Sergeants Towing Sergeants Towing Portland Oregon Entrapment Towing Scam Portland Oregon, Stalking, Denny's, NE Grand St., Photo Stalking Portland, Oregon

Dennys and red robin have come to an agreement Dennys bought property, paved it painted parking spots and posted signs on who could park there. Red robin built a resturant with no room to park and expect their customers to walk to them, It is not preditory to tow someone who has ignored reasonable efforts to let them know not to park in certain places. In this case we are not talking about a shared parking lot, it is one parking lot with a fence seperating the two buissnesses. their are 13 signs within the parking lot along with a sign at both entrances. so anyone that gets towed is not the victim they gambler that lost the bet and now are looking for sympathy. I wonder what they would say if they read a sign on the freeway that said 55 and then got a ticket for doing 70 after all signs are for information only and inforcement is just a ripoff. 

I may of wrote something earlier - to busy to look and see. I thought its best to look and see if there is a possibility your car will be towed, therefore avoid it - if your car is in a no tow area, I would  be more concerned about how strange it was to happen.  Just avoid any possibility is much safer.

If their losing enough customers and money, perhaps they will expand their parking lot.

If its that bad to avoid parking there, you should avoid any place that does it, then perhaps find some where to tell them their losing customers - its just not safe to park there. Find a safer place to eat.

Thank you for having the brains to look into the fact of Administrative Rules of Portland's on Tow;   the fact is - it a business open to the public.  Yes, it may be privately owned - but it's a public place of business!  Yes, it has the right to tow...  

I know this area and like any area that has a large volume of people that come from other places to visit - Everybody is a meal ticket!    It's the dog eat dog world for a buck....    The old saying is two wrongs does not ever make one right!  

The fact is every business in the area likes the business, but lack the good sense to understand that by letting the city and other Big boys that drive the shows force the overflow out to the outlying area.   Like the one person said;"the best answer is for both business to work out an agreement", or Red should buy out D's and build a hi-rise parking garage.  
 
But the best answer for everybody at the least cost to all - is for those that wish to visit the area, RIDE the Bus or Max and walk to you events.  if you need to drive - park at a park and ride as you ride public transport into the events.        

Regardless of where the blame is - if its that hard to buy something  - I stop buying from them, here are my examples:

1.) Target - people can do anything, anywhere, perhaps never do the same thing, that silly, that often -  complaining that I ask questions while they stock the shelves - STL comes - threatens to call the police, as if I planned to slow them down, he stated their slow and lazy, will not pay them for the delay. Some psychopath will see what I wrote,  make it a waste of time writing something here, therefore avoid this place and their silly comments. 

2.) Paypal or Ebay sent me email telling me after they took my money, that I should get a refund - when I did - only gave me part of it, I never received what I bought - they promised several times every time upon my asking, that I would receive the remaining amount, then denied they did. Some psychopath will see what I wrote and make it a waste of time writing something here and therefore avoid this place and their silly comments. 

3.) Things about Amazon.com were bad, when I bought or sold there. When I sold a DVD HDD player/recorder - all I did was buy 2 and open the box and take out the remote control, then sell the one opened, my ads said, new all there - except remote control. I sold it for much less then I paid for it, then shipped it USPS priority mail, at my expense, when he only paid little for slow shipping. When he found the remote control missing, this psychopath complained I ripped him off, I tried to explain as clearly as I could, yet he called my communication childish. I did favors for people they treated me like dirt.

Then I tried to sell a rarely used Sony DVD/VCR player/recorder, at Amazon.com. Some one asked me if the remote control came with it, not about selling it, I took a long look at how well it works, it stopped working while not being used. I dropped the ad, I refused to sell it. Amazon.com was nasty, about my intent, to refuse to sell it. If I sold it - would be upset that I did.

Its very simple to avoid a business, when it get weird, buy where you get good service. Yet perhaps come back when its better. Strange things can happen, and after its been explained.

As one person explained, if enough people stopped shopping as a result of the abuse, a business creates, perhaps that bad behavior ends.

To the f*g @ #90-

What I said.  

Denny's TOWS and has NO BUSINESS and this NICE RIP OFF REPORT to show for it. The restaurant I was referring to IS ALWAYS PACKED and has ZERO RIPOFF REPORTS. Which business model will the smart entrepreneur follow? DUMB*SS.

P.S.  Denny's gives me the sh*ts.

They've been around since Ancient Times & were thrown under the Hooves of Horsemen.

They are made in various types from Spikes to Blades & Always Land with One Side Up!  They will Shred most Tires.  The Police use a Spike Strip, so when the Vehicle rolls over it a few of the Hollow Tube Spikes are pulled out, which allows the tire to Deflate slowly, so it won't cause the Driver to lose control.  How very thoughtful of them! They come in all sizes from Childrens Jacks to Much Larger for Trucks!  They are also known as "crows foot," cheval trap, galthrap, galtrop, galtrap & caltrap.  They are considered to be an Antipersonnel Weapon!



As far as Denny's & this Tow Company.  Clearly Predator's!  Legally in the right, but Morally dead wrong!  They live & survive off the Misery of others.

Unfortunately, many buyers don't realize
what they have is fake and will get a rude wake-up call at some point.

Hello, I read your report.  Denny's of Simi Valley is/was a little different in their scam.  It involved to female employees.  A large latina woman that was married to a Simi Valley cop and a petit black haired woman that pretended to be a holy roller.  They'd steal money from the cash register and then blame in on customers they didn't like and 86 them.  They were never sued, I don't know why, they should have been.

Okay, you clown's Syndrome-head, limp-d*k who can't read...what's the matter? Did your Momma nurse you improperly!? I had you pegged-right, maggot! And tell me "have a nice day"?..where'd you get that?! --Off your "Howdy-Doody" red neck boob tube?! Get a life, man & stop takeing the PCP or Meth you are on A*Hole---I've seen your "kind" & they come "a penny-slug a dozen"---which won't even get you a Russian Ruble or a Greek equivalent these days (especially, since; Greece is bankrupt! LOL!!)--so; sit on your fat a*s & do your Methamphetamine & leave the rest of us alone, that still have brains....Mr. Arse-Fart!!(oh--I'm a Poet & I didn't know it! LMAO !!!)..anyway, eat sh*t & die, water on the brain-head!

To Genius #1 who originally filed this report ("Tgilday" Username):

You go on and on about how you were done so wrong, it was entrapment, and entrapment is illegal, blah blah blah. Well guess what, Einstein? Parking on PRIVATE PROPERTY that you do not own is ALSO ILLEGAL! YOU made a conscious decision to COMPLETELY IGNORE the posted signs, and then, when the sign's warning is enforced (anyone parking here will be towed),  somehow you are a "victim"? Ummm, ya, NO!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Genius #2 who made the following comments on the original report ("Real Simple" Username):

Let us not be too hard on tgilday.  Not everyone understands or agrees with the concept of private property. In some parts of the world, there is none, and there do exist groups that do not believe that land can be "owned." So tgilday may not be from here, or follow our practices.  
If I run a business, I want my customers to have access to it.  If my parking lot is full because of a nearby company's customers, it will cost me business--and money.  That would be even more aggravating if that nearby company is a competitor, as in this case.  This is a common problem in small strip centers, where there is no dedicated parking. I had a bank that has a branch near where I live, but I could not use that branch sometimes because a dollar store had opened up in that same strip center.  I'm sure that annoyed the people at the bank, and I know it annoyed me as a customer.  In fact, I have a new bank now that has dedicated parking for its customers.
Tgilday knowingly gambled, and lost.  I have zero sympathy.  Actually, I have less than zero sympathy. If I didn't despise their food, I would eat at Denny's just to reward them for doing what was right.

