Suzuki Swift Wheel Caps Stolen While We Were on Vacation

0FoxGiven on 25/07/2017 - 15:09
Last edited 25/07/2017 - 15:45 by 2 other users

My partner and I had to fly back home for 11 days due to a family emergency. When we got back we see that the wheel caps of my Suzuki Swift which I had purchased just 3 months ago were gone. I live in a gated apartment complex with entry restricted to only those who have keys (Although, I guess it wouldn't be too hard for someone to climb over the gates) and my car was parked in my designated covered parking area. There are signs nearby that states that the area is monitored by CCTV (there is a heritage/tourist attraction right next door).

I have filed a police case but I have been told that this is a fairly common thing and the police didn't seem eager to investigate. I called up the rental agency and asked if such a theft was covered under my tenant policy but apparently it is not. I was also told that there is no actual CCTV coverage in the area (not surprising, because I never spotted a camera). I have a comprehensive car insurance cover but I don't want to make a claim as I would lose my No Claim Discount and my premium would later increase by an amount that would be more than the cost of the wheel caps.

Though the loss is nothing major, I hate that I'm at a loss. It's even more frustrating that the police don't seem to wanna investigate because I feel like it would be easy to narrow in on some suspects given that the area has restricted entry, it was just my car's caps that got stolen even though there where more fancy cars right next to it and the culprits somehow knew that I was not at home for a while (even though the car wasn't coated in dust or anything). It doesn't look likely that an outsider took the effort to jump the gate, take off just my car's caps and jump back over the gates with the caps.. all for something that would bring in maybe $50-70 (the caps were not new and shiny either) when sold off.

Any advice on how I can cover my loss or get something done about this?

Automotive

closed Comments

  • boomramada on 25/07/2017 - 15:12
    +9

    Buy a new set? or steal neighbors?

    • 0FoxGiven on 25/07/2017 - 15:14

      Not gonna consider the former for a while since it may just get stolen again. Would consider the former but none of my neighbors have the same car.

      • boomramada on 25/07/2017 - 15:17
        +15

        In another word, buy a new set and move on, and hope if karma one day get them :)

      • woteva on 26/07/2017 - 07:26
        +3

        Use thick cable-ties on your replacements to keep them on.

      • iforgotmysocks on 26/07/2017 - 08:22
        +5

        The word of the day is "former"

        • gimli on 26/07/2017 - 20:20

          tomorrow you will be able to say:

          the former word of the day was former

        • iforgotmysocks on 26/07/2017 - 20:43

          @Gimli:

          Presumably you could also extend to the following day too: the former former word of the day was former.

    • fwdcelica on 26/07/2017 - 08:53
      +4

      Buy 20 inch alloys and go fully sik. no wheel caps to steal then.

      • gimli on 26/07/2017 - 20:20

        fully fully

      • thefud on 26/07/2017 - 21:31
        +1

        Just buy some anti-theft lug nuts otherwise OP might come back to some fully sik bricks in lieu of wheels, judging by their neighbours.

        • ATangk on 26/07/2017 - 21:46
          +1

          That's fully brick bruhh

      • Ayanami on 26/07/2017 - 22:35

        Hey them 10s.

  • djkelly69 on 25/07/2017 - 15:16
    +22

    Tell your story to Suzuki and see if they can give you (or give you a discount on) new hubcaps?

    I can't say I am really surprised that the police aren't that interested in investigating the theft of some hubcaps.

  • geek001 on 25/07/2017 - 15:21
    +8

    I don't think you can do much about petty crimes or even get someone outraged enough to do something about it.

    You may want to consider getting an aftermarket one from Supercheap Auto or something, they are not expensive. Or try getting an original one from a car wrecker.

    • djkelly69 on 25/07/2017 - 15:32
      +3

      Nah, just go for the steelies look… Or buy mags.

      • geek001 on 25/07/2017 - 15:37

        Lol. I was going to suggest mags, but might be too exxy for an Ozbargainer. I only buy second hand cars with mags now, had an issue with wheel covers on the first car I ever owned. Steelies look did not impress chicks back then, not sure if things have changed since then. :)

        • JimB on 25/07/2017 - 15:45
          +6

          Steelies look did not impress chicks back then, not sure if things have changed since then

          Only if you drive a VL Turbo and the chicks are still in high school or dropped out of high school due to pregnancy.

        • Daabido on 26/07/2017 - 07:33
          +1

          @JB1: That's a bit like Schrödinger's pussycat's box.

        • Grent on 26/07/2017 - 08:37
          +4

          @JB1:

          I reckon spinners are the way to impress.
          I mean, you can look like you're driving even when stopped at traffic lights. That's got to get the ladies excited.

          https://youtu.be/P29docmIig4

        • John Dough on 26/07/2017 - 18:40
          +2

          @Grent:
          Like a fidget spinner for your ride

  • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 15:30
    +39

    Make sure you remove your hub caps and take them with you whenever you park.

