Author Topic: GPS Stolen, think I found it on Ebay... (Read 15083 times)

shardian · « **Reply #40 on:** December 22, 2006, 06:02:46 pm »

You should ask the detective if you can be there with camera phone in hand when he knocks on the guys door. Comedy gold, I tell ya.

Texasmame · « **Reply #41 on:** December 23, 2006, 08:29:47 pm »

Quote from: melarky on December 22, 2006, 01:09:36 pm

Quote from: Texasmame on December 21, 2006, 11:15:39 pm
Quote from: melarky on December 20, 2006, 04:52:39 pm
I had one of those portable GPS units (portable in the way that you could move them to any car and plug them into the cigarette lighter). I noticed a few days ago that it was missing from my car.

I pretty much had no hopes of it ever showing up again, and at first didn't even bother to file a police report, but then I figured I would check ebay and see if I could find it. I'm pretty sure I found it:

Ebay Item Link

He lives about 15 miles from me, and as you can see he states in his description that he "found" the item. He also had 2 other items he was selling around the same time that he conveniently "found". Lucky guy keeps finding stuff to sell

So anways, by the time I found that, the auction was over and someone had already won it. I contacted the seller (asked him where he "found" it) and the buyer (told him the situation and asked if he could see if there were any identifying marks or addresses left in the address book that would prove it was mine). The buyer wrote back really quick and told me he had not gotten the item yet, and the seller had not responded to his e-mails, the seller finally wrote me back like an hour ago that said:

Quote
i found it outside of maverick by maceys in logan but it's already sold sorrry.

I just wrote him back the following:

Quote
That sounds pretty fishy, you had 2 other items for sale that you also just found. I filed a police report yesterday, and showed them the auction that you had up. I also contacted the buyer, and he said that you hadn't sent it yet and that you weren't replying to his e-mails.

I think you need to do what's right here before any more authorities get involved and you make a big mess for yourself. You've left a paper trail on ebay (your history shows the items you sold that you say you found, if I'm not the only one that filed a stolen item police report, it shouldn't be long before they connect the dots).

If you still have the item (since the buyer says you haven't sent it yet), you have a chance to make this right, and I'll back off. If you don't have the item anymore, you can re-imburse me, and I'll drop it.

I did in fact file a police report yesterday (after contacting ebay, they basically told me that they wouldn't help me unless I did). The officer who took the report has already handed it off to a detective, but I'm pretty sure a $300 GPS is pretty low on their priority list, but it just bugs me that this guy is so close, and obviously the theif.

Any suggestions on what more I could do? I almost don't care if I get the GPS back, but would rather this guy get busted (but it would be nice to have the GPS back ). Would appreciate any opinions or advice.

"Found" the item. What a mother ---smurf---.

Be sure that you actually filed a formal report with police. Easiest way to do this is to go to the PD and get a copy of it yourself. May cost a few bucks, tho.

Screw this guy to the fullest.

G'luck!

Yeah, I got a copy of their "Voluntary Statement Form" yesterday, the detective said that he needed me to fill it out and hand it back into him (along with all of the e-mails I've been sending and receiving) because that would be the first thing the prosecuters would ask for. It didn't cost anything for me, they actually had a copy available to download from their web page.

Excellent. Keep at it - it'll take time and, as you said, it's not on the top of the cops' list. But, with all the evidence you've provided, they might appricate your efforts and step things up a bit. YMMV.

JackTucky · « **Reply #42 on:** December 24, 2006, 05:58:27 pm »

I'm waiting to see how Chadtower, esquire, weighs in on these recent findings.

-J

ChadTower · « **Reply #43 on:** December 24, 2006, 07:22:12 pm »

Yeah, because "show up on his porch with a camera and tha homiez" was such great advice.

miles2912 · « **Reply #44 on:** December 24, 2006, 09:19:23 pm »

I am sure the thief thinks that you will never FIND his house.. having swiped your GPS and all.

