I put this one in the category of “some people just refuse to listen.” I suppose I could go further with “too stupid to live,” but given what happened, I’ll cut them slack. It’s no secret that Ford Super Duty trucks (particularly diesel 4x4’s) are being deliberately targeted and stolen in Penasco at an alarming rate. I’ve already posted two threads on this subject; this is the third. If you own one of these trucks and you haven’t taken steps to totally ignition disable it, count on kissing it good-bye the next time you drive it to Rocky Point. This weekend, we stayed at a casita at Whale Hill campground. We’ve stayed there many times before; it’s a quiet, comfortable place and we know Rueben Mendez, the owner, very well. When we got back in from fishing Saturday evening, I noticed some folks in the RV site next to us had come down. Dark blue diesel F-250, very nice truck, lifted, custom wheels, 4x4, with a white cargo trailer they used to bring down a golf cart. I made a point to talk with them and warned them to watch the truck very closely, told them an attempt had been made to steal mine and that a close friend had his stolen the following week. Even told them the steps I had taken on my truck (Jimmi Jammers and Ravelco) to prevent it from being stolen. Showed them the Ravelco cap and explained how it worked. The young guy thanked me for letting him know. Audi and I showered and went out for dinner, came back in about 11:00 and passed out from a long day of being on the water. I got up about 6:00 Sunday morning and went out front of the casita to see how the day looked. Said “good morning” to the folks next door. They looked at me and said – “They stole the truck!!” Sure enough, it was gone. Looked like they dragged it with the trailer a bit, then disconnected the trailer and left it there. They were pretty distraught. Wife’s purse, credit cards, passport, etc. were locked in the truck. They had no idea of what to do or how to go about anything. I mentioned that I had warned one of their group yesterday to watch the truck and they said yes, he told us that. Then came the defining line of stupidity – “We didn’t think it would happen to us.” Gee, that’s funny – I didn’t think it would happen to me and Mark didn’t think it would happen to him either. BUT GUESS WHAT?? IT DID! They even had the courtesy of my detailed warning the night before it happened. Oh well, I feel sorry for them. The truck wasn’t even theirs; a friend had loaned it to them to bring down the golf cart. Oopsy! I bet they’ve lost that friend! By the way, my truck? Sitting within 20 feet of theirs, no trailer, an easier target to steal (one would think). I noticed a new scratch on my driver’s door. As if someone with a screwdriver was pissed off and just swiped it against the door paint. Both doors now have window stickers indicating that Jimmi Jammers and Ravelco Anti-Theft Device are installed. Did those stickers make a difference? Who knows, but other than a new scratch, my truck was still sitting there with no punched locks; they didn’t even bother to try and steal it. That made the installation of both those systems worth every penny to me.
So read this and prepare/beware or read this and ignore it. They are scoping out these trucks in advance and know how to quickly steal them in the middle of the night, no matter how “safe” you think the area is where you park it. Do not count on hotel security, there isn’t any. Security is not going put their ass (or their family’s respective asses) on the line with the narcos over your truck. It's just that simple.
Stuart, I think it is unfare that you can type ASS and we do not, sorry just double checked and we can, must be four letter words!! and what is that that they say, you can teach an.........
There is a word filter in this new forum software. I have not looked at all the words that it is set to filter, but you can assume most "four-letter" words are on that list. And yes, it filters then for me as well as for everyone else. No special "Allow Cuss Words" settings!
By the way, it was good to finally meet you and Joe on Sat. night! Good seeing Seadweller, Jim, and AZbeachboy too! Cameltoe was really hopping and, in general, there was a pretty good crowd in town this weekend.
I drive a 1986 Ford custom one ton Econovan trailer hauler and an older Ford Ranger. Both vehicles are in tip top mechanical condition because I maintain them. Nobody ever bothers them. There's something to be said for age.
That's really just sad that the narcos are moving into RP and stealing vehicles (Ford 4x4 Diesels) this often. I will be sure to take every precaution on the Commander this coming weekend.
The narcos are not moving in here..There are people who live here in the business just like there is in Phx and Tuc. The trucks being stolen are probably used in running drugs north then abandoned in the states. The narco guys make about 250 million a week in profit I doubt very much that they want your truck for pleasure cruising. I have lived here coming up on 4 years and maybe its just where I hang out but I dont have my vehicles stolen. Stuart are you a salesperson for the anti theft devices you keep talking about? Trouble seems to follow you very close and I for one do not understand it. Regardless of where you live you should have sufficient protection against theft. I just got an email from my niece that lives in UK that her house was robbed the other day and all of her valuables were stolen. I still cant find one post about locking your doors when visiting the UK though. things that make you go "what the?"
I totally agree. Everytime I go into RP, or even just to the grocery store here in AZ, I take certain precautions to protect my assets. I lock my house, lock my car, set my alarm, etc. The same precautions taken in your normal life should also be taken when you vacation and visit RP. I'm not trying to say that it is an epidemic that is taking over RP and that it's no longer safe to go down any more. I am simply stating that I will take the standard precautions to protect my vehicle as I would no matter where I was going.
