May catch an identity thief today

[Sayonara925]

So last night I received an email from the cable TV company saying my parent's new service install will be postponed (parents are elderly and I handle their accounts, bills, etc).  WTH?, parents wouldn't order new service without telling me.  Email includes address and unit # for the installation in a city about 15 minutes away.  Something fishy going on here.

I call the cable company and after some explanation how there's some mistake, the agent confirms that someone phoned in an order using my mom's identity and ordered full-blown services (TV, phone, internet, HBO, Showtime, everything) to be connected at their apartment or condo.  Somehow they know my parent's PIN number for the account (how, I have no idea) and the cable company was all set to go install it this week.  I proceeded to cancel the order and change a bunch of security aspects of the account and now have to decide what to do further about this, like today.

Having the address and unit # of the apparent identity thief, I'm at least going to the police with the info to request the person be arrested.  Crazy, huh?

[2lazy2retire]

Yeah right

[jmusic]

Yeah right

Huh?

I guess this could be fishing for article content elsewhere...

Anyway, step #1 would be to get a fraud alert on their credit profiles.

[Sayonara925]

Yeah right

Huh?

I guess this could be fishing for article content elsewhere...

Anyway, step #1 would be to get a fraud alert on their credit profiles.

Not sure what the "yeah right" comment is about.  Also the "fishing" comment.

Yeah, credit is now frozen with the bureaus.  Now off to see what the police in that city will actually do about it.

[surfhb]

The comment was directed at what the police can do about it since there's no proof of illegal intent.    It's cool that you're on top of your parent situation though. 

[Eric]

Good lookin out Sayonara925!  However, I'm also skeptical that the police will do anything with this info.  Let us know.

[Sayonara925]

We'll see.  The way I envision it is there's someone (the id thief) waiting at home today for the cable TV guy to come install their illegal service.  What's amazing to me, and the agent I spoke with at the cable company, is the thief has actually given their home address.  My hope is the police will at least go there and confront that person.  I don't know much about this kind of thing, but this person has obviously committed fraud.

My dad got a $70 ticket last month for not curbing his tires completely.  Jeez...you'd think this was a bit worse offense.

[frugalnacho]

It seems like the person will have plausible deniability.

police: Did you try to commit identity theft and get cable installed?
thief: No.  I never saw any cable guy.  They never installed cable.  I don't know what you're talking about.

I mean if they could arrest him for that, it's pretty scary.  What's to stop someone from calling the cable company and authorizing them to install cable your house?  Then they call and cancel the set up, can call the police and claim you stole their identity. 

Seems like it might have been better to let them go ahead and go through with the installation just to catch the guy.  What's his excuse going to be after he lets the cable company into his house to install cable he didn't order?

[Sayonara925]

It seems like the person will have plausible deniability.

police: Did you try to commit identity theft and get cable installed?
thief: No.  I never saw any cable guy.  They never installed cable.  I don't know what you're talking about.

I mean if they could arrest him for that, it's pretty scary.  What's to stop someone from calling the cable company and authorizing them to install cable your house?  Then they call and cancel the set up, can call the police and claim you stole their identity. 

Seems like it might have been better to let them go ahead and go through with the installation just to catch the guy.  What's his excuse going to be after he lets the cable company into his house to install cable he didn't order?

Dude, you're right.  It would have been better to let them do the install!  My knee jerk reaction and the cable co agent was to cancel the order to avoid charges, etc on my mom's account.  Crap, I should've thought this through better.  But I think once the agent had figured out the fraud, they would have proceeded themselves to cancel the order to protect the company.

Edit: Google mapped where the thief lives.  Curious to know if it's a stranger or someone known.  I don't recognize the place from the street view.  Looks multi-unit, so hard to tell who it may be.  The culprit must have known parent's name and that they already have service with this particular company.  Also the acct PIN #.  I'm wondering if there's a company employee involved.

[Jersey Brett]

My dad got a $70 ticket last month for not curbing his tires completely.  Jeez...you'd think this was a bit worse offense.

Didnt know you could get a ticket for that!

[jmusic]

Also the "fishing" comment.

Some people post fake problems/questions on online forums so that other people can do instant research for their blog articles.

[2lazy2retire]

It seems like the person will have plausible deniability.

police: Did you try to commit identity theft and get cable installed?
thief: No.  I never saw any cable guy.  They never installed cable.  I don't know what you're talking about.

