So, the police stole my buddies car trailer...

[kingjason]

The punishment for possession of stolen property is theft based on the value. My thought is don't save 200.00 and buy something with no VIN. Everything I own has a title so not sure what your point is. I won't even buy a dirt bike with no title (or MSO) and those are notorious for people not registering them and losing the title.

[Gasser64]

True. I used to frequent them and get some great deals, but now they are over crowded with hood rats, looking for a ride for their boo.

I've seen junk go for damn near retail.

Same thing I've seen, in my limited experience with these. But, that's also in the metroplex, right? It seems that most counties have a website or a place they dump all this stuff, so it is conceivable that you could find websites, or auction locations in low population areas. Might yield better results. A site like this. I'm thinking maybe rural areas that are away from larger towns and cities.

https://www.lonestaronline.com/

Because of all of those flipping shows like Storage Wars, American Pickers, American Restoration, etc. Everyone see's how "easy" it is to make a ton of money so they try it to do it themselves.

Same reason there was a huge movement on flipping houses 10 - 15 years ago. A few people make good money on it, then the market gets flooded with others doing the same, only they don't know what the fuck they are doing.

If you continue that same train of thought though, these people who don't have what it takes to be successful at it, are going to get stung fairly quickly and likely quit.

Because I have been around for these conversations. Your theory VS what I have seen in practice says your reading more into it then you should. The bank would be a innocent victim. This is always how it has been referred to. Now, has something like that ever happened before? Maybe. Just nothing I have ever seen or heard.

Its VERY easy for us to conclude, that if it were your trailer, or anyone who was in any of these "discussions", that things would go quite differently.

Which brings me to my next question. What exactly is this "punishment" for? Buying a stolen trailer? You're saying that people need to make sure everything they have is on the books, or fucking else? Is that what you're trying to promote? I'm not sure I follow your train of thought here.

[kingjason]

I am not sure how I am incorrect. If the PD's claim to the property is so strong, why would they ever pay off the bank note?

Oh yea, if they don't pay it off, they get sued and they lose. Which is my entire point.

Because I have been around for these conversations. Your theory VS what I have seen in practice says your reading more into it then you should. The bank would be a innocent victim. This is always how it has been referred to. Now, has something like that ever happened before? Maybe. Just nothing I have ever seen or heard.

[Broncojohnny]

I'm not saying you're wrong. But the PD's pay off the bank note for the sole purpose of theft profit.

Of course they do. The question is why do they bother? Do we believe they have some loyalty or duty towards the bank while stealing? Or is it because lenders will sue and their claim on the property is questionable at best? I think the answer is pretty obvious.

[bcoop]

I am not sure how I am incorrect. If the PD's claim to the property is so strong, why would they ever pay off the bank note?

I'm not saying you're wrong. But the PD's pay off the bank note for the sole purpose of theft profit.

[Broncojohnny]

This is incorrect from what I have seen anyways. It all depends on how much is owed to the bank. They don't routinely try to screw the bank as they are not the ones that committed the felony. It comes down to what the vehicle is worth, and if the department wants to pay it off through the bank and seize it. Say a guy owns a Viper worth 40k and owes 3k on it. Department might pay it off and seize it. I have never seen a department try to seize a vehicle when bunch was owed on it. Has nothing to do with the lawyers sitting around the banks being bored, as far as I have seen.

Years ago it was figured out a bunch of gentlemen had a fake company set up that was holding a fake lien on big money cars that were paid off by people doing bad things. I think the IRS stepped in and seized the business and every car attached to it, then divided it up. Like 10 or more cars and some high end exotics. There was a article in the paper on it as all the cars were held at a local PD.

I am not sure how I am incorrect. If the PD's claim to the property is so strong, why would they ever pay off the bank note?

Oh yea, if they don't pay it off, they get sued and they lose. Which is my entire point.

[Chili]

True. I used to frequent them and get some great deals, but now they are over crowded with hood rats, looking for a ride for their boo.

I've seen junk go for damn near retail.

Because of all of those flipping shows like Storage Wars, American Pickers, American Restoration, etc. Everyone see's how "easy" it is to make a ton of money so they try it to do it themselves.

Same reason there was a huge movement on flipping houses 10 - 15 years ago. A few people make good money on it, then the market gets flooded with others doing the same, only they don't know what the fuck they are doing.

[KBScobravert]

It doesnt matter if the money goes directly to the officers or not.

Thats like me saying "i could use a new mill, lathe and and truck at work. Ill get some tax money to pay billy to sit on the side of the road until he finds enough trailers to steal and sell so that we can pay for it. Its equipment to do my job...so thats okay to do"

[dcs13]

Now lets talk about the amazing deals some people have gotten at the police auction. Everyone knows a guy, or knows of a guy, who got a great deal. Start telling those stories.

There's rarely deals anymore. People bid stupid on some of that stuff. I rountinely see full retail on most cars/trucks.

[Ruffdaddy]

It doesnt matter if the money goes directly to the officers or not.

Thats like me saying "i could use a new mill, lathe and and truck at work. Ill get some tax money to pay billy to sit on the side of the road until he finds enough trailers to steal and sell so that we can pay for it. Its equipment to do my job...so thats okay to do"

[Gasser64]

Now lets talk about the amazing deals some people have gotten at the police auction. Everyone knows a guy, or knows of a guy, who got a great deal. Start telling those stories.

[dcs13]

I know about a badass lightning that just had $20k in upgrades just done built motor big whipple fuel system DEA paid his $4k bill at the speed shop and seized it !!!

And coming soon right here:

https://www.lonestaronline.com/

[46Tbird]

No, it's punishment for committing a felony in most cases.

No, that is not true at all. The person doesn't have to be convicted of - or even charged with - a crime, in order for assets to be legally seized.

[Whiteboy]

I know about a badass lightning that just had $20k in upgrades just done built motor big whipple fuel system DEA paid his $4k bill at the speed shop and seized it !!!

[kingjason]

Right. Just like you won't see them seize shitty old computers, or a flip phone, or some junk POS car used in a drug deal. There isn't enough meat on the bone to bother with.

That's what makes this issue clearly an issue of legalized theft. If "seizing the assets used in a criminal offense" was truly the goal, they would take all that shit. Instead, they cherry pick whatever valuables they feel like taking for themselves. It's bullshit and you know it.

No, it's punishment for committing a felony in most cases. They will seize your POS car also. Not just selective. Did you miss the point about it not being worth the pay off so no go. Why would you seize something that was worth less than owed on it? The loser is the guy that owns it, we would be helping him out to seize it. Don't get me wrong I am not siding with the seize everything you can theory. Burglary of habs car, I am in, drug dealers car he paid cash for, all in, Stolen Wells Fargo trailer with home made tags, I am in! We use the proceeds to buy equipment we need. You act like everyone at the department gets some kind of bonus. I can't remember the last time my current department seized something so not really my fight on this. I am just explaining to you kind gentlemen why it happens.