Frequently Asked Questions
How do I help?
1) CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES: Right now the best thing to do is contact your representatives and let them know that you aren't happy with the design of this bill. If we all let them hear from us, it is much more likely that the law will get changed. I've created a page that links to the contact information of the Utah State Legislature, and also contains a form letter that you can send directly from the site.
2) SPREAD THE WORD: Forward this site to people you know who will take action. Let the media know that this bothers you. The more exposure the better.
So what is your deal anyway?
While there isn't any chance of me recovering my stolen items anymore, I want to make sure that everyone gets the protection they deserve. This includes preventing theft, including tips on how to recover stolen items and also getting the law changed.
It bothers me that the state would allow such a law to be passed. Although I'd like to believe that this is the result of some sort of unforeseen loophole, given the lack of response from Becky Lockhart, I assume that this is the intent of the law. I can't understand why a pawn shop would get more protection from the law than the citizens of Utah.
As a result, although I actually have better things to do with my life, I feel obligated to do anything I can to protect people in the future. The things that were stolen from me were just things and I've since moved on. However, as a result of this crime, me and my family no longer feel safe in our home or in our neighborhood.
The other issue is that while I had some recourse against the original criminal, I have none against the Utah State Legislature. It is as if I have been robbed twice. Don't let it happen to you too!
What can I do to prevent theft?
Funny you should ask. Hopefully you are never in my shoes, but it seems like I hear about burglaries all the time. If you are like most people, you probably have more valuable stuff in your garage than you realize. Between bikes, tools, lawn equipment, cars, etc, it can quickly reach into the thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. Really. Go look in your garage and start adding up.
I've created this page with tips to prevent theft. I'll update it with good ideas and products. Real quickly though, make sure your doors are closed and locked all the time, my burglary was a crime of opportunity, and not forced entry. We accidentally left the garage open one night, and while it appears stupid that we did that, my guess is that most people have done this at least once in their life. As far as I know, this is the first (and hopefully last) time we've ever done it. Motion lights, neighborhood watches, keeping valuables out of places visible from the street and sleeping outside your entry with a shotgun are also ideas.
What can I do to recover my stolen items?
As the law stands today you need to have a serial number, or have marked your property with some sort of identifying mark that a pawn shop can enter into a database. The database is a great idea, but if you are like everybody I've talked to, you either haven't written down all of your serial numbers, didn't know they existed, or your property may not have a serial number. Included in this page are more detailed tips.
1) Write down all of your serial numbers and keep them in a place where you can easily find them. We had recently moved and I couldn't find the serial number for my bike, although I had it. When I spotted it on eBay, through a stroke of luck I was able to find the contact info of the person who I had bought it from (3 years ago), he contacted his insurance company who luckily still had the number. Unfortunately for me, it was far too late because of the law (even though it was only about 45 days later).
2) Mark items that don't have serial numbers. The police officer I spoke to after this happened suggested using your Social Security Number -- THIS IS A VERY BAD IDEA. Instead I suggest you just put your name and phone on it in a way that a thief can't remove.
3) Report the burglary to the police immediately and give them the serial numbers of the stolen items. They can then enter this into the database and give you some sort of chance to recover the items if pawned. However, if it is beyond 10 days, your chances are going to drop dramatically. (Note: pawned items are required to be held 30 days, but what thief is going to pawn something, vs selling it?)
4) Watch eBay, Craigslist, KSL.com, etc. You may also want to check the local pawn shops. I found my bike on eBay, and this is a popular place for people to get rid of stuff. One thing to note, stolen items shipped to another state becomes a federal crime.
Why are you so bent about pawn shops?
I don't understand why pawn shops get preferential treatment through the law. It seems that pawn shops are likely to have a lot of stolen items (according to the police officer I spoke to he said they are seizing stolen items from pawn shops 'all the time.' I imagine that this is likely a small percentage of the items that are actually stolen.)
I also don't see what good a pawn does for the general public. They seem like they are just clearinghouses for stolen property, with a smattering of legit items.
Isn't this your own fault?
Yes.
I've since learned my lesson, and don't want others to fall victim. However, had I known I only had 10 days to recover my stolen items, I may have acted differently.
How does the law work in Utah?
The law works much like the law does throughout the rest of the United States of America. However, sometimes it seems like it works like this:
Ha ha ha. Just kidding.
I think.
As citizens, we can take action by letting our representatives know how we feel. Most importantly, act within the constraints of the law.
I've had something stolen, what should I do?
1) Make sure you and your loved ones are safe, first of all.
2) Call the police immediately.
3) Report your stolen property serial numbers to the police.
Hi, I'm <insert TV advertising attorney name here> and this is the greatest injustice since my lawsuit against "The Never Ending Story." Have you considered suing?
Thanks, but I'm well represented. In the meantime, enjoy this little clip.
My Benevolent Friend, I trust that the Providence has brought us together under these trying circumstances. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Charles Jones, Secretary General to the benevolent Prince Abu Dubinidi...
Give me a call I'll get you my account info.
Are you a bicycling web site?
Not just yet, but eventually.
I've always wanted to create a forum for cyclists, both mountain and road, where they can easily create an online community. The recent theft prompted me to make this site.
In the future, I will be creating a cycling blog and forum, as well as creating a wiki that will allow people to write up their favorite rides, record best times and map them on google maps for everybody to use.
I have some money that I want to give away for no apparent reason. Can I give it to you?
Sure why not?
Actually, I have no intention of making money off of this site right now. I just want to get the word out. However I am considering selling some t-shirts in the future, the proceeds of which will go toward spreading the word to changing the law. Anything above and beyond that will be donated to help improve trails and bike lanes in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.
Right now I am into this thing $8.95.
What is the future of this web site?
The future looks bright for this young web site. Perhaps it will go to college and some sort of graduate school and begin to support itself. I'll continue to support and reassure it.
If that doesn't work out, see above, I plan to make this a cycling community with a blog, forum, wiki, maps and product reviews. Stay tuned.
Who are you?
My name is Brian Verhaaren, I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I'm not particularly interested in being politically active, but I also feel an obligation to spread the word. I am an avid cyclist and life long member of this community.
All other evidence and miscellaneous junk...
2007 House Bill 402 - Sponsored by Rebecca Lockart
http://le.utah.gov/~2007/bills/hbillenr/hb0402.htm
Note lines 278-370
related to:
2006 House Bill 133 Third Substitute - Sponsored by Rebecca Lockart
http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2006/bills/hbillenr/hb0133.htm
Note lines 99-222
Recent eBay listings of seller [Ed. Omitted at the request of seller's anonymous friend or relative. Information available upon request. 10/15/07]