Perhaps its best to charge for parking, and get money back for eating there, yet may not solve the parking problem, cars are still there. Maybe best to put up a sign reading " sorry all spots are filled try red robin parking lot" yet the best solution is, expand both parking lots, or red robin parking lot, moments of large crowds appear sometimes.

I never liked Red Robin ads on TV, perhaps there food does not look good, therefore I never ate there, if red robin never tows someone and Dennys is filled, perhaps its safer to park at red robins, to eat at Dennys. I would prefer Dennys.

Perhaps the fact is, its Red Robin's fault for not creating enough parking, if there is too little parking available. Why have a business where everyone can not get enough space, perhaps when they built the place they assumed everyone can fit in that small of a space and perhaps the parking would be shared.

Look at Walmart, Lowes, Target,  Home Depot, Kmart, and Ross, they always have enough space, there is Christmas shopping and some days where there numbers are larger.

Look at Dennys, Red Robin, MacDonalds, Arby's, Wendy's, Sonic, Burger King, and Carls Jr. parking lot, you could find some of this places near, Walmart, Lowes, Target,  Home Depot, Kmart, and Ross or some other large parking lot, making there lot much bigger on some days.

It doesn't matter if there is a sign, isn't a sign, or what the sign says.  Unless there is a sign that says "FREE PUBLIC PARKING", you can't park there without some kind of permission.  As it is, it's obviously a private parking lot that is not for public use (hence the giant Denny's signs).  If you park in a private parking lot without permission, that's illegal, and you can get towed or fined, which is what happened here.  This isn't unique to Denny's: many places that have a problem with illegal parking monitor the parking lot (often through closed circuit TV) and call the tow company when people park illegally.  If you don't want to get towed, obey the law and don't park illegally.  You should be thankful that you only got charged $200.  Many tow companies charge $400-$600.

I'm sorry, but a few people here seem to be lacking the ability to form coherent thoughts, let alone complete sentences.

Bottom line is that people these days are so wrapped up in their own sense of entitlement that they are too blind to read or pay attention to policies and procedures that are CLEARLY marked. 

I'm sorry, but you guys sound like friggen rednecks.

Donald,

Besides being childish and immature, your silly posts made no sense, proved nothing and did not add anything intelligent to the discussion.

The  bottom line is that the OP parked in a well marked area warning him/her not to park there, the place they went to had warnings on the door and , of course, they were towed. 

The tow was fully justifiable and fair.  The OP then started whining about it when they should have admitted they screwed up and taken their medicine like a normal mature grownup.

"Donald", your wild-eyed rant says it all, you are either totally insane or a troll....in either case have a nice, paranoid day.  :)

1.  YOU DON'T WANT YOUR CAR TOWED.

2.  YOU DON'T WANT FOOD POISONING.

Tracy,







Question is; Are you going to lie down and take it?







Two businesses side by side with parking spots along both buildings and a sign only in front of Denny's.  The placement of the sign seems deliberately done as part of a setup.







A more reasonable sign would indicate the entire lot, if that's the case, is for Denny's only.







First I would be sure to tell anyone willing to listen about this and second avoid the place which is not any good anyway.  Second, with the photos I would look into the possibility of a small claims case against both the tow company (their name is prominently displayed) and Denny's.  Corporate America has gone crazy.  You should be able to present your case supported by the ambiguity.  As for Denny's... that's just an atrocious business practice otherwise.







One caveat, is there a parking lot for Red Robins available?  That may make a difference.

The Denny's Restaurant Chain (You Know) has assaulted it's restaurant patrons and it has done all kinds of attacks against (even) Black American Secret Service Officers---I' d tell the Manager at Red Robbin's to just "return-the-favor" to Denny's & get him a towing company with "spies" in thier cars with video cameras & start towing Denny's Customers & video-camera'ing them when Denny's Customers park in his areas or better yet have the Red Robbin's Manager call Portland Police & have the Denny's Customers citated for trespassing.....I'll bet Denny's Corporates Headquarters will really have thier "asses-chapped" when they hear thier customers are all "sitting in jail" (is the Multnomah County Jail still that "hell-hole" it was when I lived in West Linn on Portland Avenue/Hwy. 99 & I heard about it in the 80's ??) or are citated "to hell & gone"---now I know why I left Oregon BUT it's just "more-of-the-same" where I live now---I'm thinking about moving to Montana to "shuck" all this rotten "left-coast" riff-raff! What do you think??

In that case, they don't want you parking there either.

That property does not rightfully belong to Denny's.

That is Native American Property.

Shame on you, and curse you Denny's!

You WILL get yours!

I've got just one question for those thinking it's alright to park there....who bought and paid for the property?......Hint, Denny's.

That should pretty well clear it up. :)

Most of you would not like others parking on YOUR property..this is DENNY's property, like it or not.

Thats what we have here.

I have eaten at Red Robin there tons of times (go there before winterhawks games), and the fence between Dennys and Red Robin is CLEAR.  The signs are right there to see not to park there unless your a Dennys customer.

Yet you admit you parked there, and then complain when you get towed.

Is there such a thing as personal responsibility anymore?  Instead, you lash out and slander someone else over your wrongdoing.

This is whats wrong in America right now, there is always someone else to blame but yourself.

Next time, just park on the street (but dont blame the city when they ticket you and tow you, when you fail to pay for the parking meter)

Except for in the aerial Google photos...

I love that the Red Robin Manager has never seen this in 8 months, but the Google truck found it more than half full the only time it went there...

If some of you guys didn't change up your name so much, you could be eligible too!

Troll of the year award goes to Mr. Rik.  Just a fantastic job sir, you win teh interwebz.

where I please...

Hey, Rik, following your theory of right and wrong, if I'm visiting in your neighborhood and there's no other place to park, it would be okay with you if I parked across or in your driveway....right?



And if you have me towed, it would also be okay to burn your house to the ground and key your car....right?



I've dealt with people parking in private lots when they shouldn't and they invariably believe they have every right to park there if there is any space at all.



3' x 6' signs on BOTH sides of the entrance warning "Parking for employees only, all others will be towed" are totally ignored.



One employee, female told a guy, who had just parked there he'd have to move his car or it would be towed. He demanded her supervisor's name and said he would have her job.



She told him he could have her job and then she wouldn't have to deal with a*s-holes like him.



Why do people feel they are entitled to do as they please and when then caught, cry....foul?

So you parked in a parking spot that said you'd get towed, you did anyways, and now you're mad? I don't really understand what the rip off here is.

I don't know about your state, but Texas has non consent tow laws to protect the consumer.  I would research the laws in your state.  

In Texas the laws go like this:

1.  Each county has a set fee for non consent tows.  If the towing company charges more than this, they could pay hefty fines.

