City Of Los Angeles And Bruffy's Del Rey Tow Official Police Garages (OPG) in Los Angeles - Rip off and unethical business Los Angeles California

Hey I own an OPG Tow Business and you people have to think when you say how high Bruffy's prices are, they actually are cutting it pretty good. Because I charge The exact same daily rate for storage but my overhead is I'm sure a whole lot lower. 15-40 Trucks yes Trucks, Not to mention the equipment. One truck generally runs 60,000.00 to 80,000.00, Maybe 4 trucks over 100,000.00, Driver and Insurance 40 To 60,000.00 a year, Dispatchers$$$$, Insurance, Don't forget get Trucks Big Trucks Gas Hello$$$, Not to mention your car just spent a couple of days, weeks, etc. a couple of blocks from the Marina Shore= Rent, Taxes$$$$$$$$ Hello!!!!!


Mr. Brough Keep Up the Good Work!!!!

Please understand the true situation here:

1. The City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Police Commission regulates and sets the towing and storage rates and fees that must be paid before the release of any vehicle by Official Police Garages. Bruffy's posts the rates for all Official Police Garage prominently in our lobby and the public can find these rates at the website: http://www.opgla.com/pages/rates.html. The City of Los Angeles literately monitors all transactions in three to five minute increments, 24 hours a day, 365+ days each year. Computerized software generates all fee calculations within full compliance all applicable municipal ordinances and state laws.

2. At all times, Bruffys employees have worked to remain courteous and business-like with Jasmond in all our interactions with Jasmond. Jasmond needs to be made aware that Bruffys made significant investments in upgrading our monitoring/recording system specifically to be able to address customer service issues such as she alleges and potential security issues. Jasmonds recollection of what transpired onsite at Bruffys would likely vary from how other individuals would interpret what is recorded.

3. At the time Jasmond retrieved her personal property from the vehicle, Jasmond declared her belief that her property had been handled by our personnel. Bruffys explained that such actions were outside our policies and shared with Jasmond information disclosed in the LAAP inventory report. Bruffys cannot attest to the condition of Jasmonds vehicle prior to its impound but the vehicle remains unviolated while in our charge. The vehicle's condition was and remains consistent with the inventory report.

4. Jasmond is not a victim. Jasmond knowingly and willfully violated the law. The Los Angeles Airport Police (LAAP) impounded Jasmonds vehicle on 08/16/2009 for a violation of State of California Vehicle Code Section 22651(o) Expired Vehicle Registration. The Vehicle Code prohibits the impounding of a vehicle until the vehicles registration lasped for a period over six months.

5. No one is stealing Jasmonds vehicle. The City of Los Angeles impounds NO vehicle unless specific codified violations of the vehicle code exist. Jasmond specifically and actively chose to fail to the legally responsible thing and renew the registration of vehicle in question. Because of Jasmonds flagrant and intentional violation of the law, the Los Angeles Airport Police directed Bruffys to transport the vehicle and placed it into storage. The same laws that required the impounding of the vehicle requires Bruffys to charge specified fees for bailment and file a lien on the vehicle to recoup any unpaid fees.

6. Our General Manager himself worked to address Jasmonds expressed concerns. Twice, Bruffys General Manager spent a significant amount of time on the telephone with Jasmond strategizing with her methods to limit her exposure to additional costs as the fees increase with the time the vehicle is stored. Bruffys noted Jasmonds posting after the second conversation. Bruffys contacted Jasmond a third time in effort to resolve the issues expressed. Jasmonds responses were curt and her demeanor was unresponsive. Jasmond continues to rebuff our attempts to find an equitable solution. Bruffys is at an impasse not of our creation and faced with a party unwilling to work with us in resolving the matters that party has expressed.

7. Bruffys, in its capacity as an Official Police Garage, has no latitude in the matter of fees charged. There is nothing personal about any fee charged by Bruffys.

The truth is that Official Police Garages are highly regulated and monitored concerns. As with all Official Police Garages, the City Los Angeles contracts Bruffys to provide towing and storage services. Bruffys strives to fulfill our duties in a responsible and courteous manner. Bruffys prides itself in its execution of those duties.

Bruffys acknowledges that Jasmond may feel put upon by our inability to bend the rules for her personal situation, but remember Jasmond chose to violate the law and reject our efforts to assist her. In short, Jasmond has lodged this complaint because she refuses to acknowledge her own responsibility in the situation and due to circumstances wholly beyond Bruffys control, she feels it necessary to scapegoat the company.

