Warning: Tagging Gun Owners

[DWC]

Warning: Tagging Gun Owners
Posted on January 4, 2012 by Georgetown PD

Gun lovers public service announcement: While I was in a Texas gun store today, my car was tagged on the wheel in the parking lot. The gangs do this on wheels or bumpers at gun stores, shooting ranges, gun shows etc. Later when you are parked at a restaurant, hotel, or other location that’s less well guarded or under video surveillance, other gang members spot the marker and break into the car for a quick gun grab. This is so RAMPANT in San Antonio where we were for a National shoot this summer, the Sheriff of Bexar County came out to brief the 400 participants of our competition. Too bad three teams had already been victimized the first day. This is the first I’ve heard of this in Texas. Please pass this info along to your 2nd amendment list. Daily check you car, truck or motor home for unusual painted dots, marks, check marks or other strange looking symbols that are not normal to your type vehicle. It could prevent you from being a victim of robbery, or even save your life if you catch the thief in the act.
This next comment from a Gun Site instructor:
I don’t know how widespread this is becoming, but the info regarding the NSCA Nationals in San Antonio is correct, as all of us who compete in sporting clays know. Competitors there were having their vehicles marked with a small adhesive dot on the rear license plate or rear bumper, then followed for miles and having their vehicles quickly and efficiently broken in to when parked for lunch etc.
Some crews were working the parking lot at the Nationals itself. 27 high end shotguns were taken there recently. They know when 1400 shooters with high $$ competition guns are in town.
BTW I shot with a young man who was trying out a new gun at the Nationals. He and his father lost all their guns and equipment while making a quick stop for lunch at a BBQ place in Corpus Christi the month before.

[TokenGimp]

It seems like it should be fairly easy to catch such thieves. Also a very good reason to carry a concealed weapon. The best thing to do is pay attention to your surroundings, your vehicle and your weapons, making sure doors are locked and you have good insurance good ammo & a good lawyer.

[joelevi]

The parking enforcement division of a local police department does the same thing: they mark tires with colored chalk to note when you parked in a certain time-limited spot (2 hour parking, etc.), then cite you if the chalk color indicates you've been there more than the allotted time.

I'm not discounting your warning, just giving a somewhat legitimate reason someone might do something similar.

[fuhr52]

The parking enforcement division of a local police department does the same thing: they mark tires with colored chalk to note when you parked in a certain time-limited spot (2 hour parking, etc.), then cite you if the chalk color indicates you've been there more than the allotted time.

I'm not discounting your warning, just giving a somewhat legitimate reason someone might do something similar.

Difference is the marks for parking are on the face of the tire and are wiped off as soon as you move your car.

[wuzfuz]

Police parking enforcement officers use chalk, not paint, to mark tires for parking enforcement. My grandfather was a motor officer in Indianapolis, IN in the 20s and 30s, and they used blue chalk then, and the last I heard, they still do. Police arrest or cite people for marking a car with paint, for tampering with a Means of Transportation. This was good information to know.

[Blogengeezer]

Good 'Intel'. Thanks for heads up. We travel the fascinating diversity of Texas often on touring. Texas feels safer than many 'gun free' states so we really enjoy being among armed citizens. Nice to know that backup is nearby and officers are better educated about the 'legally' CC Citizens.. We sleep well in the great State Parks, of which there are over 100. Fishing permitted from shore 'without buying a license', is a fun perk in Texas State Parks :>)

[Rocketgeezer]

If I wasn't afraid of someone innocent getting hurt, I would rig a old car, so when they attempted to break in they got blown to hell....... I bet they would never steal another gun..........

[tsuggs]

I am always skeptical of stories that do not list an actual person, name and title. Also, there does not seem to be any news stories about reports of such thefts.

Most police press releases, name the PIO that releases the info and have a contact number for more inforamtion.

This could be another urban legend, if not can someone please link actual news stories or police bulletins.

[longslide10]

The parking enforcement division of a local police department does the same thing: they mark tires with colored chalk to note when you parked in a certain time-limited spot (2 hour parking, etc.), then cite you if the chalk color indicates you've been there more than the allotted time.

I'm not discounting your warning, just giving a somewhat legitimate reason someone might do something similar.

Police here used to do that at bars then set up for dui busts

[longslide10]

Thanks for the heads up