I mean if they could arrest him for that, it's pretty scary.  What's to stop someone from calling the cable company and authorizing them to install cable your house?  Then they call and cancel the set up, can call the police and claim you stole their identity. 

Seems like it might have been better to let them go ahead and go through with the installation just to catch the guy.  What's his excuse going to be after he lets the cable company into his house to install cable he didn't order?

Dude, you're right.  It would have been better to let them do the install!  My knee jerk reaction and the cable co agent was to cancel the order to avoid charges, etc on my mom's account.  Crap, I should've thought this through better.  But I think once the agent had figured out the fraud, they would have proceeded themselves to cancel the order to protect the company.

Edit: Google mapped where the thief lives.  Curious to know if it's a stranger or someone known.  I don't recognize the place from the street view.  Looks multi-unit, so hard to tell who it may be.  The culprit must have known parent's name and that they already have service with this particular company.  Also the acct PIN #.  I'm wondering if there's a company employee involved.

"What's his excuse going to be after he lets the cable company into his house to install cable he didn't order?" - IDK this identity thief does not appear to be the sharpest tool in the shed - stealing a service and providing an address to have said stole service installed - but if it was me

"officer - I thought it was a promotion - free cable for 6 months"

"I'm wondering if there's a company employee involved" - ahh FFS what next - "come back next week when all is revealed"

[southern granny]

I would still report it.  It is possible that he has done this kind of thing before and this would give the police something else to use against him.  you never know.  He could be on parole and this would send him back. 

[frugalnacho]

It seems like the person will have plausible deniability.

police: Did you try to commit identity theft and get cable installed?
thief: No.  I never saw any cable guy.  They never installed cable.  I don't know what you're talking about.

I mean if they could arrest him for that, it's pretty scary.  What's to stop someone from calling the cable company and authorizing them to install cable your house?  Then they call and cancel the set up, can call the police and claim you stole their identity. 

Seems like it might have been better to let them go ahead and go through with the installation just to catch the guy.  What's his excuse going to be after he lets the cable company into his house to install cable he didn't order?

Dude, you're right.  It would have been better to let them do the install!  My knee jerk reaction and the cable co agent was to cancel the order to avoid charges, etc on my mom's account.  Crap, I should've thought this through better.  But I think once the agent had figured out the fraud, they would have proceeded themselves to cancel the order to protect the company.

Edit: Google mapped where the thief lives.  Curious to know if it's a stranger or someone known.  I don't recognize the place from the street view.  Looks multi-unit, so hard to tell who it may be.  The culprit must have known parent's name and that they already have service with this particular company.  Also the acct PIN #.  I'm wondering if there's a company employee involved.

"What's his excuse going to be after he lets the cable company into his house to install cable he didn't order?" - IDK this identity thief does not appear to be the sharpest tool in the shed - stealing a service and providing an address to have said stole service installed - but if it was me

"officer - I thought it was a promotion - free cable for 6 months"

"I'm wondering if there's a company employee involved" - ahh FFS what next - "come back next week when all is revealed"

I'm pretty sure they make you sign a service agreement during installation.  It would contain the name of the person ordering it, signing for it, and the terms of service and payment.  It would undeniably point to fraud. 

I really don't know what his game plan was.  The only way I could see this working is if you commit the fraud, and the person you are stealing from never notices or figures it out, and just pays for your service indefinitely.  That seems like it has a low probability of happening though, so I don't really understand what the end game was supposed to be.  I am guessing he just isn't very bright and didn't think it through.

[bacchi]

I really don't know what his game plan was.  The only way I could see this working is if you commit the fraud, and the person you are stealing from never notices or figures it out, and just pays for your service indefinitely.  That seems like it has a low probability of happening though, so I don't really understand what the end game was supposed to be.  I am guessing he just isn't very bright and didn't think it through.

This would totally work with my parents. They were upsold by AT&T to the tune of $250/mth. If their bill came in $100 higher, they wouldn't think to call and ask about it.

About getting the PIN? Call an elderly person and social engineer them. Easy.

[Sayonara925]

Well, whoever commented about the police doing nothing, you were right.  Actually, more than right...I couldn't even get them to do a police report.  Waited over 2 hrs in their grandiose lobby at the police dept and couldn't get an officer to respond.  Apparently, all cops are on patrol, so they dispatch a call to have one of them return to the dept to take the report.  The victim must sit and wait however long it takes.  There was a lady there trying to report a restraining order violation, but no cops (at a police station in a big city).  People just started leaving.