Respectfully,

Richard Adlof

Comptroller

Bruffys Tow

SB remains in continuous violation of the settlement agreement negotiated directly by his attorney between Bruffy's and himself. Bruffy's considers this inappropriate and potentially actionable. Bruffys is presently reviewing its options in this matter.

Respectfully,

Richard Adlof

Comptroller

Bruffys. Inc.

SB remains in continuous violation of the settlement agreement negotiated directly by his attorney between Bruffy's and himself. Bruffy's considers this inappropriate and potentially actionable. Bruffys is presently reviewing its options in this matter.

Respectfully,

Richard Adlof

Comptroller

Bruffys. Inc.

There prices are to high there rude went threw my personal belongings and I filed my own report after looking up there number and i saw the complaints it's good to now your not the only person out there it's bad in the same since that so many people are falling victim to the high prices and basically stealing you vehicle the prices are so high it's like you won't get a chance to get your car back and then they will sell it  saying it's the city of los angles not us which is a lie after filing my report on this website  who do i get a call from Bruffy's he wants to argue the fact please i can say whatever i feel my car is still there i plan to get it out on the first of this month lets see if if they still charge more because i filed my report are steal something but i have it on paper..... This company needs to be closed down besides they made enough money for years and years......

Bruffy's Tow is a very ethical, licensed company.  It responds to calls from the various police and Sheriff's calls, as well as individual calls.  Bruffy's does NOT tow vehicles legally parked.

The fees for towing and impounding a vehicle are high, but not illegal.  Parking a vehicle illegally is at best a nuisance, at worst a hazard.  If you break the law, you run the risk of incurring a penalty.  It is not the fault of the towing company that your vehicle was illegally parked.  It is your fault.

I have dealt with the employees of Bruffy's both after having a vehicle towed and having to tow a vehicle.  They are polite, friendly and ethical.  They receive much abuse and disrespect at the hands of disgruntled people misdirecting their hostility.  They provide a necessary service and should be treated with dignity and respect.

If you break the law, knowingly or not, you are subject to the penalties and fines the law provides.  Bruffy's doesn't make the law, they simply provide a service.  It is time for people to start taking responsibility for their actions.  No one is entitled to disobey the law.

Mr. Goldstein is incorrect in every statement of his posting. Let me repeat: There is literally nothing factually correct in Mr. Goldsteins post.

1. Bruffys, Inc. - dba Bruffys Del Rey Tow was newly incorporated in August 1983 by its principals as Bruffys, Inc. Prior to initiating operations, neither of the principals operated in the towing or impound industry. Since its inception, the business has been owned and operated by members of the same family.

2. Bruffys, Inc., nor any portion of the company, has ever operated, done business as or been known as "Marina Tow".

3. No family member has ever been prosecuted for any malfeasance or criminal action. This includes the entire decade of the 1980s.

4. Bruffys, Inc. has continuously operated as an Official Police Garage of the City of Los Angeles since its inception. Bruffys Inc. has never had its license or operations terminated, cancelled, revoked, suspended or interrupted.

5. No principal or employee of Bruffys, Inc. has ever bribed or attempted to bribe anyone.

6. Bruffys, Inc., dba Bruffys Del Rey Tow, dba Bruffys Tow, has never operated under any other names. Bruffys, Inc. has never been called Marina Tow.

7. No Principal or employee of Marina Tow was ever involved in the ownership or operation of an entity known as Marina Tow. No asset owned by Bruffys Inc. or its Principals was ever owned by entity known as Marina Tow.

8. As stated above, neither Bruffys Inc. nor have any of its Principals have ever been involved in illegal actions, or in malfeasance, real or alleged. Bruffys and its Principals are not crooks and have never been so. To state or imply anything else is intentionally issuing a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming both Bruffys Inc. and its Principals.

The truth is that Bruffys Inc. is contractually obligated to provide valuable services to the City of Los Angeles. The Police Commission has had continuous oversight of Bruffys operations. Official Police Garages are highly regulated and must operate within strict parameters to retain their license with the city. Bruffys Inc. must operate in a manner which reflects positively upon law enforcement for face termination of our contract. Bruffys has been acknowledged for contributing to the community at large on numerous occasions and looks forward to continue serving the City and our greater community for years to come.

In my review of our companys records, I can find no contact with Mr. Goldstein. I know of no reason that Mr. Goldstein would choose to publish such a patently incorrect characterization Bruffys Inc. or its Principals. That said, his posting of 05/29/09 is devoid of facts and appears to have been made with the express intent to harm and defame Bruffys Inc. and its Principals. I request Rip-off Report to review Mr. Goldsteins allegations and ask that this post be removed for the website with prejudice.

