'Cars just started disappearing,' cry drivers as tow company takes vehicles in night – officials do nothing to stop it | 88I24H8 | 2024-05-12 12:08:01
A MECHANIC has fought back against a towing company after four of his vehicles were swept away.
Joe Ward said he started fighting against a towing company after several residents in the HOA privately complained.
Ward, a local mechanic who had four of his own vehicles towed by Crow Tow, called the practices "predatory towing," according to the Des Moines Register.
"With Crow Tow's history, I thought management would be ready and willing to listen to tenants," Ward told the publication.
"Management claimed I was the only person who had a problem. But everyone did."
Ward started a petition in his neighborhood after the company towed several cars.
Drivers complained, alleging the company took vehicles in the middle of the night for small parking infractions.
Vehicles were removed from guest spots. Guest's cars were removed from residential spaces. Tow operators shined flashlights into cars to check HOA registration.
Drivers paid up to $200 for the infractions.
Some homeowners complained their cars were taken even though they weren't parked illegally.
"They marked all of the cars with big neon stickers … then cars just started disappearing," Ward told the publication.
"They were taking three to then [cars] each week."
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> However, Crow Tow's owner told the publication that the business is naturally confrontational.
He fought back against Ward's claims.
"There's nothing predatory about this business," Randy Crow, the owner, said.
"All we're doing is following up with what private property owners need done."
Crow's company has been in the public spotlight several times in its 20 years in business.
<p class="article__content--intro"> Wrongfully or not, retrieving a towed vehicle can be a hassle. </p> </div> </div> In 2020, 7,700 people signed a Change.org petition, asking the Des Moines Police Department to stop working with the towing company.
The petition claimed vehicles were damaged while being towed, items inside vehicles were stolen, and parking signs were poorly displayed.
However, Crow said the allegations are false. He contends his company is clear about its towing policies.
"We're a glass fishbowl," he said.
"Nobody is more open and clear and transparent than our company."
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