: Tows Nailed: Illegal Rigs Yanked Off Queens Streets

The city started cracking down on illegal tow trucks on Jan. 1, towing and impounding rigs whose owners failed to renew licenses and medallions with the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).

Only about one-third of the approximately 400 private tow trucks in Queens have current licenses, DCA officials said. The firms must renew their licenses every two years at a cost of $600 for both the firm and one truck license. Additional tow trucks can be licensed for $600 each, and driver’s licenses are $20 each, officials said.

Two trucks were towed from firms in Queens on New Year’s Day – including one from Exclusive Auto Body and Tow in Ozone Park, where operators railed against the city’s action, charging DCA should have done more to let owners know "what was going to happen" if they did not obtain licenses in time.

Tow firm operators in Long Island City and Flushing said the delay in licensing, in some cases, was caused by DCA. The agency changed its rules for inspecting the trucks, they said creating paperwork snafus and delays in processing.

Tow truck drivers warned that the pubic would suffer if DCA takes the rigs off the street because there will be "tons of cars stuck" and streets will be "totally gridlocked."

DCA officials said that is "just not the case," and reminded the public that there are "plenty" of legitimate, licensed trucks on the street.

"The tow industry is one of the most complained-about businesses," said DCA Licensing Director Dorothy Tauber.

"These people are often unwilling to follow the law, and we went to show them that the department is serious," she said. Tauber added that the DCA receives at least 200 complaints each year about tow companies.

Scams

Cops call them "tow truck drivers from hell" – operators who hook your vehicle from city streets.

It’s a scam that casts yet another cloud over unlicensed tow trucks, and it could cost you your vehicle, police warned.

Queens detectives are investigating this whole new kind of car theft, sources said – and Flushing and Ridgewood are among the areas in the borough that are the hardest hit.

"They take the vehicles by hook on a flatbed from one street and dump them five or six blocks away," a police source said. "They return some time later to either tow the car to a chop shop, or take whatever parts they want – right on the street," a police source said. College Point Boulevard is a "hot spot" for the towed vehicles, a source said.

Police said the trucks being used in the scam are most often unlicensed and underweight, less than the 9,600 pounds required in New York State for vehicles that tow.

"They’re lighter, so they can chase accidents – and they’re dangerous on city streets," the source said.

"They’re unlicensed and don’t have a medallion," a police source said. "These are the guys who are regularly involved in stealing these cars."

Most legitimate tow companies are assigned to firms like "AAA." "These drivers are on the road to help people when they’re involved in an accident – and they wouldn’t think of crossing the line."

Eyes-On

Police are urging residents to report any tow action that "doesn’t seem right" by calling 911 or their local precinct.

"Day or night, if you see a vehicle towed, jot down the truck plate number or try to get a name off the truck," police said. "If a vehicle is towed by the City Sheriff or marshal, tow trucks from the Jamaica Tow Co. are with them – accompanied by marked cars," they said.

"Agents verify the scofflaw status of a vehicle and generally have paperwork from a computer in their car – which they hand-over to local police to notify them of the action," a police officer said.

If you spot any vehicle being towed, unaccompanied by a NYPD, Department of Traffic, Marshal or Sheriff’s vehicle, get the plate number from the tow truck – or the name of the firm," the officer added.

"We can’t say it enough," they said.

"If the truck has no plates, and no name on the truck, get a description and call police immediately," he said.

"These guys operate way outside of the law," he added." Nothing is over the edge for them."

Don’t Be ‘Accident-Prone’

Don’t get into an accident if you can help it. And if you do, don’t get into an accident by allowing an unlicensed, unauthorized tow truck take your vehicle, police adviced.

"When people see these trucks, they should get a chill down their spine because they might lose the vehicle, find it chopped or get a bill for an outrageous amount of money for services they didn’t authorize," a police source said.

DCA officials said they receive complaints "all the time," from unwary motorists who, after an accident, let an unlicensed tow truck take their vehicle.

"You’re a little shook-up and not thinking clearly," the official said. "So people sign whatever the tow truck driver puts in front of them – and with unlicensed firms, that can be very costly."

Officials said when the firms take vehicles to their "shop" they often "steal a bumper, a headlight – something that wasn’t damaged in the accident." Then they hand the motorist a bill – and hold the vehicle "for ransom," the sources said.

People can call the police, but if they’ve signed an agreement there is often nothing the cops can do," police said.

"It often turns into a matter for the courts." Motorists can be without their vehicle for months, until the issue is resolved, police said.

"But you can drive by the tow shop and see your vehicle, collecting dirt," one police source noted.

Report It!

"We can combat the practices of illegitimate tow operators and drivers," police said. "We need help from the public."

Queens detectives are conducting an intensive investigation into the practices – including the "theft issue," and the condition has been presented at City Council hearings, police said.

"We constantly arrest these people when they’re caught on the hook," a detective said.

Offenders face heavy penalties, including jail time if convicted. The arrest charges for the thefts range from grand larceny auto to possession of stolen property, to enterprise crime and racketeering, under federal charges police said.

Those charged face numerous counts on each charge, police said.

"Again – always report any unusual or suspicious tow trucks or activity," police said.

"If a flatbed truck or tow truck comes along at 2 a.m. unaccompanied by law enforcement vehicles as it takes your neighbor’s vehicle, chances are it’s being stolen," police said.

"Just because a tow truck is shiny and painted in pretty colors doesn’t mean it’s legal. Legitimate firms have a medallion displayed on the tow truck, and many are affiliated with insurance firms," an officer said.

"There are many firms out there who operate under the law – and offer a safe legitimate service to motorists," police said.