WOW - I think a funeral march is in order for some Kenmores...

[redcarpetdrew]

A universal sense of justice does indeed exist!

Here in Reno, the scrap dealers demand a driver's license or the like and usually record a plate number off the vehicle. They pay cash but what you do (at one of the biggest recyclers anyway) is turn in the weigh ticket at the counter and they give you a card which will work a modified ATM machine outside. It not only saves the counter people from having cash onhand in case of robbery but makes the people show themselves on the camera at the teller...

Gordon, that seriously sucks!!! Oh, well. At least that leaves room for the Kenmore I have over here for you. Do you need me to start watching the turn ins over here to replentish your stock? Lord knows Kevin and Dan need a break from the 'Oh look at this' routine... LOL!

RCD

 

[phamq]

I recently loss 3 dryers, 1 washer, 1 almost new refrigerator that I bought for $300.00. I wonder if my last tenants stole them or someone else. I just miss the Maytag & Whirlpool dryers and the fridge. That same house, somebody stole the electrical meter can that costs me $600.00 to fix

 

[goatfarmer]

Scrap yards here do the same thing, photo ID, your thumbprints, and vehicle info. Plus the transaction is recorded. Still there is some thieving happening.

 

[autowasherfreak]

The nerve of some people. You had some great machines. I agree file a police report, maybe they will be caught.

 

[j2400]

I'm really, really sorry about this. I moved this last summer, but someone (while in the process of moving), broke into my old place. Some things were taken, but the bigger feeling was that creepy sense that someone had broken in.

I'd file a police report, too, although it may not do any good. I guess it depends on the police. In my case, I filed a report, but, as far as I could tell, they did nothing.

 

[rll70sman]

Gordon, noooo!!!! Here we've been carrying on a friendly chat about vintage Kenmores and then this happens. What a sick feeling! I just mixed a stiff drink so I'll tip this one back just for you .

Rob

 

[pulltostart]

Shame, Shame, Shame!

Not sure what else to say, Gordon. I do hope you are able to take action against the individuals who are responsible.

Keep an eye out in the local paper and CL - one or more just could turn up for sale!

Lawrence

 

[launderess]

Yes, By All Means

File a LE report.

I'd contact local scrap yards as well, perhaps sending along/giving a copy of the above photograph as well.

Since this happened awhile ago, if the items were sold as scrap they may well on their way to China, or crushed already. However you never know, and the machines and or parts thereof may very well be lying about somewhere.

You also want to get the word out just in case the B*****ds who robbed you know there is some heat on their tails.

Since the machines are old, and would need parts/repair, doubt someone is going to try and fix them for resale, too much work for limited benefit.

L.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

I'm very sorry Gordon. Who ever took them knew what was in that trailer. Was it for scrap? Probably yes!! With our economy, more thieves are coming out of the wood work. We rent out a house from time to time, and someone stole the aluminum siding off our rental house. They even broke inside and took the copper pipes, leaving us with running water, a high water bill, and replacing all of the siding on the house. Yep, I'm in a bad mood today with you Gordon. I just found out that my stash of vintage Wascomat 3 phase commercial FL machines got wiped out and sent to scrap. I was going to save revealing these machines for a surprise, but that ain't going to happen now. Eventually the person or persons involved will get their share. Who knows, the subversive or subversives could be watching this site. I have an idea of what some of those machine meant to you. I hold my Wascomat machines very close to me.

 

[whirlaway]

Why no one sees them!!!!!

Around here if a house is vacant they will steal the siding and gutters right off of it.Near public housing is a newer four lane bridge,those morons where stealing the guardrail sections at night and selling them to the junkyards.Then they bitch why their housing is falling down,they steal that and the outside ac units.Go Figure

 

[kenmoreguy64]

THANK YOU all of you for your nice comments. I DO intend to file a report.

I spent some time today kinda angrily asking myself why I bothered with that trailer in the first place if everything was going to be unceremoniously hauled off for scrap by some jacka$$. BUT, I see it differently now. The machines that meant the most to me already got out of there, except for the Ladies. There originally was about 27 machines in there, and I still have 12 of them - six of those have made it to my house where they are either current drivers or can be. At least that is something. "Moppy" the former mop washer, which is discussed in another current thread, as well as the original 1980 Kenmore that started my rebuilding hobby, a copy of my Mom's 1974 Kenmore, and 9 others are still around. I almost put my 1965 Coppertone Lady K set in that trailer - GLAD I didn't!!

Thanks again everyone.

 

[westingman123]

take heart...

Let me add my condolences. Some people have the most ridiculous sense of entitlement. No home training, I suppose. At any rate, I believe people who do these things ALWAYS get payback, some sooner and some later.

I like your pluck, though-now you have more room for even better acquisitions. Best of luck.

 

[70series]

I honestly cannot express my sorrow/anger/sadness/outrage at this travesty by typing so I am calling you directly. This conversation is going to be a long one.

With Deepest Regrets for your losses.

James

 

[Unimatic1140]

Ugh, Gordon, I'm so sorry to read this. At least you were able to save 12 of the better machines, none the less it still must hurt.

 

[alr2903]

I too, moved to a house that had some of the copper pipes "harvested" split foundation and concrete slab saved the day. After you lock up your guns, lock up your cordless powertools, and never leave them in a utility shed on your property... in the right hands, cordless tools can drill and cut loose anything on your property very quickly. I am grateful to have neighbors that have 2 nice big dogs. Gordon, I know how it feels to be victimized. Looking at the range of responses it's not just a inner city problem anymore. It's sad to say but i worry about my home and pets even on a overnighter. alr2903

 

[launderess]

Someone Get Me A Horse (or Truck) and A Rope

Personally think a few of these persons ought to be caught and strung up, then left to swing for a few days. Give others something to think about as they approach and or pass through town.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Someone Get Me A Horse (or Truck) and A Rope

I wish I could meet you face to face, L. I absolutely love your style... LOL!

We get people who come around the back of our shop and help themselves from time to time. I've kinda dreamed about running some 220v to a 'bait' machine and enjoying that bug zapper like frying noise but, Ahhh, it's a litigious world we live in and even tho the miscreant is (was) a thief, I'd get it. Mmmmmm, 220v frying a thief.... Mmmmmm...

RCD

 

[travlincub321]

If i go behind a store i ask... Or i find out who they belong too before i take and offer compensation

 

[runematic]

I'm sorry to hear about that, Gordon. That really sucks. I hope they find the guys, but it may almost be impossible. I don't remember some of the posts above, but did you go to any of the local scrap yards and ask if anyone brought in a large quantity of old appliances?

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Been working on the scrap yard angle - we don't have a lot of controls on them here as some of the other AW.org members do in their states, but hopefully tomorrow I can call around to some yards and inquire, see if I can jog any operator's memories.

Thanks again everyone. I am still astonished that the trailer is gutted empty - the initial shock was remarkable. On the other hand, with the exception of about 8 machines, I am ok with them being gone I suppose. It's not like I have a choice in the matter anyway at this point. Just so glad I had fun with them back in July, and that I got the four additional machines off that I did.

Kenny -

Should you be picking up BDs again? Well - maybe, LOL. Something intriguing and potentially appreciated by me, SURE! I think you know what I like now - it's not like you're going to come across two more 65 LKs and a 66 LK today, but you never know. Maybe eventually I can replace each of the 8 machines that I valued with something similar that I wouldn't otherwise take. Then I'll be back level. I am still looking for a 1972 Kenmore. One showed up on Charlotte's Craigslist about two weeks ago but I missed it. If anyone sees something similar to this, I'd love it.

Gordon