2.  In Texas, if the owner of the car shows up as the vehicle is being hooked up to the tow truck, the towing company has to relinquish the car to the owner.  (Unless the owner is being arrested and the cops authorize the tow.)

3.  The owner of businesses cannot legally get kick backs from non-consent tows.  (In Texas)

Although you were wrong in parking in a parking lot for Denny's customers only, I urge you to consult your state's tow truck licensing board to research laws in this state.  This reeks of predatory practices.  
Hopefully your state licensing board will be able to clarify your rights as a consumer.

-" I actually applaud Denny's for having some standards and adhering to them."

I wish that statement applied to their FOOD.

DISGUSTING!

So, in summary, you blithering idiots are saying that anyone should be able park anywhere they like in anyone's lot at any time regardless of the signs or warnings.

That's just plain stupid.  I actually applaud Denny's for having some standards and adhering to them.

If you get towed it's the evil towing companies fault because you should be able to park anywhere, anytime.

You people are embarrassing.

After I read what had happened to that family man with a boat load of children to feed,  and the purity of his actions, clearly he was just fixated on a enjoyable time with family and friends, I find myself wanting to puke at the thought of ever setting foot in a Denny's.

Come on, the Denny's corporation is allowing that one restaurant to cripple the reputation of a multi national chain, SHOW ME THE MONEY, who is getting the kick back, the township or the restaurant, or both.

Denny's corporation should repay the fines of all the people who have been ripped off by the money grubbing mongers. I for one and my family will never set foot in a Denny's restaurant again and believe me the word is going to get out.  

And If you think I'm just talking through my hat, I live in upstate New York, How fast do you  think Denny's corporation will fold up and blow away after a few thousand more people see this link.              SPECIAL OLYMPICS FUNDRAISER....  Great DAD gets a kick in the teeth.

After reading your jibberish it is obvious you ARE a drug user, no need to tell us.  But try to spell it correctly next time.

Yes I will tell Denny's how to run their business, because I feel like it, and I am ENTITLED to it.  If YOU don't like it, tuff sh*t send me YOUR address.  

NONE of my "family" would drive a  tow truck, we are not leeches, the IQ is too high, and we can make an HONEST living.

How do YOU KNOW Denny's DOESN'T get paid???  (on the table anyway?)

I used to run a business where the tow drivers would literally BEG for me to give them some action.  -The owner used to send his sisters and wife in to do me "favors". 

Tow drivers are PUSSEEZ and anyways an assbeatin is nothing like an asskillin now is it?

If you pay your fines you're not much of a "scofflaw" are you?  Tough guy.

It doesn't matter if you paid directly or not, the tow trucks are getting paid.  

I have roadside assistance myself, its probably better than dealing directly with the tow hogs. 

Maybe not all trucks should be damaged, if there really are any "honest" ones in your vicinity, but the ones that aren't keeping their nose clean better WATCH OUT!

I cannot believe those who feel that Dennys is wrong. Who are you to tell them how to run their business? Then they say that RR owes an obligation to post signs. Should they also have the obligation to post signs not to be a pedophile, rapist, burglar, or murderer?

And those who feel that they are entitled......     Send me your address. I know some druggies who will change your mind when you see how THEY feel entitled.

And to the idjits who talk about violence, that is your brother, father, son or cousin who gets paid to drive a truck. PERIOD.

No Dennys doesnt get paid. Never met a tow company willing to pay. They dont need to.

And for every "missing tow driver" story that is over 2000 miles from you I will send you a Tow Driver beats stupid person trying to assault him with crowbar, baton, taser, or Hmmmmm   GUN?

I am a major scofflaw. I drove with no license for years. BUT when I got caught I got caught. wasnt the cops issue. Pay he fine and move on.
 

No, I have never paid for a tow when I have needed one. Although only a few times in my entire life, they were there when I needed them.

When you have AAA, and now days, many auto insurance companies as well, the tow is free. I'm sure people pay an extra $1 or $2 a month to have it, but no big deal. In an emergency, it's nice to have.

My first memory of needing one was when I was a child and we were on a family vacation, and our brand new RV broke down in the middle of nowhere.

My point was, they serve more than one purpose, and to go out and destroy them all is plain ignorant.

Tow trucks are not just for impounding idiots vehicles for trespassing on private property.
But I am sure if some drunk neighbor parked his truck in the middle of your lawn and refused to move it, you would need one too for that purpose.

I know, I will get some smart-azz answer like "I would just blow it up", but you see the point.

Fred the ONLY reason a tow truck might come to your "rescue" is because they are counting on making a fast buck off a chump.

No other reason

PURE GREED PLAIN AND SIMPLE!

They are not friendly folk or "nice guys".

Get real.

So many people here are complaining that it's OK to trespass because there are so many open spaces.

Wow, I am so amazed at how stupid people in general have become.

Think about it;

You have a 4 bedroom house, and a family of 4, but your neighbor has a 2 bedroom house and 12 kids.
Wow, he says; "they sure have a lot of extra space, I think I will move into his house and take over 2 of his rooms. That sure seems fair."

Or, maybe you have a really big yard, so can his kids just hop over your fence any time and play?

Private Property is just that, PRIVATE!

I can understand that if some insane person is angry with one company, and they want to risk going to jail for vandalizing a single company's trucks, then that's their stupid choice.

However, not all tow trucks are bad. I have never been towed for parking where I shouldn't. I am not retarded or blind. I can read English, and I don't want to come out and find my vehicle gone.

With that said, I have been towed. Tow trucks do more than impound vehicles of retards that can't read or simply don't care. They come when you call them because you need help and are stranded on the side of the road, or you have been in an accident.

So, if that ever happens to you, and you have to call for a tow, it would be so funny if you have to wait for hours on end because some of their equipment has been vandalized.

LMAO

I have read through all of the rebuttals, and I cannot offer a solution to those already

victimized by a business that has gone to the last resort to solve an ongoing problem

and has had to make a deal with a less than reputable tow company, regardless of who they employ.
My solution is for moving forward, I am unfamiliar with the by-laws in Portland, but Dennys would make a lot more money if they simply charged for parking in their lot.  If you eat there, your parking is validated at no charge with minimum purchase, and if a person wanted to eat at Red Robin but park at Dennys, then they pay $5-$10 to park per hour, and Dennys makes money and no one  has to get towed, unless they refuse to pay for parking.  Seems like on game nights or busy convention times, that a game day package where they can eat at Dennys and park there for the game may cost them an extra $20-$30 but they were not towed.  Even if someone had no interest in eating at Dennys, Park there for $5.00 per hour non game days and $10.00 per hour on game nights Dennys would likely make $400-$500 a night legitimately and other than a set up cost of a gate arm or retractable tire spike gate, and the hourly wage for an employee to monitor the lot, the money would always come in year round.  I would bet that if you asked any one of the people who were towed for $214.00 if they could have parked there for $10.00 for two hours they would have paid it.  People are by nature always looking for the closest parking spot, they will circle a lot for 10 min looking for a stall one isle closer to the doors, rather than parking two isles back and walking.  Just a thought.