Couldn't even get a police report the credit bureau is requesting.  The lady I was chatting with never got her restraining order violation reported (more serious than the cable TV thing).  Total waste of time.

"I'm wondering if there's a company employee involved" - ahh FFS what next - "come back next week when all is revealed"

Not sure where this is coming from.  Guess someone didn't take their meds today.  Jeez...lighten up

[Eric]

If you want to pursue this further, I'd suggest contacting your local news station(s) investigation team and see if they're interested in the story.

[2lazy2retire]

My money is on the OP's old man having a bit on the side - and now she wants cable, best check with him before you get News at 10 involved ;)

Mod Note: Please refer to forum rule#1

[Sayonara925]

If you want to pursue this further, I'd suggest contacting your local news station(s) investigation team and see if they're interested in the story.

I was thinking along these lines as well.

My money is on the OP's old man having a bit on the side - and now she wants cable, best check with him before you get News at 10 involved ;)

Wow how some people make thread parasites out of themselves.  Nice comment about an 88 year old fraud victim happily married over 65 years.  Hope it makes you feel better or superior or whatever else it is you're obviously in need of.

[Sibley]

If you want to pursue this further, I'd suggest contacting your local news station(s) investigation team and see if they're interested in the story.

Especially since it's targeting the elderly. They love the good PR from that sort of thing.

[2lazy2retire]

If you want to pursue this further, I'd suggest contacting your local news station(s) investigation team and see if they're interested in the story.

I was thinking along these lines as well.

My money is on the OP's old man having a bit on the side - and now she wants cable, best check with him before you get News at 10 involved ;)

Wow how some people make thread parasites out of themselves.  Nice comment about an 88 year old fraud victim happily married over 65 years.  Hope it makes you feel better or superior or whatever else it is you're obviously in need of.

Bet he would see the funny side of it - lighten up FFS

[G-dog]

If you are in the U.S., you can also report the identity theft to the FTC. You've alerted the credit bureau, you may want to also alert their banks (another layer of fraud alert on their accounts), and any credit card companies. Also watch out for income tax fraud, maybe request a Fed pin, and contact their state income tax division. At their age, they may not be filing, and therefore it could be hard to detect if someone else uses their info (duplicate filings are the usual way this gets detected).

[RetiredAt63]

2lazy2retire - Did you read the original post? This was irrelevant and uncalled for.  And snarky, and nasty, and definitely not funny. 

Side rant - when someone is called out for making an insulting jerk comment, why do they respond by implying it was a joke and the other person has no sense of humour?  Man/woman up and admit your comment was sucky, instead of the passive defence attitude that just makes it worse.

Side fun - I love this forum, it is the only place I get to use iffy language  ;-) 
 

Wow how some people make thread parasites out of themselves.  Nice comment about an 88 year old fraud victim happily married over 65 years.  Hope it makes you feel better or superior or whatever else it is you're obviously in need of.

Bet he would see the funny side of it - lighten up FFS

[2lazy2retire]

2lazy2retire - Did you read the original post? This was irrelevant and uncalled for.  And snarky, and nasty, and definitely not funny. 

Side rant - when someone is called out for making an insulting jerk comment, why do they respond by implying it was a joke and the other person has no sense of humour?  Man/woman up and admit your comment was sucky, instead of the passive defence attitude that just makes it worse.

Side fun - I love this forum, it is the only place I get to use iffy language  ;-) 
 

Seriously are you kidding me - have you seen some of the straight up racist, condescending filth that gets posted on here and nobody bats an eyelid , if you think my comment was meant to be nasty you do not know the meaning of the word.

Wow how some people make thread parasites out of themselves.  Nice comment about an 88 year old fraud victim happily married over 65 years.  Hope it makes you feel better or superior or whatever else it is you're obviously in need of.

Bet he would see the funny side of it - lighten up FFS

[Eric]

2lazy2retire - Did you read the original post? This was irrelevant and uncalled for.  And snarky, and nasty, and definitely not funny. 

I thought it was funny FWIW.  It's not like it was an actual attack on the OP's dad.  It was a joke!  Was that not obvious?  It was pretty obvious to me.