    Let this be a lesson …

    • Kangal on 25/07/2017 - 18:05
      +1

      I too learned this the hard way.
      I might also take the wheels off like a bike in the future.

      • HarmonicMelody on 25/07/2017 - 21:45

        I see people do that to locked bikes.

  • Baysew on 25/07/2017 - 15:37
    +37

    the police didn't seem eager to investigate.

    Probably too busy with Received a Fake Watch When Paid for New on eBay. I Wanna Get My Refund but Take The Watch to Police to Stop Scams

  • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 15:41

    You can:

    • call the police
    • file a report
    • pay the security company to scroll through the footage (usually a few hundred dollars, yes you have to do this, not the police.)
    • Give your really grainy/poor quality footage to the police.
    • Possibly by luck find a local delinquent who has no money to pay you
    • Go through the legal process to try and get your tiny amount of cash.

    (Have had stuff stolen from common areas before… )

    • 0FoxGiven on 25/07/2017 - 15:50

      Called the Police and filed the report. And like I mentioned, there really wasn't any CCTV monitoring.

      • RockyRaccoon on 25/07/2017 - 20:34
        +6

        So tell us, how would the police be able to investigate?

        As you said there is no CCTV

        Fingerprint your car…

        Knock on all the doors of the complex demanding people give evidence of where they were during the 11 days you were gone.

        Those who cant then are subject to pat down and house search.

        I know it sucks, and it doesnt fit with what we see on TV with forensic bullshit and eye in the sky GPS tracking etc

        Sorry but the other day I ran over a careless tradies packing knife and slashed my tire, which cost $120 to replace. It hurts like it does for you Especially us bargain types who prefer to hold onto our money.

        I would spend more time lobbying for CCTV in the parking lot from the body corporate.

        • Pizdets on 26/07/2017 - 16:38
          +3

          They could of at the very least done an AMBER alert.

  • altomic on 25/07/2017 - 15:45

    are they the big large "hub caps" or the centre ~7cms in diameter "centre caps"

    • 0FoxGiven on 25/07/2017 - 15:48

      The Hubcaps

      • altomic on 25/07/2017 - 15:50
        +3

        f&%ken arseholes. sorry that happened to you.

        • boomramada on 25/07/2017 - 15:56
          +1

          look like they are common in melb. My car bought it brand new had it for 10 years, no scratches.
          Drove to Melb last Easter and park for three hrs in melb CBD and some f&%ken arseholes keyed it. Prob $200-$500 damage. :/ all I can do is move on.

        • Peace Maker on 26/07/2017 - 17:17

          @boomramada: Apex hubcap gang?

      • altomic on 25/07/2017 - 16:32
        +2

        what about some generic replacements from kmart/big-W?

    • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 15:52

      I thought center caps were fitted from the inside (ie wheels need to be removed). At least mine are.

      Would be strange for them to go through all that trouble for centre caps

      • altomic on 25/07/2017 - 16:20

        maybe I've got the terminology wrong - centre caps = the caps that go in the centre of the actual tyre hub like these

        • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 16:29

          Oh. I've always thought they are only accessible with the wheel off (ie pushed through the center and the face pops out the other end). Never seen one that just clipped on the outside.

        • Speckled Jim on 26/07/2017 - 08:42

          @tshow: AFAIK, always from the outside. Some just clip on with force. Mine require the four stud nuts be removed.
          Yes, a captive cap. On a bloody Hyundai.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 15:53

    You should start a vigilante group with the other residents.

    (See how elated the police are when you make a citizen's arrest and expect them to do something about it)

  • k-rokfm on 25/07/2017 - 16:12
    +9

    Mate, theyre hub caps. Go buy some replacements or some proper wheels and move on. Theyre worth like $20

  • chumlee on 25/07/2017 - 16:13
    +12

    They probably thought they were doing you a favour and improving the look of the car

  • spackbace on 25/07/2017 - 16:16
    +26

    I'd prefer the cops dedicated their time towards serious crimes, rather than finding your bloody hubcaps!

    • Seraphin7 on 25/07/2017 - 17:00
      +5

      Yeah! Like booking people for minor traffic infringements! Keep the streets clean!

      • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 20:29
        +2

        that's a low effort/high reward activity for them

    • ilikeradiohead on 25/07/2017 - 20:30
      +7

      While I agree that there are better areas where police resources can be deployed, the culture of impunity enjoyed by the thieves will encourage them to nick other low value items too.

      • spackbace on 25/07/2017 - 20:41
        +1

        If they're under 18 they likely already know this

    • pitiek on 26/07/2017 - 10:16

      What sort of serious crimes would be appropriate use of their time?