I understand that it is not the narcos that are taking the trucks, it's just their minions. I read elsewhere that the minions are only getting a small amount for each truck they bring to the narcos. Something like $1000 bucks a truck. I'd find a different buyer if I were them. This issue goes much deeper and further than the local minions that are stealing trucks in RP. I mean if the border agents would just recognize the stolen vehicle and stop them at that point, it would make a big difference. But then that's just my 2 cents.
As far as I know it is not a recent thing ford trucks have always been the target for thieves here. Since I have been coming for over 10 years now I have heard of ford trucks being stolen.
The Mexican policia told my buddy (who lost his Ford almost 2 years ago) that the theives had master keys.Doesn't explain the destruction of the ignition sometimes. His was not destroyed.
There's always been the presence of the so called Mexican Mafia in Rocky Point. It's a major distribution area for drugs and human trafficing. I've avoided involvement, but I've always been acquainted with people who are. Yes, I do sometimes travel in low places .
Incidentally I'd like to brag a little bit about my Econoline 5th wheel hauler which is just one year short of being a classic. My friends Clint and Lorine bought it new along with a 42' 5th wheel. They intended to tour the US with it. Shortly after they bought it Clint suffered a stroke which put a kaibosh on their plans. The only trip they ever made with it was bob-tailed to New Mexico and back. The rest of the time it only went three miles at a whack to the casinos and back. When I bought it from Lorine after Clint died a few years back it only had 26.000 mi. on it. I admired it when they bought it, and I still like it pretty well.
The title says Ford, and it has a Ford insignia on it but it was built by Custom Motor Coach Company. It's called a Magnum. I'm told there were only five like it made. It has a 7.3 liter International diesel engine when the standard for Ford that year was 6.9 liter. It has two fully adjustable captains chairs with folding armrests up front, and the back seat folds down to a spacious comfortable bed. It has "bordello lights" in the ceiling of the cab. The entertainment system has front and rear adjustable speakers. It's a comfortable kind of luxurious spacious quiet cab.
The body is mostly fiberglass without a ding in it and spare tires mounted in each side. The pin-striped paint is a little oxidized, but it still looks pretty good off of a running horse. I don't mind that a bit since I am mostly utility minded. One drawback is that it doesnt get super fuel economy bob-tailed because it has low gears for heavy hauling. It gets pretty good economy puling our 36' 5th wheel though. Because of the heat in Bullhead and Laughlin for so many years I had to replace almost all of the rubber and plastic in the engine compartment. After leaving a gallon or so of oil on the road, I think it cost me upwards of $3 K to replace engine gaskets and all. The motor isn't even really broke in yet. It's a pretty nice rig and I like it better than just about any truck I've had. It's also old enough I don't think anyone would want to steal it. It's unique enough I don't think it would be very good for any incospicuous smuggling. I cross the border with it enough that customs sometimeas gives it a pretty thorough going ovrer.
Incidentally I'd like to brag a little bit about my Econoline 5th wheel hauler which is just one year short of being a classic. My friends Clint and Lorine bought it new along with a 42' 5th wheel. They intended to tour the US with it. Shortly after they bought it Clint suffered a stroke which put a kaibosh on their plans. The only trip they ever made with it was bob-tailed to New Mexico and back. The rest of the time it only went three miles at a whack to the casinos and back. When I bought it from Lorine after Clint died a few years back it only had 26.000 mi. on it. I admired it when they bought it, and I still like it pretty well.
The title says Ford, and it has a Ford insignia on it but it was built by Custom Motor Coach Company. It's called a Magnum. I'm told there were only five like it made. It has a 7.3 liter International diesel engine when the standard for Ford that year was 6.9 liter. It has two fully adjustable captains chairs with folding armrests up front, and the back seat folds down to a spacious comfortable bed. It has "bordello lights" in the ceiling of the cab. The entertainment system has front and rear adjustable speakers. It's a comfortable kind of luxurious spacious quiet cab.
The body is mostly fiberglass without a ding in it and spare tires mounted in each side. The pin-striped paint is a little oxidized, but it still looks pretty good off of a running horse. I don't mind that a bit since I am mostly utility minded. One drawback is that it doesnt get super fuel economy bob-tailed because it has low gears for heavy hauling. It gets pretty good economy puling our 36' 5th wheel though. Because of the heat in Bullhead and Laughlin for so many years I had to replace almost all of the rubber and plastic in the engine compartment. After leaving a gallon or so of oil on the road, I think it cost me upwards of $3 K to replace engine gaskets and all. The motor isn't even really broke in yet. It's a pretty nice rig and I like it better than just about any truck I've had. It's also old enough I don't think anyone would want to steal it. It's unique enough I don't think it would be very good for any incospicuous smuggling. I cross the border with it enough that customs sometimeas gives it a pretty thorough going ovrer.