Of course there are the usual postings by the towtards and the self righteous scum that support them. Here's what I would reccommend. Go to denny's with a group of friends, make a very large order, and when the food is brought to table say' I see you employ Sergeant's' towing. I think we'll take our business elsewhere and leave. Encourage all of you friends to do the same. Maybe denny's will get the message. Also if you see the 'spotter' for the predatory towing company simply call the police and tell them there is a shady looking character using drugs, smoking pot, in the parking lot. Works wonders. Don't get mad get even! Predatory towing companies like sergeant's and retriever are scum!

The cost to sue is irrelevant, just go to Small Claims.

The law was posted above and a direct contradiction to that law was also posted above. Please read the posts above you before you criticize the posts above you. Doh!

Next time before writing, READ the posts ahead of yours. The law was posted earlier stating it's NOT illegal to have spotters under certain circumstances so your entire argument is wasted here lol.

But what about their cost to sue?

It does not have to be a dessert, it can just be a beverage with receipt. This will stop the towing company in it's tracks because it will end up costing them a lot of money after expenses. Great solution!!

I was with you and believing you ubtil I took a look at what you wrote here..."17 minutes later, I come back, the Denny's lot is still 80% vacant and my car is gone. Ouch! My only thought was that the Sergeant's worker watched me leave my car and called in the truck immediately"  



That's not adding up to me partner. If that was your only thought, that means you knew before going in that it was a Sergeant's worker there, you knew what Sergeant was AND that they were watching you. No logical person with that knowledge would have gone in. Therefore I don't believe you. Good try though lol

Have the two in the van nab the guy and throw him in the back.

The rest can be left up to your own evil imagination.

http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=120804612859294100


http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/04/body_is_that_of_missing_tow_tr.html


or just google: Tow Driver Missing

I live in a VERY small town (less than 5,000 people).  It may surprise "big city" folks that we also have no parking signs and you can get towed if you park there.  Please don't think we're too stupid to be able read and understand no parking signs.

Whine all you like, if you park only where you're supposed to, you won't get towed.  Pretty d**n simple really

It sounds like it would be fun as all get-out to put a couple big guys in the back seat of a dark van and a third person park the van at Denny's, get out and walk straight to Red Robin for dinner. The two guys in the van can wait for the tow truck driver to show up, then chase him away. Rinse and repeat every night, any time those two guys feel like having fun scaring a punk. After all, if it is indeed illegal in Portland to have people posted in parking lots waiting to call tow trucks, then why be afraid of the police? These days a cell phone camera with access to YouTube is plenty of inoculation against a corrupt cop.

DONT patronize these kinds of businesses.

Please read rebuttal #41, there are obviously plenty of signs all over Denny's AND Red Robbin's property. If the employees are indeed ex or off duty police it's completely irrelevant. 

.... people from small towns and the 'burbs are used to not thinking twice about parking, but that's a different world from Portland, where parking is an ongoing problem in many areas and the people with a stake in providing it respond to problems with aggressive action that catches the small-towners/'burbites off guard, puts them off and makes them vow never to come back.

I can certainly understand the victims in the case at hand not understanding that they have to become instant parking-lot inspectors and read a bunch of signs in detail in order to determine if they're running the risk of being towed from a particular parking spot; they were just wanting to have a fun evening out. I can also understand that the way a lot appears and who appears to own it may not be a true reflection of who actually controls it (why should people parking right up against the wall of a Red Robin assume they were at risk of being towed by a Denny's 50 yards away?).

The people in this forum suggesting that the victims were miscreants who got what they deserved are sadistic barbarians more of a threat to civility and public order than any wayward parkers.

I think the moral of the story is that when you park on private property in Portland, you'd better be able to document your permission to park there or you risk having your car towed and incurring a hefty fee. It is harsh treatment for people not used to living in a place where, in many places, parking's in much greater demand and shorter supply than what they're used to.

The truth of the matter is that Portland ought to have signs greeting all visitors that say "Parking's a problem here, as it is in many larger cities - know the rules, keep you receipts and park only where you have clear permission to do so. Read all signs and ask questions if the situation isn't clear. If you're not in a public space and you're parked somewhere you haven't paid to park - be afraid - be very afraid". Yeah, it's an absolute buzz kill - enough to make many people avoid coming back, which may have something to do with why Portland has such a hard time attracting businesses.

Tracy,

You really should give that towing ordinance a going-over - there are rules in there about signage if cars are to be towed from a lot, and from my experience with tows in Portland, the Denny's lot may not have met the minimum requirements.

I'm also very surprised that Red Robin doesn't have some kind of sign warning their customers about parking in lots that will result in their being towed - how much trouble could that be, especially since it happens so often? Unless Red Robin is also part of the scam....

FYI, FWIW: Sergeant's hires off-duty Portland police officers to help do their dirty work, so complaints to the police about Sergeant's behavior are likely to be treated with considerable skepticism on account of how much money policemen make moonlighting with Sergeant's. In other words: Sergeant's and numerous policemen are in cahoots, and it helps Sergeant's significantly to have the cops on their side if things go to court. It's very possible that the "spotters" in the Denny's lot were actually (very experienced) off-duty Portland police officers sharing in the proceeds, in effect, along with Sergeant's (the company) and Denny's, in the day's haul.

In fact it's Sergeant's, not Denny's, that handles the signage for the Denny's lot as part of their ongoing contract with Denny's; I can't prove - but any attorney you were to hire might be able to find out - if Denny's is getting a commission off of all tows from their lot (thus giving them a reason to not go to too much trouble to keep people from parking in their lot), but it seems likely. That said, though such an arrangement sounds like a smelly racket to you and me, I'm not sure it's illegal. But it may be so odious as to incite change if the public were to know more about it via the press/TV, letters to the editor, etc. If it can be proven.

That said, Ms. Gaylord doesn't work for the police, and can be counted on to stay objective regarding where your situation stands in relation to the rules. But she can only go on what you tell her (or, more precisely, what you tell her that can be proven and not contradicted by the towing company). So, try to stay on her good side and don't tell her anything that isn't true. But don't expect a whole lot from her operation either.

I was in a situation a few years ago where I and a few others were towed from a lot that wasn't adequately signed. In between the time of the tow and Ms. Gaylord's investigation, the tow company helpfully came by the lot and put up the required signage. However, we victims' matching testimony about the lack of signage resulted in our towing charges being refunded. In hindsight I wish I'd carried things further and sued the tow company, but like a fool I was so grateful to get out from the towing fees I let them off the hook; I now regret having done so, knowing what I know now.

Best wishes in going after them.