    • WT on 26/07/2017 - 10:41

      honestly, most general duties twiddle their thumbs a lot

  • JimmyF on 25/07/2017 - 16:24
    +8

    I called up the rental agency and asked if such a theft was covered under my tenant policy but apparently it is not

    Why would you even think they would?

    You do know that for RENTALS you need to provide 'contents' insurance yourself. The landlord policy is basically only for building and not YOUR STUFF.

    It doesn't look likely that an outsider took the effort to jump the gate, take off just my car's caps and jump back over the gates with the caps

    and you're basing this on what? I know many people in a 'gated' community who get 'visitors' who shouldn't be in there. Its a FAKE sense of security.

    I have a comprehensive car insurance cover but I don't want to make a claim as I would lose my No Claim Discount and my premium would later increase by an amount that would be more than the cost of the wheel caps.

    I'm also pretty sure they would laugh at you as well. You'll have to pay your excess, which will be more than the cost of wheel caps. So don't bother claiming and buy buy a set of ebay and move on!

    • 0FoxGiven on 25/07/2017 - 16:54
      1. I just asked. I wasn't really hopeful
      2. I'm basing this on the fact that my car's caps were the ones stolen, right when I'm on vacation, my car wasn't the most accessible one in the lot for a quick grap & run and the "Monitored by CCTV" sign did not deter the thief. Like they already knew I was on vacation and the premise was not really monitored.
      3. Like i said, I don't want to make a claim. But thanks for trying to explain a point that I already know and stated.
      • JimmyF on 25/07/2017 - 17:33

        1. They most likely didn't know….. They most likely needed hub caps and your car fitted. SO bye bye they went. It takes 60 seconds for all the hub caps to disappear. Its not like they needed hours to remove them. The just pull off, 10 seconds tops. Then on to the next wheel, repeat and run!

        2. Umm no my point was, why claim $400 worth of hub caps when you have a $400+ excess. Just silly!

  • sparkles on 25/07/2017 - 16:28
    +4

    I'd say this is fate's way of telling you to upgrade to alloy wheels.

    • Euphemistic on 25/07/2017 - 16:53
      +2

      Yup. Keep an eye on the gumtree etc for a second hand set. People upgrade all the time and you might be able to pick up a second hand set of factory alloys with decent tyres for not much. Did that for my ute, cost about $150 by the time I sold the old ones. Got better tread as well.

  • Master Bates on 25/07/2017 - 16:39
    +11

    Loving my new wheel cap wall art.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 25/07/2017 - 16:39
    +5

    I understand your personal frustration, however I'd prefer limited police resources to be prioritised towards domestic violence, assaults, traffic crashes and other matters which benefit the greater community.

    • 0FoxGiven on 25/07/2017 - 16:59
      +1

      I'd prefer that too. But hey, i'm only human and unconsciously hope for some justice even though i know it probably wont happen :)

  • Ughhh on 25/07/2017 - 16:45

    Cops probably not doing anything because chances are, all you will get at best are suspects, not proof. You need proof, other wise it's just a waste of time.

  • John Kimble on 25/07/2017 - 17:30
    +4

    What a coincidence! I've recently acquired some Suzuki Swift hubcaps. They were just wasting away on an abandoned car, so I rescued them. PM me if interested.

  • Randxyz123 on 25/07/2017 - 18:39

    There are signs nearby that states that the area is monitored by CCTV

    I called up the rental agency and asked if such a theft was covered under my tenant policy but apparently it is not. I was also told that there is no actual CCTV coverage in the area (not surprising, because I never spotted a camera).

    So they clearly bought some signs from eBay to deter thieves. Whether or not you could argue a case to have this covered based on this, maybe… I'd personally argue that if there was a sign then you would have reasonable grounds to believe that the area where your car is, would be in fact covered with visible cameras to deter thieves.

    It could be worth speaking to whoever is in charge of body corporate and the manager of the rental agency. Could also be worth doing a door knock and see if anyone else has had their car broken into or similar things happen in the last 6 months. If so it could be a reason to actually get some cctv cameras.

    Have a look on the listing(you should be able to find it as an archive on google by googling the address) whether it mentions cctv on the listing.

    I know some might say it isn't worth taking it further but it's more about the principle about agents lying or body corporate being lazy / cheap arses and not actually installing CCTV…

    Hope that helps and karma hits the scum who did this.

  • Peanut money on 25/07/2017 - 19:43

    Probably a prank by a bunch of hoons rather then theft
    "Let's mess with this bombs hubcaps guys"

  • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 19:52
    +1

    PM sent with Mick Gatto's number.

  • jason101 on 25/07/2017 - 20:23
    +13

    https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/berwick/wheels-tyres-rims/su…

    Are these yours? If yes buy them back and move on.

    • bongom on 25/07/2017 - 20:50
      +1

      Has the OP pissed off any of his/her neighbours lately?

  • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2017 - 20:30

    Bikies!