Can't wait so see how this turns up

* miles2912 grabs his popcorn (insert popcorn eating e-mote here)

D-

jbox · « **Reply #45 on:** December 24, 2006, 11:28:02 pm »

SirPeale · « **Reply #46 on:** December 25, 2006, 08:38:04 am »

You guys do know a GPS doesn't have the capability to be tracked *back* to it, right?

ChadTower · « **Reply #47 on:** December 25, 2006, 08:55:39 am »

Some do. It's becoming more and more common in them.

SirPeale · « **Reply #48 on:** December 25, 2006, 09:51:55 am »

Quote from: ChadTower on December 25, 2006, 08:55:39 am

Some do. It's becoming more and more common in them.

Really? Interesting. Got an example of one?

FrizzleFried · « **Reply #49 on:** December 25, 2006, 10:05:09 am »

Yah Chad...I am very interested in reading about these devices. Please...provide a link or two. I've only been able to find dedicated devices to do this...not a general GPS.

screaming · « **Reply #50 on:** December 25, 2006, 11:27:47 am »

Any cell phone reports its location that can be read by any 911 agency, for one. It was a big controversy a couple years ago when the FCC was aiming to regulate it. There are are ton of articles on it.. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001820367_track21.html

Also, any ocean-fairing boat would have one of these GPS receivers that report its location to other ships in the area. It does this to make their location known to avoid hitting other boats.

shardian · « **Reply #51 on:** December 25, 2006, 12:15:00 pm »

Quote from: screaming on December 25, 2006, 11:27:47 am

Any cell phone reports its location that can be read by any 911 agency, for one. It was a big controversy a couple years ago when the FCC was aiming to regulate it. There are are ton of articles on it.. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001820367_track21.html

Also, any ocean-fairing boat would have one of these GPS receivers that report its location to other ships in the area. It does this to make their location known to avoid hitting other boats.

It was my understanding that sea worthy vessels were equipped with radar...

SirPeale · « **Reply #52 on:** December 25, 2006, 12:29:20 pm »

I'm talking about your average hand held GPS here, not a nautical model.

ChadTower · « **Reply #53 on:** December 25, 2006, 12:36:31 pm »

You probably want to specify the type of device you mean, then, since the term GPS generally refers to the technology and not any specific device.

Examples of two way GPS devices would be most new cell phones, the OnStar devices in cars, tracking systems in boats.

You're right that usually the handheld Geocacher type devices cannot send signals, they are antennas/processors only. The GPS devices in cars, though, are commonly two way. That's how they download updated maps if they have that capability and anything with a "subscription" service would have to be two way.

Radar is entirely different, a signal broadcast from the source and reflected back to the source, it doesn't depend on an external communication the way GPS does. Radar wouldn't help someone find you if you were the one with the radar.

Dartful Dodger · « **Reply #54 on:** December 26, 2006, 02:08:25 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on December 25, 2006, 12:36:31 pm

Radar wouldn't help someone find you if you were the one with the radar.

Radar detectors can find radars.

Do they have detectors to detect radar detectors?

If so, I'll need a detector to detect radar detectors.

ChadTower · « **Reply #55 on:** December 26, 2006, 02:26:35 pm »

Watch your verbs. They can detect radar devices. They are not necessarily able to find them.

crashwg · « **Reply #56 on:** December 26, 2006, 06:19:00 pm »

Yes, they do have detector detectors. That's why some of the newer models have cloaking of some sort or another so they become "undetectable".

I'm guessing this is for states/provinces/countries that don't allow radar detectors.

Jess-- · « **Reply #57 on:** December 26, 2006, 07:29:51 pm »

thats it...
I'm off out tomorrow to buy a radar detector detector detector detector detector detector

That'll Learn em

Edgedamage · « **Reply #58 on:** December 27, 2006, 05:36:45 pm »

Quote from: Jess-- on December 26, 2006, 07:29:51 pm

thats it...
I'm off out tomorrow to buy a radar detector detector detector detector detector detector

That'll Learn em

aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh your avatar is FREAKING me out!!

spriggy · « **Reply #59 on:** December 27, 2006, 05:57:46 pm »

Thats fricken gold!!

