I went to my local Tampa movieplex Sunday night and parked my car under a light in an aisle where one side of the car was against a concrete/grass island (so pretty isolated). I walked to the plex and I had a wierd feeling all the way there...my buddy commented that some A+-$#@* is probably going to park next to you anyway.

I'm in my seat w/ 15 min. until the previews start and I couldn't shake that feeling. I got up decided to check on the E55 and move it. Damned if an old yellow caddy (spinners and all) was parked next to me...I checked for dings and moved the car closer to the theater next to another concrete/grass island (next to a minivan).

So, I'm walking back to theater and I notice 3 boys (probably 13-15 y/o) around a fast and furious integra (ugly and misaligned bodykit) in the same row that I parked. I'm thinking "DAMN!!!!" I take one last look before I lose sight of them and they are NEXT to my car..."DAMN" again...so 3-4 minutes of them hanging around my car, I notice one of them bend down out of sight...I immediately walk to my car and when I get closer to them they start to run!!!!

I get to my car and find one of my AMG tire valve covers missing...two other girls came up to me and told me they were sitting in there car and were watching them take something from the car...I told them thanks and jumped in my car and drove in the direction they ran towards.

Not more than a minute later, I find them walking on sidewalk close to a local Starbucks...I drive up next to them and jump out and start yelling to them that I know that they were next to my car (ala witnesses) and that I wanted my tire valve cover back.

At first they denied everything, then I started to get louder and popped my trunk and grabbed 1/2 of custom pool stick I have. I told them (bluffing my *** off) that if they did not give back what they took that I would "break there legs." Then I started to see real fear in their eyes and they started to pull money out of their pockets telling me that they would pay for the valve cover. I told them I did not want their money, just what they took...then they admitted they took it and dropped it on the ground when they saw me.

I told them look for it and they started to scramble around their feet looking for the AMG valve cover...they found it...I told them I was young once but they needed to try to not be stupid and they ran off.

OK...I probably went overboard, but I can not stand when kids do stupid things and get away with them...no consequences for something this small, means they will try bigger and more idiotic things. I don't know...what would you do?

I went back to the movies, with all the AMG valve covers in my pocket (I put them back on after the movie).

PS Shaun of the Dead was a great zombie flick.

 

Glad you caught them... maybe they'll stay away from mine next time I park it at International Mall.

 

What a story! I hear you man, I hear you about those kids. It's a good thing you found them eventually and they gave in. Hope you don't have to go through that again.

 

U should've taken their lug nuts;

 

After "losing" 2 of my AMG valve stem caps, I replaced all 4 with cheap chrome Checker Auto Parts caps. Then my wife's SLK 320 gets its M-B Star caps jacked... back to Checker for 4 more cheapies. It has been 6 months... looks like no one wants THESE caps!

 

Harvey...I was at Starlight 20 in Tampa Palms...but it can happen anywhere...its happened @ Brandon AMC Regency multiplex w/ my CLK (just aluminum caps, though).

 

AMGfan you did very well by teaching those kids a valuable lessen I hope they didn’t pee there pants though lol

 

I don't relish having to do it...it's just a shame I had to do it at all...

 

should have beaten them anyway. Just to really teach them a lesson. Little f#cks. I do not tolarate any BS around my car. All I have is a c320 SS. If I had a E55 AMG, I would be twice as ****. I take my beater to the movies anyway. I don't care if anyone does anything to that car. Plus in the movies there is a greater chance of the car being stolen because they know how long they have to steal the car. Movie 1.5 to 2 hours to work whatever magic to take that amazing beast.

 

Nice job with the pool cue!! Too bad you didn't have a chainsaw or some tire chains to give them the scare of their lives....nice work.

DG

 

Way to go, problem solved!

 

ohh man, why couldnt I have been there to see that.

 

my AMG valve caps only lasted 1 month

 

Same thing happen to me. Someone stole my AMG stems!!!

 

Good job! I agree with ernster; I only have a C230K SS, but if that happened to me and I saw those kids, I would have done the same or even beat there asses... I think I'll pass on buying nice valve caps now though...

 

I dont understand why these ppl steal such trivial things. Chances are they they dont drive an AMG, so what is there use of them? Is it a nice centerpeice at the dinner table? I try not to take the AMG to the places where it has a chance of getting messed with. I love taking it but its sad the ppl just cant be trusted. Instead, just gota take the G-wagen (nice alternative i know)

 

to you for doing the right thing! Unfortunately, I've watched the concept of respect for others' private property become increasingly rare, largely due to parental neglect in teaching kids right from wrong. Pi$$es me off no end. Great move with the pool cue - just the touch needed to lend some authority to your words!

Damn - looking to rip off AMG tire valve covers? Guess it's time to look for a locking version! LOL

 

You showed them what for! Way to go Maybe they will think twice before messin with someones car.

 

Good for you!

 

Beowulf...I agree...I'm 38 and my dad ingrained the fear of God in me...I remember I was 9 and I was acting up in the car because I didn't want to go to the mall...he stopped the car, pulled me out, and drove off for about half a mile. He came back and asked if I wanted to go to the mall now...between my bawling like a *****...I said yes.

You can't do that now...now most kids aren't afraid of their parents, much less some guy they don't know that has a nice car. My dad started when I was a baby...you can't start disciplining kids in their teens...you can try...but it is pretty hard to succeed.

Bottomline...kids have to learn their is a consequence to every action they make...some don't get it...

 

AMGfan: Big thumbs up.

In similar situation, I just bring my Russian accent back. Works wonders.

 

I've gotta try that...cause a traditional Filipino accent would probably make them laugh in my face.

 

Dunno about Tampa, but when I was on a consulting job in Silicon Valley a few years ago, the Filipino powers-that-be were definitely to be reckoned with, as in supposedly-friendly card games settled by UZI fire.

 

At 13-15 y/o...I don't think they would get the serious tenor that you speak of...but I know what you mean...my pops is still old school and when he raises his voice I still stand at attention!!!

 

I am glad everything ended up fine without any one getting hurt. Be careful next time cause there are some kids who are not fearful and may challenge your cue stick with something like a handgun.