working there (and they were nice) informed me that it would be $172 to get my bike back. They also informed me that it would have been almost half as much cheaper if I had instructed the police to use a specific tow company if my bike was ever located. How are people supposed to know this? They told me that the police use some kind of rotation system with all the tow truck companies so it's fair to them.

What about the victims of these crimes? I didn't ask for my bike to get stolen. The thief didn't have my key. They destroyed my ignition and wired in a new starter switch and drove it until they were done with it.

The police didn't even dust it for prints! The thief even left his sunglasses on the handlebars. The police didn't even try to find out who did it.

Why did I have to pay, and pay more for having it towed? I could have went to the scene and got the bike myself.

I don't think its fair that the victims of crimes have to have salt added to their wounds and have to pay more out of pocket to get their belongings back. It's an unfair system. I'm not saying have someone else pay for it, but at least reduce the price for those who have police prove that the vehicle was stolen instead of doubling it.

Thomas Simmonds

Moses Lake