Silly question or maybe not. What year are these cars? I don't have a "truck" truck but I have 2004 Chevy Trailblazer EXT (aka the "Land Yacht). It's certainly not a 4x4. I think the wheels might fall off if you tried to jump a curb. That said, next month it will spend a good deal of time the weekend we're down at the PDS where I know there have been problems. I'm trying to guage if I should be concerned or would they not give mine a second look. You know, POS model aand all. ;)
Hmmm... do you guys hear anything about gas engine Ford trucks being lifted as well, or is it just the diesels?
I'm going down this weekend and I'm seriously debating whether I should leave the F-150 at home and tow the boat down with my wife's Mountaineer instead...
Using big 4 X 4s isn't the only way they smuggle drugs. There's a body shop in Peñasco that specializes in hiding drugs in high end cars like the Lexus. They do great work that's even pretty hard to distinguish from new. If only 10% of them get caught, the profit margin is still pretty high.
I didn't purposefully become acquainted with them. They didn't have "Mafia" printed on their foreheads when I took them fishing. I definitely don't codone what they do. They're nice enough guys to go fishing with. I didn't find out 'til later what they did. I started avoiding them when they told me what they did. Lots of Mexicans look up to them 'cause they have lots of money and political pull. I don't travel in low circles on purpose.
Candy Cake Bakery is one block (or so) off Benito Juarez. Left turn going into town. Near the Old Albatross Bus Station. You can see it from Benito Juarez. Drive past the bakery 1 and 1/2 blocks. Shop is on the same side of the street as Candy Cake. A friend has a Jeep Wagoneer there now for a total re-do. Hope you get a good quote.
Roberto
Candy Cake Bakery is one block (or so) off Benito Juarez. Left turn going into town. Near the Old Albatross Bus Station. You can see it from Benito Juarez. Drive past the bakery 1 and 1/2 blocks. Shop is on the same side of the street as Candy Cake. A friend has a Jeep Wagoneer there now for a total re-do. Hope you get a good quote.
Roberto
Forget the body shop. I'm happy to know where the bakery is!
I was just in a Panaderia (Bakery) a couple of blocks off Josefa in a neighborhood area that was incredible. I'll get directios and post in the restaurant section.
I think this explains the drop in AZ and the rise in Mexico truck theft:
PHOENIX -- Phoenix has made an impressive move downward in the number of auto thefts, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau's "Hot Spots" Report.
The Phoenix metropolitan area dropped to 40th place in 2009 after ranking No. 1 in 2001. It was 19th in 2008.
Brian Salata with the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority said law enforcement has made incredible strides against auto theft, which often is tied to illegal immigration.
"Auto theft has always traditionally been found to be a part of smuggling activities here in the state," Salata said.
The Crime Insurance Bureau said one reason auto thefts are down is because better technology is making cars harder to steal.
"I think peoople have been using more common sense," Salata said. "I think you see more and more use of different technologies -- such as GPS tracking systems that a lot of people have on their new cars."
Tucson dropped to 24th in 2009, down from 13th in 2008. Laredo, Texas, was No. 1 for auto thefts last year. Modesto, Calif., was No. 2.
Stuart, did we finally ban MexicoRuss?! What does a house getting broken into in the UK have anything to do with a particular theft problem in RP? Do these people not understand that there is a truck theft problem concerning Ford Deisel 4x4's in RP? Facts are facts, and if someone says that it is factual information that 3 or 4 Ford 4x4's have been stolen then I would say that is quantitative factual information. Stuart is mearly the messanger and I for one appreciate having knowledge of such incidents. As a public service it is our responsibility to warn people of the problem, nothing more. Stuart, I would definitely chalk one up for the anti-theft on your vehicle if somebody tried to steal the truck with a trailer attached over yours. Im a firm believer that little things like those warning stickers can deter theft because obviously the theif doesnt want to encounter even the slightest inconvenience when lifting the truck. Last of all, bahiatrader, how many buuullshiiiitt storys do you have? Claiming you are friends with cartel is about the hottest thing Ive heard, and obviously nobody cares about your FORD VAN BECAUSE THIS IS A FORD TRUCK PROBLEM. Things you say become less credible everytime i hear some bull**** claim about how you have befriended cartel. Thanks
Hey Russ don't get all mad.I've been banned more times than any sane forum poster and still keep on firing.... is Happy in the penalty box these days?
On the truck post by Sub it seems to me the same ratio of Ford trucks with extra security should apply to RP and the retarded city to the North of Tucson so why is it theft down in occupied Northern Arizona and up in RP?
I think it's because of stepped up efforts to catch and deport illegals. Maybe they are finding it too hard to come to Phoenix to steal a truck, drive it to Mexico, then drive it back loaded with dope.
when Cali legalizes weed the narcos are going to be so broke they will have to start heisting Toyota s!
Submarine said:
I think it's because of stepped up efforts to catch and deport illegals. Maybe they are finding it too hard to come to Phoenix to steal a truck, drive it to Mexico, then drive it back loaded with dope.
When Cali legalizes weed a lot of Arizonan's will end their retaliatory boycott against that state and start making regular trips. Now they'll have to haul larger loads of dope farther north so more chances to catch them.
Just had my Ravelco installed. I am not afraid. The install is very professional and it will be impossible for anyone to steal my F350 unless they tow it away.