You guys still suck.

okay where to begin. I am an employee with dennys and i'm getting very frustrated with these people complaining about getting towed...Yes, there are spotters here n busy nights because we are 2 blocks away from the rose garden and the convention center.Dennys has nothing to do with this..We hired sergeants towing because we were having a problem with people parking in our lot and then going to blazer games, concerts, the red lion hotel, red robin, and numerous other place..Now let me talk a litlle about the signs in the lot..There are currently 13 signs in our parking lot stating that you will be towed if you are illegally parked..About half of them say denny's and the other half are just generic towing signs...They did all say denny's on them but we have had numerous people yank them off the fence after getting towed and saying, i didn't see a sign...ridiculous...also, by law we are actually only required to have one sign at each entrance...we put the other signs up to help eliminate any confusion.. now lets talk about those signs at the entrance, the ones that you said are too small to read..the sign is 3 feet by 2 and 1/2 feet...thats bigger than a street sign, but since you drive im sure you have no problem reading those..now lets move on to red robin itself....when you walk up to red robins door it is marked in large clear letters...IF YOU ARE PARKED IN THE NEIGHBORING PARKING LOTS YOU WILL BE TOWED....IT SAYS THIS RIGHT ON THE FRONT DOOR OF RED ROBIN....they also used to have table tents on every single table saying if you are parked in denny's lot you will be towed...how much ore warning do you need.  i would think that if you were unsure about whether it was ok to park you could have cme into dennys and asked...my manager would have been ore than willing to give you a parking pass.. finally, you want to talk about the volume of cars towed out of or lot and how it's unfair, let me tell you this...I've been towed by the city 3 times since i moved to Portland....the l;ast time was on street sweeping day and i got downstairs just in time to watch my car pulling away...when i went down and had to pay 240 dollars to get it out i was talking to the tow guy..."not sergeants"...and he said between his company and the other tow companie working that day they towed 600 cars out of nw portland that morning...thats in one morning...also, the city sets the amount that tow companies charge for the tow, so if you have a problem with how much you had to pay, you should take that up with the city...in closing, im sorry your car got towed but you were parked illegally and you got caught....sincerely, an employee who is sick of people getting towed and then coming in and cursing me out about it...

Why is it so hard to understand and accept that you knowingly parked illegally and you got caught.  I doesn't matter HOW you got caught, you got caught.  Now, put on you big girl panties and accept your responsibility. 

What a bunch of cry babies.  You're embarrassing!

As usual the towtards weigh in. Most of these vermin are ex cons or druggies incapable of making an honest living. If you see a spotter do what I always do -call the police and tell them there is a shady looking character in the parking lot smoking pot, using drugs or taking pictures of kids and fondling themselves. Works wonders! ANY towing company that uses spotters is predatory. The grim tower is just a self righteous twit trying to justify the fact that he/she is incapable of making an honest living! Don't get mad get even! Once the spotter I called the police on had warrants and was hauled away in handcuffs. Hope he sepnt most of his jail time on his knees!

I know one tow driver that aint laffin!

It's common and general knowledge that when you park in a lot to do business with a place such as Denny's, that you are a customer while on the property. When you go to someone else's business for oh, let's say a drink, then you are that other business's customer at that time, and your car should be moved to allow the next customer to enjoy eating at Denny's. 

To Mr. Rik-diculous...

Bugs bunny said it best, What a MAROON!

I am from Salem and my husband and I drove to Portland because our teen son won Trailblazer tickets last season and we dropped him and his friend off at game and were going to Dennys to eat dinner. When we got there, there was alot of comotion because a group of friends from out of town had driven over for the game and went to Dennys for dinner, but they decided to walk up the street for a quick drink before heading to the game, and I think they had stopped at the car before walking down the street, thats how the tow company new what cars were theirs when they left the lot. They assumed since they paid for dinner and ate at Dennys they would be safe getting a quick drink. But the came back to cars towed!

There is no sign that says if you eat here please remove your vehicle as soon as your done...... I think there is a total scam going on. We actually were offered the tickets to the Blazer game from the people if we did not eat at Dennys, since their cars were towedf they could not make it to the game. So of course we jumped on it. But I felt so bad for them, and it was real messed up that they had ate there and still got towed! I really think something needs to happen there if it hasnt yet. This was like last October.

http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=120804612859294100


http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/04/body_is_that_of_missing_tow_tr.html


or just google: Tow Driver Missing


No suspects mentioned either...


Something to think about.

What a moron you are. Full of BS too I'd dare say. Leaving a "piece" on the dash...how stupid do you think the readers here are? 

Park where you please and suffer the financial loss. Do something stupid and illegal, land your dumb a*s in jail where it sounds like it probably belongs...or has been there before maybe?

Violence is never the solution, but if you're stupid enough to engage in such criminal behavior, that's what jail cells are for. There's one with your name on it just waiting I'd guess.

I still think you're full of BS.

And if some unlucky tow guy crosses my path, there will be consequences.  Either for him, the owner of the property or both.

Sometimes I even leave a note on the windshield that says "tow me- I dare ya".  Ive even left one of my pieces on the dash before to better accentuate my message.

Now I'm a reasonable guy so if they kiss my a** real good, I may go easy on em!

But there's nuthin like the sight of one of these big pushys piss'n his pants!

Stupid as they are, most realize a tow isn't worth their health or life.

the grimtower, I applaud you're response.  There is no reason for you to tolerate illegal and obnoxious behavior from childish people who find it difficult to accept responsibility for their actions.

Park legally and you won't get towed.  If you accidentally or take a chance and park in a tow away space and get towed, admit your guilt and take your medicine.

What a bunch of big babies.  Pathetic.

and that's how I operate.  Gets the job done.

That's a nice story, er tall tale.

The FACT still remains that I'VE DAMAGED MANY A TOW TRUCK AND NEVER, EVER GOTTEN CAUGHT!

Probably because tow drivers are just TOO STUPID to catch me, and also because they're just big, fat MAMA'S BOYS who are afraid of a confrontation!

You carry pepper spray? WHAT A PUSHY!  You should see what I carry!

Grimtower, ha meet the GRIM REAPER!

To those idiots on here who advocate for violence or committing criminal actions towards towing drivers, spotters or even damaging tow trucks. I have one word for you: JAIL. 

I've been doing this for over 10 years now, and yes, even I have the occasional idiot that thinks violence is the right choice for their stupid parking mistakes. First, I'm more than capable of defending myself and have done so on a few occasions. I'm usually able to talk to the individual and let them see some logic in not being violent. However, (sigh), there are those idiots who just don't understand much of anything except acting stupid. Even if they're drunk, it's no excuse. 

For these morons, I carry pepper foam. I've had a few of these morons arrested, charged (yes, I will sign a complaint with the D.A. and prosecute), and some are sitting in PRISON for their actions. I feel sorry for their families, but not for them. 

IF I catch anyone messing with my tow truck (and I have), the police get called, a citation is issued fro criminal mischief (or they arrested, especially when they have outstanding warrants.) LOL Ah yes, the old saying is true....if you have a warrant, why would you do something that could bring the police?? Again, not to smart of individuals. Money...I've made parents pay out thousands for their teen's stupidity for vandalism. I've sued people who are to this day still having their paychecks garnished for their criminal acts against my tow equipment. I'm nice, but mess with my stuff or me and they will pay one way or the other, either with their freedom or their money. 

Right On!

That'll end this theft.

Just park where you are supposed to park.  If you take a chance and get caught, man up, admit you were wrong and take your medicine.

Whimpering and crying about it makes you look weak and ridiculous.

Most of the time just for fun, or to avenge an unlucky friend.

And I've NEVER EVER gotten caught!

One of my favorites was when I slid underneath and pulled the oil drain plug!

d**n I'M GOOD!

The towing code SPECIFICALLY says...

E.   Prominently display at the vehicle
release location  a placard, provided by the City of Portland,
containing the current list of approved PPI rates;  and

Did they do this?  Are you sure?  Sue them.  Make them PROVE they did this!