    No seriously, nobody gives a shit about your Hub Caps unless you are paying them to do something about it

  • Plug on 25/07/2017 - 21:03
    +1

    I've seen a few cars in Adelaide that have a zip tie holding the hubcap to the wheel. Does up from the back so all you see in front is a small length of whitish plastic. Might help next time unless the thieves happen to have a pair of nippers with them.

  • -.- on 25/07/2017 - 21:43
    -1

    Did you purchase them using your CC? If so, you might have shoppers' protection/insurance of some sort. You'll just have to pay a small excess fee.

    • JimmyF on 26/07/2017 - 10:23

      They come with the car silly!

  • djmm on 25/07/2017 - 22:08
    +1

    Are those captain america shields

    • FUZHA on 26/07/2017 - 15:04

      Yes, if they were off a Ford Ranger! ;)

  • syousef on 25/07/2017 - 22:35
    -1

    Mongrels did this to my inlaws while they were home. Late at night. My father in law saw the bastards drive off if I recall. I bought them after market caps for Christmas a few years ago. Still on the car going strong. Was a Falcon wagon and nothing too swish but they didn't deserve driving around in bare tyres.

  • D6C1 on 25/07/2017 - 22:39
    +3

    This your chance to replace the wheels with mags, drop a few inches, install a chrome 5" exhaust so you can go over speedhumps sideways at 1km/hr.

    fullllyyyy sik do it brah

  • apple2016 on 25/07/2017 - 22:57

    Some comprehensive insurances will cover theft without affecting your rating. Did you check with your insurance company?

    • JimmyF on 26/07/2017 - 10:24

      excess would be greater than the value of the hubbies….

      • apple2016 on 26/07/2017 - 14:14

        Usually excess does not apply for theft.

        • JimmyF on 26/07/2017 - 17:10

          Got a link to your policy?

          Insurance excess applies for any claim you can't list the 'at fault' party.

  • prinsenhof on 25/07/2017 - 23:08

    Honestly id go for a walk around the place and check the bushes and gutters. Most likely some drunks were just having some fun on their way through. Eventually they realise they dont need hubcaps and ditch them.

    But being a gated community, just have a peek in your neighbours backyard and see if the old granny is using them under the pot plants.

  • Cheeper on 26/07/2017 - 00:16

    You have the solution to never having them stolen again..
    .. don't replace them.

    Have had this happen to me a couple of times.. nothing you can do but just buy another set if it bothers you not having them on the car. It's one of life's things that you just have to roll with. There will be others.

  • nobarginsarehere on 26/07/2017 - 07:01

    Cops never want to help, they're useless

    • JimmyF on 26/07/2017 - 10:25

      yeah cause chasing $200 worth of hub caps with no leads, is really worth our polices time! not

  • HeWhoKnows on 26/07/2017 - 07:50
    +7

    Another stupid, totally useless post.
    What does OP want us to do?
    Police summed it up nicely by politely saying "Go away".
    Yes, Go away and buy a new set of caps for crying out loud you poor baby.
    Now if you go to Supercheap Auto you can get a set of 4 new caps for around $20.
    OMG what a tragedy for OP to spend $20 to fix his problem.

    • Pootie Tang on 26/07/2017 - 08:35
      +6

      You wonder how some people deal with real problems

    • JimmyF on 26/07/2017 - 10:26

      Just another, post in the long list of posts on ozwhinge it seems.

  • Gershom on 26/07/2017 - 08:19
    +9

    The hubcaps are the most valuable part of a Swift. Maybe just buy a real car and move on? Maybe stop whining?

    • [Deactivated] on 26/07/2017 - 09:02

      this, i wasted 2 mins reading OPs cry post.

    • Speckled Jim on 26/07/2017 - 09:14

      Cue Spackbace in three, two…

  • [Deactivated] on 26/07/2017 - 09:03
    -1

    have a cry m8, other people have bigger problems than you

    man the f up

    • OzzyOzbourne on 26/07/2017 - 09:35
      +1

      Yep some countries are committing genocide, so until we get to that point, bury your head in the sand and don't complain.

      Manning the f up will make everything ok, because it means you don't have to think about anything nor take any action. It's the true Aussie way.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/07/2017 - 09:09

    No , he should take all his neighbours hubcaps an hold them for ransom til the his are returned
    Maybe patrol the carpark late at night,
    if it's cold he could get a cape or a kickass mask

  • bobbified on 26/07/2017 - 09:15
    +3

    I haven't had it happen to me yet (and I don't have a Swift), but I imagine you'd feel very "violated" and pissed off or whatever you want to call it.

    The reality of it is, you can bitch and moan as much as you want to get it off your chest, but no-one is going to care - so the quicker you can get over it, the better it is for yourself.

    • [Deactivated] on 26/07/2017 - 09:29
      +1

      lmao savage

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