Respectfully,

Richard L. Adlof

Comptroller

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Side Conversation: Mr. Goldsteins post is at best Motzi Shem Ra or, in English: spreading of malicious lies. Mr. Goldsteins posting appears to be expressly written to intentionally and willfully destroy the good name of Bruffys Inc. and its Principals. Halachically, this transgression is considered worse than murdering the individual because it leaves them alive to suffer the consequences unjustly for the remainder of their lives. Please see Devarim (Leviticas) 19:16. If Mr. Goldstein is in fact a Rabbi, Mr. Goldstein should know better than inflict such an injustice upon any living soul.

At the beginning of this response, I must note that as a Jew and an American, I strenuously object to the malicious mischaracterization by Tom1969 of this or any other individual or entity as being like or related to the defense of the n**i war-crime atrocities as being heinous and reprehensible. This goes beyond hyperbole and meets the definition of libel.

Please understand that Tom1969 offers Bruffys no opportunity to address/redress any complaint or issue expressed in this posting. The posting is specifically devoid of information which would allow Bruffys to research the specific complaint. Tom1969, through this posting, is making an opportunity to inflict harm on Bruffys reputation while remaining concealed behind the confidential nature of this website.

Tom1969 expresses feeling victimized While his interpretation of his emotions may lead him believe otherwise, Tom1969 is the progenitor on his grief and is responsible for all issues experienced. Tom1969 specifically acknowledges violating the law in regards to vehicle registration. Tom1969 specifically mischaracterizes Bruffys operations and appears to have utterly failed to properly address the situation. Following this well-defined tradition of failing to take responsibility for his actions, Tom1969 fails to provide folk reading this website with pertinent information outlining his further culpability.

The City of Los Angeles does not tow a vehicle for out of date registration until lapsed six months and one day. Vehicles from outside (foreign to) California must be registered in California in 20 days. Vehicle registration is regulated by the State of California Vehicle Code and any fees associated with Tom1969 registering the vehicle would have been the sole providence of the State and not Buffys.

Whether or not the vehicle registration stickers from Arizona had been trapped in the mail as Tom1969 claims, Tom1969 had 20 days upon returning to California properly register the vehicle in State of residence (California) and he chose to fail to do so.

Tom1969 specifically spells out that that the vehicle was out of state for four years. While Tom1969 provides no information on how long the vehicle had been operated/parked on public property within California, the registration on Tom1969s vehicle was at least six months out of date. Bruffys is enjoined by law to hold the vehicle until the underlying issue (in this case, lapsed vehicle registration) is corrected. Tom1969 clearly writes of his failure to alleviate the casual issue; an issue, it should be noted, that was wholly in his power to avoid in the first place.

Tom1969 describes that Bruffys attempted to explain the fees that Bruffys is contractually obligated to charge on an impound initiated by City of Los Angeles agency and our operational procedures requires our employees to explain the process of bailment of the vehicle and offer the opportunity to surrender the vehicle to avoid being referred to collections. Tom1969s misspelled mischaracterization is wholly based on either his accidental or intentional misunderstanding of the explanation of the process. Tom1969 could have paid the registration fees, obtained a moving permit, presented the paperwork to the impounding agency and gained the release of his vehicle just like anyone else, BUT Tom1969 consciously chose to not do the steps required to gain release of his vehicle. Tom1969 could have canceled any future financial obligation simply by surrendering his vehicle BUT Tom1969 consciously chose not to do so.

The long story made short is that no one stole Tom1969s vehicle, it was impounded due to Tom1969 failing to operate within the law and Tom1969 could not muster enough responsibility to do the legal and responsible things necessary to remedy the situation. Tom1969, instead, chose to do the irresponsible, immoral and unethical thing by blaming Bruffys. Bruffys is not immoral and Bruffys is not unethical. Just the opposite is fact; Bruffys actions were moral, ethical, responsible and legal. None of those things can be said of Tom1969 and his actions.

Rip-off Report provides a valuable service in allowing individuals that have been unduly wronged a voice; this is not one of those cases.

Respectfully,

Richard L. A

Comptroller

I remember when Bruffy's was called Marina Tow and they got prosecuted for all sorts of criminal conduct in the 80's and had their OPG yanked by the Police Commission. They bribed certain members of city hall and changed their name to Bruffy's. Same owners, same trucks, same location and same CRIMINAL ACTS, they just got better at hiding it. Bruffy's are crooks and always will be.

I have a lawsuit against Bruffy's for illegal predatory towing practices. I would like to hear from you to be part of the suit if you feel you have been unlawfully towed by Bruffy's. Please contact me at SuingBruffys@gmail.com .....