F.   Prominently display at the vehicle
release location a placard, provided by the City of Portland, containing
a statement of the rights of the vehicle owner;  and

Did they do this?  Are you sure?  Sue them.  Make them PROVE they did this!

L.  Notify the local police agency of the
intent to tow by telephone call to the Tow Desk prior to attaching any
equipment to a vehicle at a private parking facility; and

Did they do this?  Are you sure?  Sue them.  Make them PROVE they did this!

M.  Notify the local police agency of
the location of the vehicle by facsimile transmission to the Tow Desk
within one hour after the vehicle is placed in storage;  and

 Did they do this?  Are you sure?  Sue them.  Make them PROVE they did this!

N.  Notify the local police agency of the release of a
vehicle to the registered owner/owner's agent, acceptance of a vehicle
title in lieu of payment, or foreclosure of a possessory lien by
facsimile transmission to the Tow Desk within eight (8) hours after the
release;  and

 Did they do this?  Are you sure?  Sue them.  Make them PROVE they did this!

O.  Pay a data service fee, in an amount established by the
Director, for each vehicle released to the registered owner or owner's
agent.  Such data fees shall be payable to the Tow Desk by the 20th day of each month;  and

 Did they do this?  Are you sure?  Sue them.  Make them PROVE they did this!

P.  Pay a service fee, in an amount established by the
Director, for each vehicle released to the registered owner or owner's
agent.  Such service fees shall be payable to the City of Portland by the 20th day of each month

Did they do this?  Are you sure?  Sue them.  Make them PROVE they did this!

If you do all this, will you win in court? 

I'll bet you Five bucks that you won't! 

If you do all this, and you lose in court, will you feel like you won the lottery, since you lost the case, but made them pay a few thousand dollars in video retrieval, subpoena costs, attorney fees, time spent showing up in court defending themselves, etc. etc. etc. to defend their right to tow your vehicle and get 214 bucks from you to get it back? 

I'll bet you Five bucks that you will!

Walmart has all that stuff and noone buying it. They have so much money why should they care if I drink a beverage of theirs without paying for it?

Now that I got out of jail for shoplifting and had to pay bond and attorneys fees and then a $250 fine I want to go to the local media and have them tell everyone how wrong WalMart is. Then I want to sit in WalMart and take pictures of Loss Prevention doing their job. What jerks to want to get paid for their merchandise. Oh and if loss prevention tries to stop someone throw the stuff I was stealing on the ground and run out the door and if followed have an accomplice trip them.


Sounds like a good analogy.

I have worked for the "dreaded tow companies" in other areas. We call the action a snatch and grab and do not pay the location. In certain instances we charge AND get the thousands of dollars in tow fees. IF you think we are bad at places like Denny's try a place like 7-11 or other convenience store. We have a number of locations where we have agents with radios and trucks around the corner. The law says we pick the car on the boom, we own the tow. Try and damage the truck you WILL be put in jail for malicious damage to property. Take out one of our tires and jail it will be.

There is no excuse. Dennys owes nothing to you or to Red Robin. We owe you no duty to warn you any more than a loss prevention person should warn you not to shoplift. THEY (WE) put up a sign. End of warning,  babying, or anything else. YOU ARE WARNED AND WE WILL enforce that warning.

And Marie........ What a loser. Why not just do things right and park on non private property? Low of work to make a point that would be ignored or get you in SERIOUS legal trouble.

Ok, it's apparent that most here do realize that the property is signed and posted, with some people even knowing of the signs and parking anyway for convenience. Enough said there.

Now, with that being said, since this takes place in the City of Portland, there are certain laws that towers have to follow. The one specifically that I'm thinking of here is in prohibited practices. 

Predatory practices :It shall be unlawful for a PPI tower to park within 1,000 feet of a private parking facility for the purpose of covert observation in order to obtain PPI tows.  Neither shall a PPI tower post any observer in a private parking facility for the purpose of monitoring and ordering towing unless the monitor provides a verbal warning to persons leaving their cars or unless signs are posted clearly warning that the lot has on-site monitoring and the hours during which monitoring occurs.

I'm not sure if Sergeant's is meeting this requirement....you might ask Marion Gaylord, the City of Portland Towing Coordinator. If they haven't met this requirement, then there is a very good chance that people CAN get their hard earned money refunded. 

Good luck.

Then check into the ER for a stomach pump!

EAT AT DENNY'S

I have eaten at that Red Robin many times. Yes, their parking lot is extremely small and you can almost never get a parking place there and yes, street parking is also sparse and expensive. Also... the parking lot at Denny's is never full and looks very inviting. However, I have always been warned by the Red Robins staff not to park next door at Denny's. Not only that, but they have a sign posted on their front door and had small leaflets as well. 

Red Robin is in the business of selling food and simply does not have enough parking, Denny's is in the business of towing cars. Red Robin's customers tend to be younger, hipper, and probably spend more (including alcohol). The perfect solution here would be for Red Robin to buy out Denny's and expand their restaurant.

If you park at Denny's, you get towed...

Thats good stuff.  Only thing I would add is maybe have some of those ninja throw tacks or whatever theyre called.  Then as your leaving throw some out for the tow truck!

First of all contact the television station consumer reporters and have them investigate this. Also contact the local newspapers. Bad publicity is the last thing a business wants and they may stop their business practices immediately. Be sure and tell the news media that Denny's and the tow company are in on this scam. That way both business get a bad reputation.

Secondly contact Denny's corporate offices and let them know what is going on. They will do everything they can to make people happy. You could even get a free meal from Denny's if you make a complaint (not that you probably want to eat there after that).

Third, this one may sound a little mean but set them up. Have someone drive up and park in the parking lot and go into Red Robin's. BUT have someone hiding in the car. The person in the restaurant should keep a watch out and as soon as he/she sees the tow truck pull in notify the person hiding in the car by cell phone (who should have snuck up to the driver's seat by now) to start the car and drive off. As he or she drives off laugh and point at them.

Another option would be to have one person go into Red Robins and another go into Denny's and really confuse them.

your argument is flawed.  Intent is irrelevent.   It doesn't matter if they had dinner at Denny's first, then left to go to another business or went to another business first and then back to Denny's for dessert.  Once they were seen leaving Denny's parking lot, they ceased being a Denny's customer.

Simply avoid "leach" type businesses.  It will make your day go alot smoother!

I can see that you are angry.  It makes me mad too when I get a ticket or get towed.  Or even when I forget to order my burger without relish.  But it isn't someone elses fault that I made an error.  Take your medicine and learn your lesson.  Despite the fact that you just donated to the special olympics (????) you are still at fault so stop trying to blame Denny's.

FACT - YOU PARKED ILLEGALLY AND GOT TOWED.

It doesn't matter that their lot is not full - there is no law saying that if you aren't using it, you have to allow others to.  Do you go into hotels and say, oh hey, I'm going to use your pool.  It's not being used by any paying guests right now and so it's not going to hurt or inconvenience anyone.  No.  Of course not.  That would be silly.  This is Denny's property and they pay the taxes.  Those taxes get paid from customers.  You were not a customer.  You had no right to park there.  They had every right to tow you.