[rocksinmyhead]

2lazy2retire - Did you read the original post? This was irrelevant and uncalled for.  And snarky, and nasty, and definitely not funny. 

I thought it was funny FWIW.  It's not like it was an actual attack on the OP's dad.  It was a joke!  Was that not obvious?  It was pretty obvious to me.

I think it would have been taken in the right spirit if 2lazy2retire hadn't been kind of snarky/mean/weird since the beginning of the thread.

back on topic,

OP, that sucks but I'm not surprised either. My police department at least lets us file reports online for minor stuff (like my bike getting stolen two weeks ago, womp womp). I appreciate that because then if it's not something they're going to pursue, at least it's in the system in case it ends up being part of a pattern or something. Maybe still futile but it makes me feel better. I agree with Sibley, a new station might love that shit.

[FatCat]

Seems like it might have been better to let them go ahead and go through with the installation just to catch the guy. 

Dude, you're right.  It would have been better to let them do the install! 

When you see someone is attempting to commit a crime against you it is difficult to refrain yourself from stopping them. I've had similar situations, and unfortunately since the crime was stopped partway through the police treated it as though no crime was even attempted.

It seems the best course of action if you're wanting them to be in any legal trouble is to allow them to go ahead commit the crime and then report it. However, there is still the possibility of not being able to restore the damage done to your property if you take that route. You could end up taking a credit rating hit or stuck on bad terms with the cable company if they don't resolve the issue properly.

I would have done as you did. I'd rather stop them even though they get away without penalty. Less hassle, but still irritating. But then I've had enough communication with the police department to understand they are rather ineffective at these sorts of issues. However, I often find out that things I think are serious crimes are considered minor offenses here so I guess it's worthwhile reporting things to the police just to know exactly how much you can get away with before police will actually do something...

[2lazy2retire]

2lazy2retire - Did you read the original post? This was irrelevant and uncalled for.  And snarky, and nasty, and definitely not funny. 

I thought it was funny FWIW.  It's not like it was an actual attack on the OP's dad.  It was a joke!  Was that not obvious?  It was pretty obvious to me.

I think it would have been taken in the right spirit if 2lazy2retire hadn't been kind of snarky/mean/weird since the beginning of the thread.

back on topic,

OP, that sucks but I'm not surprised either. My police department at least lets us file reports online for minor stuff (like my bike getting stolen two weeks ago, womp womp). I appreciate that because then if it's not something they're going to pursue, at least it's in the system in case it ends up being part of a pattern or something. Maybe still futile but it makes me feel better. I agree with Sibley, a new station might love that shit.

The reason I was "snarky/mean/weird " from the outset was the whole story just seemed f@cking ridiculous to me, the idea that someone would steal a service and have it supplied to a given address was just comical. From there it goes into employee conspiracies at the cable company to social engineering to acquire the PIN number, going down to the Police department and having no one there - the plot thickens.
I agree that all this is possible but you have to see the humor in it ?? or maybe not. For those that think my comment about the mistress was anything other that an attempt at a joke I have nothing to add.

[frugalnacho]

2lazy2retire - Did you read the original post? This was irrelevant and uncalled for.  And snarky, and nasty, and definitely not funny. 

I thought it was funny FWIW.  It's not like it was an actual attack on the OP's dad.  It was a joke!  Was that not obvious?  It was pretty obvious to me.

I think it would have been taken in the right spirit if 2lazy2retire hadn't been kind of snarky/mean/weird since the beginning of the thread.

back on topic,

OP, that sucks but I'm not surprised either. My police department at least lets us file reports online for minor stuff (like my bike getting stolen two weeks ago, womp womp). I appreciate that because then if it's not something they're going to pursue, at least it's in the system in case it ends up being part of a pattern or something. Maybe still futile but it makes me feel better. I agree with Sibley, a new station might love that shit.

The reason I was "snarky/mean/weird " from the outset was the whole story just seemed f@cking ridiculous to me, the idea that someone would steal a service and have it supplied to a given address was just comical. From there it goes into employee conspiracies at the cable company to social engineering to acquire the PIN number, going down to the Police department and having no one there - the plot thickens.
I agree that all this is possible but you have to see the humor in it ?? or maybe not. For those that think my comment about the mistress was anything other that an attempt at a joke I have nothing to add.

