Warning for Valet Parkers (Full Version)

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Mercnbeth -> Warning for Valet Parkers (6/22/2006 1:59:20 PM)

Next time you use a valet, you may want to only give him the key to your car, not the whole set.

quote:

Stalker Hides Under Woman's Bed for Two Days

"In a lot of ways, [it's the] stuff of an urban nightmare," said Ken Wainstein, U.S. Attorney. He was a parking valet with an unnerving obsession.

"He got access to her keys. He then took that opportunity to get those keys copied. That's something we should all think about next time we leave our keys somewhere," said Wainstein.

The nightmare started at Holy Cross Hospital where the victim met her stalker who was working as a parking valet. In court, the victim told the judge that the discovery of the valet in her bedroom was in her words -- a horrible experience.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/strange/news-article.aspx?storyid=59850



cuddleheart50 -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/22/2006 3:54:57 PM)

wow, thanks, I have never even thought of something like that happening.



ownedgirlie -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/22/2006 5:52:32 PM)

Always good advice.  I never, ever give the whole set - to valet, to mechanics, to whomever. Ignition key only is all they need. :)



Avrilkiller -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/23/2006 2:58:25 AM)

Also, I have what is called a "Valet Key". It only works for the ignition and doors, but not the trunk or glovebox (I have yet to figure out how the hell this works, isn't it all the same lock?).



SenpaiandMia -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/23/2006 4:28:17 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Avrilkiller

Also, I have what is called a "Valet Key". It only works for the ignition and doors, but not the trunk or glovebox (I have yet to figure out how the hell this works, isn't it all the same lock?).


Not if it's the newer laser cut keys that are chiped. (Mostly your High-end cars at the moment but working it's way down the line.) Basically there is a chip in the key in addition to the normal cut surface (some keys you can even see it) when it's in the lock, the lock checks the key and the chip). So while the key may be the same the chip isn't, for those specific areas. The chips and laser cutting is what makes these keys a fortune to replace, also means you need the dealer to do it if you need spare/replacement.

Another option some locks use is the number of tumblers, (little cylinder raised up or down by the ridge on the key) When all the ridges are the right higeth the tubbler can turn. Say you have 10 ridges, could be trunk and gloves box use all ten tumblers while door and ignittion only use 9 (could be any 9).

Anyways Valet Key's are the way to go. You can also get Valet key chains too, which are basically snap aparts with the car key on one part and all the others on the other part. Like Ownedgirle said, you shouldn't give Anyone any key except for the ignition.

Mia



windchymes -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/23/2006 1:43:42 PM)

I've always kept my car key on it's own clip which can be easily detached from the rest of the keys and given to mechanics, valets, etc. 



JohnWarren -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/23/2006 1:46:40 PM)

My car brand, Saturn, goes better than that.  When I got the car they gave me a valet key.  It won't open the glove box; it won't open the trunk.  That's all I give the guy and I keep the rest of the keys in my pocket



MHOO314 -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/23/2006 2:06:41 PM)

AND lock the glovebox, because that is where all vital info about exists right on your registration.



becca333 -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/25/2006 2:00:11 AM)

That's scary!

Mind you, the dust bunnies under my bed would choke any stalker. 



TheJackal -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/28/2006 11:09:28 PM)

My old car had separate keys for the doors/ignition and the glove box/trunk.  I don't have that car anymore, and my newer car is actually an SUV with no locking glove box.

I never keep my house keys/mailbox keys/keys to anything else on the same ring as my car keys.  Not only for this purpose but when ever I let someone use the car I don't want to hand over my keys to everything else.



MysticFireTopaz -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (6/29/2006 1:26:59 AM)

I always give the ignition key only, not the whole set.  I was mainly just afraid of someone making a copy of the key to my home, then using it enter my home later to steal things.  In the case of mechanics, they have my address on the work order, so it would not be difficult to figure out where I lived.
 
Never even thought of the possibility of what happened to the poor woman in the article.   Now that would be truly terrifying.
 