It doesn't matter how many times a day they have to have people towed. - Say you have a two car parking pad at your home.  Say you never use one side.  If someone parked in your empty spot on you driveway, would you call a tow truck?  Of course.  If people day after day parked there would you at some point stop having them towed, just because there are so many?  No, of course not.  You would keep towing people off your property until the infringement stopped.  It doesn't matter if one person is breaking the law or a mob of people.  Is breaking the law suddenly okay "if everybody's doing it"?  Is breaking the law okay if it is against a business and not okay if it's a private citizen?

It doesn't matter that you didn't see the sign.  (Although oddly you say you saw it, couldn't understand it, parked there anyway, then say later that you didn't see it when you were complaining to the denny's manager... hmmm.)  The point is the sign was there.  You have provided a picture of it in your complaint.  So.  If you saw it and didn't understand it you should have asked before you parked.  If you truly didn't see it, that is sad, but it still doesn't matter.  I know I've been stopped for speeding in a school zone.  Didn't see the school zone sign, didn't know it was a school zone.  Got a ticket anyway.  BUT OF COURSE I did.  Ignorance is never a valid excuse for not obeying the law.  The same law that protects Denny's from having non customers park in their lot whether they see or understand the signage. 

Your entrapment argument is silly.  Is it entrapment to have plain clothes store walkers to keep people from stealing in shopping malls.  Of course not.  I bet the people caught by those people cry entrapment too.  Oddly enough so do Johns who get caught trying to pick up prostitutes.  That argument never works.   It doesn't matter if Denny's is paying them or if the tow company is paying them.  Businesses have the right to hire anyone they want to ensure people aren't stealing from them.  Parking in a spot, even if the lot is empty, is just like walking in and stealing a ketchup package.  Granted, neither seems to be a big deal.  But that is not up to you or me to decide.  It is up to Denny's and they have decided they are not interested in having non customers park on their lot.

Finally, you don't know what is happening between the two businesses.  Maybe Denny's tried to work out an agreement with Red Robin to have them share costs of parking lot maintenance, snow shovelling, line painting or perhaps pay 1$ every time one of their customers needed to use their lot.  Maybe Red Robin refused the arrangement.  This whole thing might not be Denny's fault.  Maybe your anger should be directed at Red Robin.  I'm just saying you don't know all the facts of the situation.  So maybe instead of trying to get out of your tickets, you should have spent the time gathering facts.  You should have asked the Denny's manager, "how on earth did you end up in such a situation where you felt you had to have people towed?"  Maybe it would have brought you some clarity on the situation.  Maybe you wouldn't be so mad if you knew all sides.

First of all, if Denny's is receiving any remuneration for allowing the towing service to tow from their site, that is illegal.

Red Robin can take the higher road and warn people not to park at Denny's. 

Patrons of other businesses can go into Denny's and order a desert and then show their receipt to the AG.  The tow company would have to start paying damages.  They can't prove intent.  A receipt for purchasing an ice cream shows that you intended to patron Denny's and they would have no right to tow you.

I can't imagine that a trip to Red Robin lasted longer than 2 hours.  That is certainly a reasonable amount of time to be parked in their lot especially when you were planning on getting desert at Denny's.  wink wink.

Heres what a local restaurant in my area does about it's "limited parking".

They SIMPLY have a guy sittin there in his car (sounds like Denny's already has this covered), and whenever you park and walk by the guy says "you goin to xxxxx's?" and if you say "yes" he says "ok cool, just bring me the receipt" and if you say no he says "move along".

Real simple, (if I can borrow that expression from Steve) and has worked for years.  Keeps everybody happy!

The only thing that is stopping this from being implemented at Denny's is PURE GREED.  And believe you me, it is costing them customers in the long run.  Also you cant honestly expect us to believe there isn't some kind of "kickback" system going on.  C'mon get real!

I would also like someone to snapshot that "warning" at Red Robin and post it here, But I'm sure RR will take care of that as soon as they see this!

Back to the stakeout, Denny's/tow employee!

First off... The people saying a warning would be nice are missing the point that the SIGNS are the warning.  They're all very clear as far as what the rules are, and what the consequences can and may be. Secondly, I was in this exact Red Robin YESTERDAY, getting take out, and noticed a sign posted on the door as you walk in.  A sign telling people not to park at Denny's or they may be towed.  So not only are there ample signs in the parking lot of the Denny's, but the Red Robin is obviously trying to do their part to warn their customers.  

I agree with the person who pointed out that there is a fence along the whole back side of the building (which is the side the Denny's lot butts up against), it's not even easy to get to the Red Robin from the Denny's parking lot.  People park at Denny's because the Red Robin lot is small (indeed much too small for a sit down restaurant of that size) and they don't want to pay to park on the street or walk a block or two. Still not the Denny's problem. 

I have driven by that Denny's MANY times (I work near by) and seen their lot full and their restaurant empty, and wondered why they don't have more people towed.  I know if I was in the market to eat at someplace like Denny's and I saw that their parking lot was completely full, I would probably go someplace else.   So how much business does Denny's lose because people who have no respect for other people's property abuse their parking lot??  

The other point that people might be missing is the legal ramifications of people parking there.  Denny's is responsible for what happens on their property.  If a person twists their ankle on a curb or whatever they could potentially sue Denny's.  It's ridiculous, but it happens.  SO why should Denny's be liable for people who aren't even patroning their business?? People who may or may not have been drinking (Denny's doesn't serve alcohol but Red Robin does) and might be more likely to hurt themselves on the property?  

And as far as the lofty fee that's required to bail a car out after it's been towed... I know several people who have been towed and also a couple people who work for towing companies, the fee's are all governed by the city (and this can all be confirmed by speaking with the towing coordinator of Portland, Marion Gaylord). So the city says what the tow companies can charge. They can probably charge less than what the city says, but why would they? Every business has to make money, and wouldn't you want to get the most money you can for your services?  People think that money is just all profit... it's not.  Some of it goes to the city.  There's the cost of running those trucks, fuel, maintenance, etc. There's the high cost of insurance.  There's drivers and dispatcher and managers to be paid. There's a building and lot to pay for. Taxes to pay.  Oh, and the Denny's doesn't actually get anything out of the tow bill.  It's illegal for towing companies to "kick back" to private properties for towing. What Denny's DOES get out of contracting with a tow company is the convenience of parking for their customers in the parking lot that they pay the taxes on, and pay to have cleaned and maintained.  

"Still, if a guy is paid to sit in that parking lot all day, a simple warning or "hey, move along" would have been super."

   If a guy is being paid to sit in that parking lot all day, where do you think his paycheck comes from?   If there are no tows generating income, where does the money come from to pay for someone to sit in the parking lot.

   While I agree that it's sneaky to stake out a parking lot for illegal parkers, you have to admit that it's also a bit sneaky to park in one restaurant's lot in order to patronize another restaurant. 

After getting this unbiased acct of someone actually on the ground there and saying they saw the signs then it appears that Denny's has covered their a*s in that regard.

Im still concerned about the high tow volume going on. Your right Red Robin should have some sort of warning out about this, unless theyre afraid of losing business and would rather make a few bucks off a customer then warn them of the possible tow,  or

Im starting to suspect there may be some sort of collusion going on between the businesses.  Maybe even the same owner.  Someone may wanna take a look into that.