I got it.  This whole thread had me loling.

Seems like it might have been better to let them go ahead and go through with the installation just to catch the guy. 

Dude, you're right.  It would have been better to let them do the install! 

When you see someone is attempting to commit a crime against you it is difficult to refrain yourself from stopping them. I've had similar situations, and unfortunately since the crime was stopped partway through the police treated it as though no crime was even attempted.

It seems the best course of action if you're wanting them to be in any legal trouble is to allow them to go ahead commit the crime and then report it. However, there is still the possibility of not being able to restore the damage done to your property if you take that route. You could end up taking a credit rating hit or stuck on bad terms with the cable company if they don't resolve the issue properly.

I would have done as you did. I'd rather stop them even though they get away without penalty. Less hassle, but still irritating. But then I've had enough communication with the police department to understand they are rather ineffective at these sorts of issues. However, I often find out that things I think are serious crimes are considered minor offenses here so I guess it's worthwhile reporting things to the police just to know exactly how much you can get away with before police will actually do something...

Yea I most likely would also.  I guess I meant in hindsight it would have been better to let them install it.  Or maybe call the cops right away and let them catch the guy in the act.  I doubt the effectiveness of the police though.

[Gin1984]

2lazy2retire - Did you read the original post? This was irrelevant and uncalled for.  And snarky, and nasty, and definitely not funny. 

I thought it was funny FWIW.  It's not like it was an actual attack on the OP's dad.  It was a joke!  Was that not obvious?  It was pretty obvious to me.

I think it would have been taken in the right spirit if 2lazy2retire hadn't been kind of snarky/mean/weird since the beginning of the thread.

back on topic,

OP, that sucks but I'm not surprised either. My police department at least lets us file reports online for minor stuff (like my bike getting stolen two weeks ago, womp womp). I appreciate that because then if it's not something they're going to pursue, at least it's in the system in case it ends up being part of a pattern or something. Maybe still futile but it makes me feel better. I agree with Sibley, a new station might love that shit.

The reason I was "snarky/mean/weird " from the outset was the whole story just seemed f@cking ridiculous to me, the idea that someone would steal a service and have it supplied to a given address was just comical. From there it goes into employee conspiracies at the cable company to social engineering to acquire the PIN number, going down to the Police department and having no one there - the plot thickens.
I agree that all this is possible but you have to see the humor in it ?? or maybe not. For those that think my comment about the mistress was anything other that an attempt at a joke I have nothing to add.

I had someone use my discover to buy two things from dell and send them to their home address.  When I contested it via discover, dell sent me the ups/fed ex (can't remember which one) reciept with the guy's actual name on it.  I reported it to the police, which since the idiot lived in a small town they actually did arrest him.  His name on the signature page, his name on the lease, the whole deal was plead down.  So, I honestly don't find this too unusual, people can be dumb.

[rocksinmyhead]

2lazy2retire - Did you read the original post? This was irrelevant and uncalled for.  And snarky, and nasty, and definitely not funny. 

I thought it was funny FWIW.  It's not like it was an actual attack on the OP's dad.  It was a joke!  Was that not obvious?  It was pretty obvious to me.

I think it would have been taken in the right spirit if 2lazy2retire hadn't been kind of snarky/mean/weird since the beginning of the thread.

back on topic,

OP, that sucks but I'm not surprised either. My police department at least lets us file reports online for minor stuff (like my bike getting stolen two weeks ago, womp womp). I appreciate that because then if it's not something they're going to pursue, at least it's in the system in case it ends up being part of a pattern or something. Maybe still futile but it makes me feel better. I agree with Sibley, a new station might love that shit.

The reason I was "snarky/mean/weird " from the outset was the whole story just seemed f@cking ridiculous to me, the idea that someone would steal a service and have it supplied to a given address was just comical. From there it goes into employee conspiracies at the cable company to social engineering to acquire the PIN number, going down to the Police department and having no one there - the plot thickens.
I agree that all this is possible but you have to see the humor in it ?? or maybe not. For those that think my comment about the mistress was anything other that an attempt at a joke I have nothing to add.