There are a few things that are important to understand if your car has been towed. Just as Mr. Brough (pronounced Bruff) states above, the tow company is not responsible when police tow a vehicle and the rates are set by law. However, there are a number of procedures that must be followed (see below) and we are alleging that Bruffy's is not abiding by the law. It is important to note that even if you are parked illegally, that does not necessarily mean you can be legally towed away. For example California Vehicle Code Section 22658 states that you may park on private property for up to an hour and cannot be towed even if you are not authorized to be parked there, even if signs are properly posted. If signs are not properlly posted at ALL ENTERANCES to the private property, you cannot be legally towed. A proper sign MUST include certain information like a correct number for a local police department, the vehicle code section violated, and a statement that unlawfully towed vehicles will be towed at your expense. If any one of these elements is missing, you may have been illegally towed. Moreover, a tow company has to notify the police department within 15 minutes of your car arriving at the tow lot. When you pick up the car, you are entitled to have certain information presented to you BEFORE you pay, for example, who authorized the car to be towed, when they first observed the vehicle illegally towed and when they authorized the tow (must be after one hour of first having been observed to be illegally parked). We are alleging that Bruffy's ignored ALL of these things.

If you are reading this, you have probably been towed by Bruffy's and they may have been completly lawful in their behavior. Then again, they may not have obeyed all or any of the laws. Please read the following and then contact us by e-mail if you have further questions.... http://dca.lacounty.gov/law07TowComp.html

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Towing Companies: Greater Protection For Motorists

Vehicle Code Sections 22658, 21100, 22651.7, 22953, and 40000.15

The law requires towing companies to get written authorization prior to towing an illegally parked vehicle from private property. With some exceptions, current law also requires towing companies to tow vehicles to the nearest public garage, and to wait at least one hour before they can tow an illegally parked vehicle. Many towing companies, however, tow vehicles illegally, and charge motorist excessive fees to get their cars back.

This new law provides greater protection for consumers, including:

Requires towing companies to release vehicles that have not yet been towed. Towing companies may charge only one-half the regular towing fee if the vehicle owner comes back before it is towed, even if the vehicle has already been coupled to the tow truck.

Makes a person or business that has a vehicle towed within one hour from being illegally parked liable to the vehicle owner for two times the amount of the towing and storage costs.

Prohibits excessive towing and storage fees. Fees are excessive if they are more than what a towing or storage company charges under an agreement with a law enforcement agency, or more than the rate approved by the California Highway Patrol. Companies that charge excessive rates are civilly liable to the vehicle owner for four times the amount charged.

Requires towing companies to get prior written authorization to tow a vehicle from the private property owner or lessee. The written notice must contain the following:
Make, model, VIN, and license plate number of the towed vehicle;
Name, signature, job title, residential or business address and phone number of the person authorizing the towing;
The reason for towing the vehicle; and
The time when the vehicle was first observed parked at the private property, as well as the time when authorization to tow the vehicle was given.

Requires towing companies to give the vehicle owner a free copy of the written authorization to tow the vehicle at the time the owner claims the vehicle. The towing company has to also give the vehicle owner a separate notice that provides the telephone number for the local law enforcement or prosecuting agency for the vehicle owner to contact them if he or she feels that the vehicle was illegally towed. This notice has to be in English and in the most common language, other than English, that is spoken in that jurisdiction.

Requires towing companies to take pictures of vehicles that are legally towed within an hour from being parked. A vehicle can be legally towed immediately after it is parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in a fire lane, blocking an exit or entrance, or in a handicap space. Private property owners and towing companies can have a general written agreement to immediately tow vehicles for these violations. The towing company, however, has to take a picture of the vehicle before it is towed, and must give a copy of the picture free of charge to the owner of the vehicle at the time he or she claims the vehicle.
Requires towing companies to notify local law enforcement within 60 minutes of a vehicle being towed or within 15 minutes after arriving at the storage facility, whichever is less.

Requires towing companies to send a notice to the vehicle owner that the vehicle has been towed if the towing company can find the vehicle owner's name and address from DMV records or the owner or lessee of the private property. The notice has to list the reason for towing and where the vehicle was towed to.
Requires that vehicles only be towed to a storage facility that:
Is within 10 miles from the location from where the vehicle was towed, unless the towing company has written authorization from law enforcement to tow vehicles to a further location;

Is open on normal business hours: Mon to Fri from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Releases vehicles after normal business hours. A gate fee may be charged for releasing a vehicle after normal business hours. The maximum hourly gate fee may be only up to of the hourly tow rate;
Has a pay phone in the office area that is accessible to the public;
Has a visible sign posted letting the public know that all credit cards and cash are accepted for payment.

