Well, it can happen to anyone and now it has happened to me. My storage unit was robbed and virtually ALL of my possessions are gone. Thousands of dollars worth of gear, CD's, movies, some books, my passport, some checks... Basically my entire life is gone. And, to make it worse, the stolen checks were used. This means I am also the victim of identity theft.
I hate being a victim and I am trying not to let it get me down. After all, it is just material possessions, right? Just years of working hard to save for these things that I actually use. Diving gear, climbing gear, camping gear, my massage table, my snowboard, some of my guitars and other music-related gear. Basically everything I have ever had.
The company, Public Storage, is not liable for people's belongings (obviously) but when the officer and I went in to talk to the office worker we noticed that the camera monitoring equipment was off. Also noted is the fact that no one properly logged when the missing lock was first noticed.
All while this was happening I was enjoying my spring break at home with my parents, seeing friends, and going to Reno and Tahoe. What a way to get back to Southern California. ...And speaking of Southern California I think that in the last 5 years of me living here enough bad things have happened to me. This is the second worst. So many things. I'm not one to give up or surrender to anything but I think this is a sign that I just don't belong here. Perhaps it's time to move on. I graduate in 7 weeks.
Normally I'm not one to beg but if there are any millionaires out there reading this do you think you could loan me (or donate) about $10,000 to get my life back? I'm not a begging kind of homeless guy but this situation is different.
Very rarely have I asked for help from anyone. My parent's have always been there to help in an emergency. But this is out of our control. I am, of course, filing a claim with my insurance company, but if there is anyone out there that can help I am definitely open to accept anything. As of now everything I own is in my truck. Unless something works out with the recent media attention, a book deal, or SOMETHING, it'll again take me years to save for all these things.
I hate criminals, dishonesty, and idiocy. I certainly hope this works out somewhat positively for me. Perhaps its just time to move on.
Current mood: extremely sad, a bit depressed, feeling violated, and just plain mad.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
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10 comments:
Oh andy!!! I am so sorry that that happened! But keep your head up and remember good or bad everything happens for a reason. I wish i could help but I know about broke... next time you make it to tahoe maybe i can buy you a blueberry waffle :) I do hope you really enjoyed the rest of your break regardless!
Hello Andy, I stop by from time to time to see how you are doing. I was mildly shocked to see that you were Robbed.
I am not sure what I would do, here is what I would consider: claim all insurance possible (don't make any foolish mistakes, get some professional advice). I would consider doing something nasty to the operators at the "storage faciltiy", like sueing them, or filing Criminal Charges.
Post some information about where to make a donation (if 30.000 Viewers of your Site each donate a Dollar that would be a big help, I think).
By the way, I am seriouly considering purchasing a Toyota Vehicle after reading your Blog, just thought I would let you know. You seem to be very happy with your Toyota.
You might want to post some copies of documents that prove this really happened to you, so that any potential Donators will be reassured that you are being real.
All good luck to you,
Regards, Paul
Hey Andy,
Long time reader first time commenter.. :)
You are letting the storage company off way too easy. Find a decent lawyer and sue the pants off of them. Don't forget that you are somewhat of a celebrity, you know how to attract media attention, and this is the last thing the storage company is going to want to deal with.
Their business depends on people feeling their stuff is safe, and if you take them to court to say otherwise I have no doubt they will quickly work to settle the case.
They were clearly negligent here.
Andy,
Do you know the power of Craigslist? I'd post something in the Rant-n-Rave section telling the world how messed up the storage company is.
By the way,get a Paypal account. People want to know where to donate. Or,post your P.O. box #.
Andy,
I've been following your blog for some time (You probably met some of my friends on Birthright, but I digress). In the spirit of Passover (or Easter, or...etc), please put a paypal donation button on your blog. I will happily contribute, since you have let me live vicariously through your adventures all this time!
Chag Pesach Sameach!
Hi Andy - I agree that a Paypal account would help greatly id you are soliciting donations. People are much more likely to just click and send money instantly that way, than to put money in an envleope and mail it to a PO Box.
Also agree you should sue the storage company for whatever your insurance company does not cover. Take them to small claims courtand you will not have to hire a lawyer.
In the future I would suggest NOT putting things like checks and your passport in a storge locker like that. They get broken into all the time, from what I hear.
Get a safe deposit box in a bank for small items like that that are very valuable to you.
Take care and good luck. By the way, I am no fan of Southern CA but there are thieves everywhere, and wherever you go, there you are, as the saying goes.
- Judy
http://www.judywatt.com
Everyone is giving great advice. Don't let the storage company go---they weren't properly monitoring the grounds and did not report the lock. I know you have a TON on your hands right now but this is important.
Do you think radioactive ninjas did it? We could have a tie in here...
I have no idea what is worse being mugged or being robbed. I think being robbed is worse because you feel as if someone has peeked into your life. Your life is private. I wish you the best of luck with this and definitely keep updating on developments and ways to donate to your cause!
Hang in there.
Whoa dude. I was actually feeling bad for you about the whole robbery thing until you started begging for money. Let's see, your parents buy you a $25,000 truck, you take 10 years to get a useless film degree, and you're homeless. Rock on dude. I want to be just like you when I grow up.
That sucks i know how expensive Camping Equipment and gear can be !
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