So last night I stopped off at a store to pick up a last minute birthday gift for my friend in a part of town that I used to live in. The parking lot at the store was well lit and I parked near the front of the store because they have security cameras up front. It's not a great part of town, but it's really not a bad part of town either.

I walked out to find two guys in a white pick up parked next to my car. I figured they was just looking and going to ask me a few questions so I hit the lock button on the car and started walking over. When they saw the lights blink, they looked up, saw me and peeled out of there. I got their plate number and then checked over my car to make sure there wasn't a single scratch on her.

There were hand prints all over the boot and all over the passenger side door in the dirt and condensation from the chilly weather. I wasn't sure what to do because my car wasn't damaged, they didn't get in to take anything (there was nothing in there for them to take, I don't keep stuff in my car. So I drove to the party and told the door greeters at the restaurant about the truck and gave them the license plate number and asked them to report an attempted break in to the police. I told them my car was undamaged, but I was concerned for other patrons of stores in the area that night.

What really irked me though, was that I haven't given Viola a bath in a month, with silver this is usually no big deal appearance wise. It's why I buy silver cars, they look good even in the winter, when washing your car isn't a simple prospect. That is, unless someone sticks their hand in the dirt! Now I have to figure out how to give Viola a bath in 40 degree weather.

The really scary part is that I saw the truck again, same plate, parked in the parking lot at the restaurant where I ate dinner when I walked out to my car to go home.

I called my hubby and had him stay on the phone with me until I was clear of the parking lot and was sure they weren't going to follow me home.

Scary! Needless to say, I am never shopping at that store again. Never, ever, ever!

 

WOW RG! Please be careful! Keep the police on speed dial. Did you go ahead and report it to the police yourself?

 

Yeah, that is weird you saw them again. Coincidence, I'm sure.

As far as washing in 40-degree weather ? No big deal. That's considered warm around here in the winter and I wash every week. I even wash in sub-freezing temps, sometimes (using rubber gloves, and I pull the MINIs into the heated garage to dry them). Anyway... 40 degrees is plenty warm to wash a car.

Note to others: Don't keep valuables in your MINI, especially in eyesight of those no-good-doers. Don't invite a break in.

 

The gal at the door gave me the report number from crime check when I walked out. No one was hurt and nothing was damaged. But I have the report number and if I happen to see the truck following me again they will send an officer out.

I did program crime check back into my phone last night. I had to replace my beloved iPhone with a new one so I had to rely on the gals at the restaurant. They were so nice, I'll definitely eat there again.

crpwjb: I don't keep *anything* in my MINI except for an emergency road side kit in the boot. I learned that after someone broke into my corolla and stole my stereo, but Viola's windows are tinted and it is impossible to see inside the car at night so they probably assumed that because the car is rare in this area (probably 20 to 30 MINIs in total for a hundred mile radius) that I must have had some good stuff in the boot.

 

I'm glad you're ok. Strange that they took off that way. They obviously were up to no good.

Atleast you didn't come out to your MINI and see this--someone threw a beer bottle at my MINI yesterday night...so far $460 for glass alone.

 

I would have burst into tears on the spot! I'm glad you're okay too!

What is *wrong* with people?

 

can you get a look at the video from in front of the store? I would have called 911 in a NY MIN to report the activity can't be to careful anymore.

 

Glad nothing came of it except prints all over the boot and passenger door. And excellent that you have the Police on speed dial. Twas a spooky coincidence that you saw the bastards later though.

 

Sorry, should have been more clear. I was pointing out your smart move to others so they would also not leave any valuables withing view of the bad guys.

 

RG, I am so glad it was not worse. It could have been awful. I'm glad that you and Viola are safe!

OG, I feel sick for what happened to you. I'm so sorry!

 

Wow... your story is wild! Sounds like you two need a nice big bubble bath ... can you bring her inside? I'm sure she'll fit in your bathroom with no problems.

Be careful.

 

That really bites OctaneGuy! I don't think we'll ever figure out why people are such losers! Shame shame shame...

 

dont call hubby call the cops!

 

Seriously, what the HELL is wrong with people!?! RG - if you don't already know defensive (physical) moves, it might be a good idea...although, with your temper -- ESPECIALLY if they actually did anything to Viola -- you might be ok anyway. Octaneguy - sorry to see that. I just don't get people.

 

Glad that your OK. If you haven't by now, you should carry a small can of pepper spray.

 

Another reason for a CCW permit. Just bought a Ruger SR9, taking the class in December.

 

Debatable.

 

True, not for everyone but that is my personal choice. After being run off the road by two jerks in a jeep as I was coming back from a car show in my 75 Datsun 280z and them wanting to confront me at the next traffic light with one of them jumping out of their car and calling me to their car, yeah, I'll carry something with me and use it within the guidelines set for CCW.

 

Take classes to shoot with pepper spray. Hit a 300LB guy in the eye and he'll be screaming for mommy.

 

Agreed! Honestly, most of the time, people really bug me. One of the things I liked about the MINI crowd is that most seem to be good-spirited (and I'm not talking about spirited driving). Then I hear about this stuff and my hope and joy sinks b/c of these idiots.

Sorry for both of you, RG and OctaneGuy.

 

wow seems you got out there just in time...

as far as washing goes... just gotta bear the cold lol. I washed mine today...said it was 36 degrees out... May have been as i started slipping on the ice from my rinse water. Least the garage is heated for drying

 

Thanks for the concern guys. Most of my shopping pals are typically armed. This was an unusual situation for me. I don't normally shop at that store, and I don't normally go out in my MINI alone at night, because I don't know of any place in this area where that is safe. I always get approached about the car after dark, and sometimes it's by curious folk, other times, it's by police officers wanting to know if I am okay and twice now, it has been jerks like this who were trying to break into my car.

I choose not to own a firearm because I have teenagers, and no offense to any teens on the forum, but teenagers do stupid things and I'd rather not run the risk of having it happen in my home. But I have thought about taking martial arts though and am planning to look into it once NaNo is over.

You guys all get big virtual hugs and OG, please let us know how the fix on your MINI goes. I still feel horrible for what happened to you. Whoever did it deserves to have natural selection select them.

 

Ahem...I repeat. A small can of pepper spray.

Seriously though, if you were in a dangerous situation and your life depended on it. Spray them in the face, and while their distracted, one solid kick to the crotch. It's every man/woman for them self!

 

I can understand the no pistol.

Get that pepper spray that comes out in a
stream not a fog for your purse.
Also you can get a big can for bears.
(not joking) It's 10% instead of 5% I think.

GLAD YOU ARE OK.

 

Was really busy yesterday so I didn't get to check the boards, just wanted to add my concern for you and viola.

It's really a sign of things when a person has to be afraid of going to the store at night.

Gotta love the PS, great for staying clean looking. Although I just noticed three rather deep gouges on my hood the other day, rocks suck!