Good job Matlock!

patrickl · « **Reply #60 on:** December 28, 2006, 06:23:21 am »

Quote from: crashwg on December 26, 2006, 06:19:00 pm

Yes, they do have detector detectors. That's why some of the newer models have cloaking of some sort or another so they become "undetectable".

I'm guessing this is for states/provinces/countries that don't allow radar detectors.

Actually, the cloaking doesn't seem to work. They can only detect certain types of antennas though.

Ed_McCarron · « **Reply #61 on:** December 29, 2006, 03:15:52 pm »

Quote from: patrickl on December 28, 2006, 06:23:21 am

Quote from: crashwg on December 26, 2006, 06:19:00 pm
Yes, they do have detector detectors. That's why some of the newer models have cloaking of some sort or another so they become "undetectable".

I'm guessing this is for states/provinces/countries that don't allow radar detectors.
Actually, the cloaking doesn't seem to work. They can only detect certain types of antennas though.

Not necesarrily the antenna... The local oscillator in the RD tends to 'leak'. This is what the RDD's sniff out.

Higher end RD's can sense the sniffers and shut the LO down while alerting. I think a few years back one of the FCC's design specs changed to require lower emissions from RD's, thus making the RDD less useful on new RD's.

Phew. Any more TLA's and I'd have screamed.

shardian · « **Reply #62 on:** December 29, 2006, 03:26:34 pm »

Can we get back on topic and talk about the poor kid who is about to get busted for theft? I'm dying to hear the outcome of this.

ChadTower · « **Reply #63 on:** December 29, 2006, 03:27:45 pm »

He's going to sit in a little dark room with IE's web standards compliance officials.

shardian · « **Reply #64 on:** December 29, 2006, 03:29:30 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on December 29, 2006, 03:27:45 pm

He's going to sit in a little dark room with IE's web standards compliance officials.

ooooohhh...but will they rape first or last?

ChadTower · « **Reply #65 on:** December 29, 2006, 03:31:20 pm »

The raping will continue until morale improves.

melarky · « **Reply #66 on:** December 29, 2006, 07:11:01 pm »

I'm dying to find out what happens too

I've handed in the paperwork to the police, and the detective told me that he would contact the seller and buyer once ebay releases the info to him.

I haven't heard anything since then, and I'm dying to know if he's talked to either yet. I will update this once I know more.

spriggy · « **Reply #67 on:** December 29, 2006, 08:25:50 pm »

If this chimps an adult..... let's hope the only thing he'll be selling, is his ass in jail!

DrewKaree · « **Reply #68 on:** December 30, 2006, 05:01:57 am »

Quote from: Peale on December 25, 2006, 12:29:20 pm

I'm talking about your average hand held GPS here, not a nautical model.

Based on the thread topic, nobody was unclear as to what you were talking about Peale, except those who got caught acting Millhouse.

patrickl · « **Reply #69 on:** December 30, 2006, 01:21:18 pm »

Quote from: Ed_McCarron on December 29, 2006, 03:15:52 pm

Quote from: patrickl on December 28, 2006, 06:23:21 am
Quote from: crashwg on December 26, 2006, 06:19:00 pm
Yes, they do have detector detectors. That's why some of the newer models have cloaking of some sort or another so they become "undetectable".

I'm guessing this is for states/provinces/countries that don't allow radar detectors.
Actually, the cloaking doesn't seem to work. They can only detect certain types of antennas though.

Not necesarrily the antenna... The local oscillator in the RD tends to 'leak'. This is what the RDD's sniff out.

Higher end RD's can sense the sniffers and shut the LO down while alerting. I think a few years back one of the FCC's design specs changed to require lower emissions from RD's, thus making the RDD less useful on new RD's.

Phew. Any more TLA's and I'd have screamed.

The new RD's use a phased array (closed) antenna instead of an open horn antenna. So they don't leak at all and cannot be detected (with a RDD) even when it's switched on. That's what I meant by "antenna".

Sorry to the thread police (who then start chit chatting about completely unrelated nonsense) but indeed I'm interested what happened with the GPS.

