I think I was being scouted...

[Ronin13]

So I live in Lakewood (as it says on my member banner) and was on my way home from work today when I noticed a car behind me making all the same moves as me- I turned off of Simms onto 4th, they turned, I turned right on the next street, they followed, then I turned onto the street my apartment complex is on and into my complex, they followed again. I thought maybe they were going to the complex to visit a friend but when I went to my area of the lot and parked they pulled into a spot (all reserved parking too) and turned around and left. My first thought after parking was 'these guys are scouting me and are probably going to come back later to try to break in and rob or even take my car.' Now, I would like to get to bed early tonight and from my apartment I can't see my car (it's on the opposite side of the building), and I really don't want to go hang around outside all night and wait for them to show up so I can introduce them to my 1911. I've already taken all of my valuables out of the car and pretty much just left them with trash, but that still won't help if they break in trying to steal stuff (broken windows and who knows what else) or worse, try to take my car. What do I do here? All I could gather from them was it was a late model (80's/Early 90's) Buick or Chrysler sedan (goldish color) with California plates- not enough to go on for a police investigation. I'm planning on either going out periodically to check on things (like every hour or so) or course CC with my .45, or my brother suggested parking on the street below my balcony and leaving my windows in my apartment open and listen for alarm or glass breaking and go pay the guys a visit with a locked and loaded M415 5.56 aimed at them and wait for Lakewood PD backup to arrive... Need some help here guys, thanks.

[DD977GM2]

So I live in Lakewood (as it says on my member banner) and was on my way home from work today when I noticed a car behind me making all the same moves as me- I turned off of Simms onto 4th, they turned, I turned right on the next street, they followed, then I turned onto the street my apartment complex is on and into my complex, they followed again. I thought maybe they were going to the complex to visit a friend but when I went to my area of the lot and parked they pulled into a spot (all reserved parking too) and turned around and left. My first thought after parking was 'these guys are scouting me and are probably going to come back later to try to break in and rob or even take my car.' Now, I would like to get to bed early tonight and from my apartment I can't see my car (it's on the opposite side of the building), and I really don't want to go hang around outside all night and wait for them to show up so I can introduce them to my 1911. I've already taken all of my valuables out of the car and pretty much just left them with trash, but that still won't help if they break in trying to steal stuff (broken windows and who knows what else) or worse, try to take my car. What do I do here? All I could gather from them was it was a late model (80's/Early 90's) Buick or Chrysler sedan (goldish color) with California plates- not enough to go on for a police investigation. I'm planning on either going out periodically to check on things (like every hour or so) or course CC with my .45, or my brother suggested parking on the street below my balcony and leaving my windows in my apartment open and listen for alarm or glass breaking and go pay the guys a visit with a locked and loaded M415 5.56 aimed at them and wait for Lakewood PD backup to arrive... Need some help here guys, thanks.

Best advice I can think of or ask your brother to swap cars with you for the night
and that way they wont come back based on the assumption you were visiting when they tailed you.

[NitroxBoss]

Best advice I can think of or ask your brother to swap cars with you for the night
and that way they wont come back bsedon the asumption you were visiting when they tailed you.

Now THAT is a good idea!

[brianakell]

Could be coincedence, but doubtful. Could be just some kids messing with people too. If you noticed them for this long, why did you take them home, and/or not write down the license plate?

Id think wiping all handles etc with a clean cloth to remove your finger prints, that way if something does happen, you could have the car dusted and probably get their prints. Moving the car may be a good idea too, so you can listen (and not sleep).

Make sure insurance has coverage for comprehensive.

One thought would be to actually put trash in the car so it looks like there is nothing in it worth stealing, and it looks less tempting than the next guys car!

[mcantar18c]

I'll come babysit the car. Will work for food + beer.

[SideShow Bob]

Moving your car to below your balcony is a good start. I don't know about the legality of pointing a firearm at someone in a parking lot, your life not being threatened and not in your home, even if you catch them breaking into your car.
Remove your registration and anything with your name and address on it, and disconnect the battery cable so if they do try to steal your car it won't start.
Set up a video camera pointed at your car to record anyone tampering with it. Then you will have something to take to the police.

Wishing you well,

SSB.

[jhood001]

Best advice I can think of or ask your brother to swap cars with you for the night
and that way they wont come back bsedon the asumption you were visiting when they tailed you.

F'ing smart!

Probably coincidence anyway. If your bro already split, bring the battery in for the night.

[sneakerd]

Don't kill someone over your car.

[jackthewall81]

Don't kill someone over your car.

[275RLTW]

Leave the guns alone. If someone is not endangering your life, someone elses, or any of the oher provisions in CRS, then you don't need the guns. You've got the wrong mindset...cars are replaceable, people are not.