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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forumsan interesting diliema. what would you do
a friend of mine had his macbook stolen. he has back to my mac installed so he knows where its located.
he called the cops but they havent done anything to retrieve it yet. (its been 24 hours). its located in a seedy part of town
what would you do?
1. wait for the cops for who know how long
2. retrieve it yourself using force if needed.
Skinner
(63,645 posts)You wait for the cops.
It's just a computer.
Ian David
(69,059 posts)yellerpup
(12,249 posts)Patience, please.
rdking647
(5,113 posts)yellerpup
(12,249 posts)Don't put your life in danger for a computer. Check with the police for an update on when you can expect your property to be returned to you and don't be surprised if it is not the first priority of the day for them.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)"how long do you wait?"
You wait until your safety is less important than a gadget...?
MineralMan
(146,116 posts)For many reasons. Keep bugging the cops about it. Do they know how he knows where the computer is?
rdking647
(5,113 posts)pipi_k
(21,020 posts)the law into their own hands are playing with their lives.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)TexasProgresive
(12,147 posts)Arkansas Granny
(31,477 posts)Be polite, but be aware that they may have more pressing matters than recovering a computer.
FSogol
(45,312 posts)Wait for the police. What good is a Mac full of bullet holes?
Nye Bevan
(25,406 posts)to "retrieve his own stuff, using force if necessary"? That didn't end well.
ecstatic
(32,532 posts)socialindependocrat
(1,372 posts)You have knowledge of where it is and you have reported it to the police.
As always, time is of the essence.
The people who have it may be associated with other crimes (B&E)
and the police may be accumulating info for a bigger sting.
Of course - they won't say anything to you about that!
You may tell the police that this is the 4th time you've called and if they don't
do something you will get friends and go get it yourself and report the incident to
the newspapers.
That's an idea! Call the newspapers and go over there with some friends and the
news cameras. How can you get hurt with them filming the whole thing?
Ian David
(69,059 posts)... and have THEM contact a local TV station, to do a story about how their software finds stolen computers.
myrna minx
(22,772 posts)ieoeja
(9,748 posts)911: "Do not do that. It is not safe."
You: "I reported it's location over 24 hours ago. I have called repeatedly. The police have refused to pick it up. So I am going to retrieve it myself."
911: "Seriousy, sir. That is a really bad idea. You may get badly injured."
You: "I guess that will be partly the police department's fault. I am leaving right now and should arrive in about N:NN. If you don't want me getting it myself, then the police need to get there before me."
Hang-up.
Drive to location. If you do not see the police, call them to see if they have retrieved your computer. If not, inform them you are at the location and going in. If they tell you the police are on their way, wait. If not, try to bluff them.
This should work. If not ... depends on a lot of factors. Is it unfriendly territory? Do you believe the thief to be violent (most are not)? If so, can you legally carry a firearm?
AngryAmish
(25,704 posts)Justice will be served.
quinnox
(20,600 posts)ask questions later. Duh.
Loving the John Wayne macho talk bullshit though.
Seriously, I would come to realize that a program that tracks your computer may have limitations, the police are not going to view a stupid stolen computer as a high priority. Most likely they won't do a damn thing, and you either buy a new computer or risk getting it back yourself like a total idiot, risking your life and freedom and being just as stupid as OJ Simpson was.
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)That laptop isn't coming back.
lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)"Look, I think they're Iranians."
bighart
(1,565 posts)I could be wrong but if the police recover it, it may end up being held as evidence for awhile as well. This will be pretty low on their priority list any way, unless you live in a very small town and they don't have anything better to do. Going to retrieve it is not going to end well.
socialindependocrat
(1,372 posts)and it would be dangerous to go after it your self so give up and take the loss.
This is the problem: What do we pay police for if they never stop a crime, get there on time,
don't retrieve stolen items and don't protect the rights of the common person?
Let's come up with some solutions here instead of paying taxes and
getting nothing in return.