Lady Topaz



cynthiamarie -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (7/3/2006 9:41:21 PM)

quote:

Court documents show the Hyattsville man had a change of clothes, condoms, a power cord and latex gloves with him under victims bed at the time of his arrest.

If her boyfriend hadn't been there, he was well prepared to subdue her, tie her up, rape her, and try to leave no evidence behind...sounds like this was far from his first time, he was so well prepared.

quote:

When investigators searched Carlo Castellanos-Feria's home, they found vacation photos of his victim and a wedding video. Investigators later determined the items were stolen from her ex-husband's home.

So for this, he's getting 3 years in jail...in other words, probably out in 6 months or less on parole, or whenever his counselor says that his mental illness has been cured...or if he gets religion.

Notice that instead of apologizing profusely he was merely making an excuse for himself and expecting her to forgive him?

*sickened*

Ty for the heads up.  I have always handed all of my keys over to any auto mechanic.  I have no lock on my glovebox either.



popeye1250 -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (8/6/2006 10:41:29 PM)

Yeah, that "Carlo" guy needs a good talking to with a Base Ball Bat when he gets out. I don't know why but Base Ball Bats are SOOO much more effective than "councelling" or "Gettin' Religion."
And they work *every single time* too!
I just bought a 2006 Mercury Gran Marquis and it comes with one of those Valet keys so this must be an ongoing problem if Ford Motor Company chose to do this.



Emperor1956 -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (8/6/2006 10:46:17 PM)

I'm not as careful as I should be with my keys (what, is this the "confession" thread?)  Then again, the stalker is welcome to hide in the bedroom...that's where Jetto, the 140 lb Rottweiler hangs out.  They'll be GOOD BUDDIES in about 32 seconds, I bet.

Get a dog, folks.

E.



wetsub000 -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (8/11/2006 3:07:52 AM)

Yes, if you're the sort of person who is always looking over your shoulder then don't give the valet parker your full set of keys and I guess that goes for car wash, motor mechanics.  And if you're worried that the valet guy is going a bit weird on you (yes this valet parker knew his victim well they both worked at the same location) don't leave your registration or insurance papers or any other document that might have your name and address on it in the glove box.

Don't take your keys to work and leave them in your bag, maybe one of your co-workers will take a copy and stalk you too.  Never leave your bag unattended - oh and don't put it on the floor of the toilet cubicle when you're in a public place because someone could reach under the partition and grab it.  Don't use your credit card on the internet because someone might steal your number, but then don't use it in a shop either because, well the shop attendant also gets to see your credit card number.

I could keep going but the ideas in my head are just getting too weird.

By the way, while New York police also give the advice of only giving the valet parking attendant the key they need to park your car, the Los Angeles police advise you to always use valet parking when possible. Oh ... and as someone who's had the valet parker crash their car I'd say don't use valet parking at all if you can park it yourself and walk, but maybe that's just me being cheap.

PS ... I take no responsibility for these my alcohol induced comments.



patina -> RE: Warning for Valet Parkers (10/17/2006 4:53:23 AM)

You need to make sure that the person you hand your keys to is the correct valet for that place.  Don't always count on a big dog to take care of your place.  Just as you stated a baseball bat does wonders.  Your big dogs head makes a nice target for that bad guy who also grabbed your baseball bat. 

Now that little terrier that is hiding under the table has just come out and has bit his ankle and dived under the couch, is back out to bite again, went back under the chair, come out to bite again, back under the stool, come out to bite again, under the bookcase, come out to bite again.  The bad guy is on the floor both ankles bleeding pretty bad, the terrier is back out to bite his ears now, went back under the chair, this will go on until someone comes home.  a smaller dog is actually better as a home defense.  Now for a lady walking a big dog is better.





I do give all my keys to my mechanic but it is a small town and everyone knows everyone.  He even comes to my house to work on my car If I can't get it started.  I trust him, he trust me.   He will fix my car and let me pay him later. 
Patina




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