I had someone use my discover to buy two things from dell and send them to their home address.  When I contested it via discover, dell sent me the ups/fed ex (can't remember which one) reciept with the guy's actual name on it.  I reported it to the police, which since the idiot lived in a small town they actually did arrest him.  His name on the signature page, his name on the lease, the whole deal was plead down.  So, I honestly don't find this too unusual, people can be dumb.

yeah, I also just took the story at face value because I truly believe people are that stupid. I guess I can see why 2lazy2retire found it off/funny though... but I can also see why Sayonara didn't find his comments funny, because for them it was real life and fucking annoying! LOL.

[OldPro]

If I were Sayonara's Dad I'd thank 2lazy for the compliment.  I'm only 69 and wish someone would suggest I had a mistress on the side.  I'm 'up' for it, I just can't find a woman under 50 (I do have physical standards that would have to be met) who is willing.  My wife has also told me that if I try it (I just asked her if she would mind) she will cut off my TV privileges.

[needmyfi]

Any updates from OP?  Just curious if any police action was taken

[mm1970]

If I were Sayonara's Dad I'd thank 2lazy for the compliment.  I'm only 69 and wish someone would suggest I had a mistress on the side.  I'm 'up' for it, I just can't find a woman under 50 (I do have physical standards that would have to be met) who is willing.  My wife has also told me that if I try it (I just asked her if she would mind) she will cut off my TV privileges.

Um, I cannot imagine why  you'd be aiming for under 50 if you are 69.

Then again, I live in an area where lots of women your age are in great shape.  Perhaps in better shape than many in the under-50 set. (Of course I'm in my 40's and too busy chasing a toddler to meet physical standards.  A problem my 60-70 year old women friends don't have, so they are at the gym way more than me.)

[Cpa Cat]

My cable company used to print my PIN number on my bill. Stealing mail from elderly people and then setting up services in their name is pretty old-school, but it works. It relies on the elderly people not noticing.

Then if the thief were caught, they'd say, "Huh? What? I don't know anything about that. -I- didn't sign up for those services. It must be a prank." If they even thought about it. A lot of people who perpetrate these kinds of crimes don't really consider the consequences.

[Sayonara925]

I threw in the towel and didn't pursue this further, discouraged as much by law enforcement disinterest as the reaction by some posters here.  Wasn't expecting how the misfortune of others would be found funny/comical.  It's apparent that not only doesn't it matter to some that bad things are happening to innocent, basically helpless people out there, it's even entertaining.

I froze parent's credit with the bureaus, warned mom and dad to watch for anything odd, and placed extra security measures on their accounts.  Although I know the address of the person, and it's less than 2 miles from the police station in that jurisdiction, can't do much about it.  Seems it would have to happen to you personally for it to matter.

Such is life and the world we live in.

[Shor]

I threw in the towel and didn't pursue this further, discouraged as much by law enforcement disinterest as the reaction by some posters here.  Wasn't expecting how the misfortune of others would be found funny/comical.  It's apparent that not only doesn't it matter to some that bad things are happening to innocent, basically helpless people out there, it's even entertaining.

I froze parent's credit with the bureaus, warned mom and dad to watch for anything odd, and placed extra security measures on their accounts.  Although I know the address of the person, and it's less than 2 miles from the police station in that jurisdiction, can't do much about it.  Seems it would have to happen to you personally for it to matter.

Such is life and the world we live in.

The worst part is that if the local LEOs don't get involved, then no crime is reported, thus the city gets a nice pat on the back for being "safe".
It is your duty as an honest good-living citizen to pursue this and make sure this idiot criminal doesn't commit further crimes against other victims.
Also the restraining order never getting followed up on is a terrible thing to simply let drop. That makes me sad..

This is the world we live in because we let it be. If you want to make the change, go and make it happen! You can do it!

[sol]

I threw in the towel and didn't pursue this further, discouraged as much by law enforcement disinterest as the reaction by some posters here. 

In the OP's situation, my response would have been a little different. 

Step 1:  acquire a cable repair man costume...

[G-dog]

I threw in the towel and didn't pursue this further, discouraged as much by law enforcement disinterest as the reaction by some posters here. 

In the OP's situation, my response would have been a little different. 

Step 1:  acquire a cable repair man costume...

Genius!

[needmyfi]

So sorry to hear that law enforcement has no interest-and just yesterday our paper had a story about a guy serving jail time for burning leaves without a permit.  Another local arrest -a guy was trying to build up the shoulder of a road where his teenage daughter died. 

No wonder the thieves aren't afraid to give their address, why not since the police won't even bother to knock on their door.