Requires private property owners or lessees to post a sign warning that illegally parked vehicles will be towed at owner's expense. The sign has to list the name and phone number of each towing company the property owner has a written agreement with.

Requires towing companies to maintain the written authorizations and pictures for at least three years, and make them available for inspection and copying without a warrant to law enforcement, the Attorney General, and district or city attorney.
Makes the following violations a misdemeanor for storage facilities that:
Charge excessive rates, and fail to post a notice visible to the public advising them that credit cards and cash are accepted for payment;
Fail to maintain a written authorization with the pictures of the towed car for three years and make them available without a warrant to law enforcement, the Attorney General, and district or city attorneys.

May be reprinted for non-commercial use if a credit line is included acknowledging the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs.

I was also a victim of these guys. The only thing official about their relationship with the LAPD is they're officially collaborating to steel cars. Their quoting munical vehicle laws as an excuse sounds very similar to the Nazis at Nuremberg who "were just following orders".

I had just moved back to California from AZ and didn't have my new registration stickers on my Ford Explorer (mail hadn't been forwarded) when I was unfortunate enought to have to fly out of LAX. Instead of writing me a ticket which is what decent authorities would do they had me towed to these crooks. When I tried to get them to release the vehicle they came up with a rediculous figure for storage and towing and then told me I couldn't get it without some kind of release from the DMV/LAPD. I hadn't lived in California for 4 years so they not only wanted me to pay for each year's registration while I was gone (DMV/LAPD bureaucratic rip off) but I needed to get a new Cal registration which I couldn't get without a smog certificate, which I couldn't get without the vehicle (catch 22).

Long story short. The total registration fees + Bruffy's fees were more than the vehicle was worth so I accepted it as a total loss. After these degenerates stole my vehicle they had the nerve to submit a negative entry on my credit report. I sincerely believe there is a special place in hell for these guys but anyone should watch out when doing business with them.

Thanks For Reading,

TK

Tom Brough - Vice President July 25, 2008
Bruffy's Del Rey Tow
4140 Glencoe Avenue
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

RE: Report #224801

Bruffy's Del Rey Tow (Bruffy's) is franchised as the Official Police Garage (OPG) for the City of Los Angeles (City), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Pacific Division and the Los Angeles Airport Police (LAAP) covering LAX. As such we are contracted to do the tow and impound of vehicles at the direction of the City. An OPG is not allowed to remove a vehicle from the street or a public parking facility without an impound by a law enforcement agency.

In this case LAAP was patroling the Los Angeles Airport, Parking Lot C and saw Mr. George's vehicle and determined his vehicle needed to be impounded per 22651. (j)
Of the State of California Vehicle Code. Once this determination is made the officer radios a request for tow and the OPG is dispatched to the scene.

What Mr. George from Bakersfield, California failed to mention in his complaint is the reason for the impound: 22651.vc Circumstances Permitting Removal -
22651. (j) states: When a vehicle is found illegally parked and there are no license plates or other evidence of registration displayed, the vehicle may be impounded until the owner or person in control of the vehicle furnishes the impounding law enforcement agency evidence of his or her identity and an address within the state at which he or she can be located.

We did not go looking for Mr. George's vehicle. Our trucks sit in our yard waiting for a call from the City to tow a City impounded a vehicle.

Regarding Mr. George's complaint of the fees paid, all rates (tow, storage & release fees are set by the City and the lien fees are set by the Department of Motor Vehicles, State of California).

As a franchise contractor with the City we do not keep all the fees collected. The City 10% storage tax is a direct pass thru to the City as well as the City vehicle release fee of $48.00. Additionally, as a franchisee, the City collects 7% of our gross (not net) earnings for City related business.

Mr. George further asks why a private entity would handle the case, issue a bill and receive the money. The OPG does not "handle the case", we have no authority over the impounding or releasing of a vehicle ordered impounded by the City. This is evidenced by the release Mr. George had to obtain, by speaking to Det. Jones of the LAPD, Pacific Division, Auto Detectives, prior to our being able to return his vehicle. The vehicle owner then brings the release to the OPG and after remitting the City and State required fees the vehicle is returned to the owner.

Mr. George is just another individual that got "caught by the System", albeit he illegally parked and failed to legally register his vehicle, and needed to vent.

In fact, we came across this posting by accident. Mr. George did not bother to advise us of this posting, undoubtedly not wanting a response, thus our late response.

Sincerely,
Tom Brough
Bruffy's Del Rey Tow

Why did they tow the car to begin with?
Were you away on a flight?