NiN^_^NiN · « **Reply #70 on:** January 02, 2007, 12:14:35 am »

Alot of the newer GPS units have cellphones in them with Vodafone Yearly Sim cards u can use the simcard atleast one a year to keep the phone number and thats usually a test function they do on the unit each year to make sure u recieve the sms.

What it does is you can sms to the gps unit for it to go into an alert mode where it will send you a GPS co-ord of where the car is right now once the unit is turned off its still in alert mode where it sms you the last known co-ord.

It is available on afew units down here in australia i don't use one myself i have a carpc and have hooked up a sms unit so i can disable the cars ignition by a relay and get the GPS co-ord of where it is exactly and can call the cops in that area.

patrickl · « **Reply #71 on:** January 02, 2007, 12:35:19 am »

I'm guessing that by newer "GPS units" you mean "GPS navigation systems" (that are built in to a car)

ChadTower · « **Reply #72 on:** January 02, 2007, 10:17:47 am »

IIRC some of the aftermarket GPS navigation systems can be contacted in the same way. They can't disable the ignition, of course, but they do have a bit of query/response ability.

clanggedin · « **Reply #73 on:** January 02, 2007, 12:18:54 pm »

There are some GPS tracking systems for Fleet and BHPH (buy here pay here) companies that will allow you to track in real time and allow you to disable the ignition of the vehicle. You can also set boundaries and if they go out of the boundary you will be alerted by text or email. You can also have it alert you if they drive over a certain speed limit.

patrickl · « **Reply #74 on:** January 02, 2007, 04:16:47 pm »

On the other hand, the GPS discussed here is a Magellan Roadmate 360

melarky · « **Reply #75 on:** January 03, 2007, 03:41:23 pm »

I think this actually may work out after all, I just got the following e-mail from the detective working on the case:

Quote

I received all the information that you handed in and have put it in the case file. I have contacted the buyer of the GPS. He and I have arranged to have the unit sent to me. I have also interviewed the seller who is sticking to his story that he found the items at Maverick. At this time I do not have sufficient evidence to say he didn't. He is willing to pay the money back and make things right. Thus far he has been cooperative. I will review the case with the Logan Prosecutors office for possible charges. I will keep you up to date as more happens.

Now, ultimately it would be great if the seller got in more trouble than just paying back the buyer, but it's still better than nothing. I assume that once the detective gets the unit, it will eventually find it's way back to me, but he's never been 100% clear on that (he says in the above e-mail that "I have arranged to have the unit sent to me." but doesn't mention anything about me getting it back).

I really thought this guy was going to get away with it scott free, so this is pretty good news I think.

shardian · « **Reply #76 on:** January 03, 2007, 03:50:32 pm »

I bet that detective will enjoy his new gps unit.

Seriously though, this has been a pretty neat story. What were the odds huh?

ChadTower · « **Reply #77 on:** January 03, 2007, 04:09:37 pm »

The detective cannot give you the unit until he decides not to charge the seller with anything. If he does, he needs it as evidence.

Dartful Dodger · « **Reply #78 on:** January 03, 2007, 05:16:49 pm »

It'd be nice if that turd had to sweat it out in front of a judge, but I'm glad you're getting your GPS back.

Keep us posted.

NiN^_^NiN · « **Reply #79 on:** January 03, 2007, 07:26:30 pm »

Quote from: patrickl on January 02, 2007, 12:35:19 am

I'm guessing that by newer "GPS units" you mean "GPS navigation systems" (that are built in to a car)

Nope i'm talking bout the small units u can pop onto the cars windshield on any car like th eTom Tom Navigators.

It's becoming quite common now they our touting it as a car phone for bluetooth aswell as a bluetooth speaker for your mobile aswell.

They are trying to combine everything into one i also believe (altho not sure) that a new option of having the persons phone number in the address book on the gps so you can call them if your being late or being able to call them so many miles/km from them to tell them your almost there so they hurry up.

It's really starting to take off

And congrats melarky hopefully he will get charged with stolen property if he found it shouldnt he have taken it to the police and the fact he deleted all the addresses hopefully they will give him a fine atleast so he's actually lost out on this whole thing


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