If this is the case SHAME ON YOU RED ROBIN TOO!  AND YOUR OWNER!

To John C: In your case, I will concede that the towing company could have had the common courtesy of letting you know they were going to tow you. However, as you readily admit -- you saw the signs, ignored them, and paid the price. Would it have been nice (or simple common decency) for them to have given you a warning? Absolutely! Do you raise valid points that should be addressed? Yes! Unfortunately, when it comes down to the bottom line, they had every right to tow you because you were in violation.

Please don't get me wrong... in YOUR case, I'm a bit more sympathetic because you admit you were wrong, but are just pointing out how petty they are being. I don't have that same sympathy for the OP because he/she seemed to indicate that this was all a big scam, OP did nothing wrong, they were ripped off, etc. Had they come across as humble as you and admitted fault, I would have been sympathetic to their plight as well.

It does seem that those particular establishments should try to work something out. Maybe the owners/managers could get together and come up with some sort of "rental" agreement for certain parking spots during certain times of the day. As anyone who has ever been to either restaurant knows -- Red Robin is very busy at lunch/dinner hours, while Denny's is mildly busy (at best) and is mainly a breakfast diner or after-hours stop after the local bars close. They both have different "rush hours" and should easily be able to accommodate overflow parking between them, if they were willing to do so. Just a thought...

Hey Folks,

I had this exact same thing happen to me this evening. I parked at Denny's (because the Red Robin lot was full, and all other street parking on the block was taken), went to Red Robin and was promptly towed. $214 fee, including the extra $25 after hours charge since it was after 6pm.

First off, I was wrong to park at Denny's and walk next door, and wow did I get whacked for it! Did I see the signs? Sadly, yes. There are many posted now, not just the one or two, so claiming ignorance is definitely out. No, I saw the signs and decided to risk it.

I seriously thought to myself as I was leaving the car "Crap, I know I technically shouldn't be parking here. But there is plenty of space, at least a dozen other open stalls, The Red Robin lot is full and there's no open street parking. I'm pretty sure I'm not screwing over any Denny's customers for parking, I really want to make this meeting on time, and it'll be over fast enough."

17 minutes later, I come back, the Denny's lot is still 80% vacant and my car is gone. Ouch! My only thought was that the Sergeant's worker watched me leave my car and called in the truck immediately. Well, my intentions and logic were pretty benign. But considerate intent really counts for nothing when you enforce things to the T.

So technically put, I was wrong, and Denny's had every legal right to tow me. And to Sergeant Towing's credit, I thought the worker stationed in the lot to watch for folks like me was very professional, he even called me a cab. So anyone accusing them of being outwardly sleazy, they weren't, at least in my dealing with them.

Still, if a guy is paid to sit in that parking lot all day, a simple warning or "hey, move along" would have been super. Or better yet, if Denny's is towing so many Red Robin customers, why doesn't Red Robin post a sign warning folks "Parked at Denny's? They WILL tow you. No, seriously. In fact if you're reading this a truck is probably on its way." Wishful thinking yeah? Haha.

It took 20 minutes for the cab to come get me today. And in that time, I stood in the mostly empty parking lot, watching the Sergeant's Towing worker sit in his car waiting for more folks like me. Awkward. I vowed that if I saw anyone else park in the lot, I would tell them what had just happened to me and save them from getting towed.

Let me put it this way. Even police officers give out warnings now and then. Imagine if traffic enforcement were privatized, with enforcers paid on commission and given license to enforce everything to the letter. We'd ALL be getting ticketed for going 28mph in 25mph zones. It's technically right... but yet somehow wrong. I was wrong today and I paid a price. But I will say the amount of punishment leveled against me was disproportionate in the scheme of things. I mean compare a $214 towing fee to a speeding ticket, or having your parking meter expire. To all the comment folks telling drivers tough luck. Please, cut us some slack. I've laid out the mitigating circumstances here; I'm sure we've all had situations like this before, maybe let your meter run out, or leave your car in a loading zone with your emergency lights on while you run in to drop something off? I'm just the guy who happened to park in an empty Denny's lot to go to a meeting next door and got pwned! Instead of saying "You're an idiot for ignoring the signs" just ease up and simply say "Dude, that sucks." and know that I'm never parking at (or going to) Denny's... ever... again.

Anyway, I feel better having written this. Hard lesson learned. The easy fix? Take it from me. Don't park at Denny's unless you darn well intend to eat there!

I know it sux to have NO business, and be hanging on by a thread, but it is only hurting things by having tow trucks constantly going in and out of your parking lot. What does that tell a potential customer?  Also having your flunkys hanging around in there beatup cars doesnt help either, people will just think theres alot of riff raff going on. (and I'm sure there is, inside)

I personally would avoid a restaurant who's parking lot doesn't have at least a few cars in it from time to time.

I usually dont offer suggestions for scummy operations, but really, think about it- By having those red robin customers park in your lot, you are making your own "restaurant" look a little less decrepit.

But this is all useless anyway, as now the towing is your "bread and butter".

When your towing 22 cars a day, and your hiring flunkys to do a stakeout in your parking lot, even while your getting NEXT TO NO business, something just aint right.  It smells pretty bad if you ask me, and it aint just the sorry denny's food!

I say theres some sharking going on, and theyre just trying to leach on people.  Kinda like a spider casting a web.  Just because people are getting tired of the crap food and have a better choice now.

Back to work Denny's employee!  (even if it is THAT slow!)

I don't care if Denny's towed 200 cars per day... it is their right to do so. They have clearly marked all entrances to the lot with signs AND they have posted additional signs throughout the lot (this is clearly shown in both the OP's pics and the Google Maps pics).

If I came home everyday and someone was continually parking in my driveway, blocking my driveway, etc.  (i.e., anywhere on MY property) I would have them towed as well. I might even sit in my house or down the street and report them as it happened. Eventually, the people who were parking there illegally would get the hint. And, I would not feel that I owe them any apology whatsoever!

Just because the OP thinks that he/she has the right to park their cars (Note: they mention 2 mini-vans were towed) in another business' lot and then take their party of 13 people to another business, doesn't mean it's right. By looking at OP's pics, he/she clearly had to walk past one of the 2 signs in that area: (1) the one on the fence which they photographed; or (2) the one on the post at the entrance where they indicate with arrows "These 3 spots are not marked." Give me a break!

The lot is separate and anyone with any ounce of intelligence could figure that out; they drove by a sign on a post at the entrance; if they walked from those "unmarked" spots to get to Red Robin,  they either passed the sign on the fence or the sign on the post. They are just mad they got caught. So sick of people and their sense of entitlement these days.

OP parked in a private lot of a business and did not conduct business there. He/She got towed for doing so. Too bad. Learn from the lesson and respect other people's property.

22 cars is ALOT to be towing everyday.

Shame on you Denny's!

p.s. your food is nasty and sucks!

Sorry, but you were in the wrong in this situation. According to your own post, you parked " on the side of the Red Robin building where the parking lot is owned by Dennys restaurant." You also provided the addresses of both restaurants. A quick Google Maps search confirms that the parking lots are NOT combined. There is a fence that separates the 2 businesses and the entrance to the parking lot where you parked is CLEARLY marked with a sign noting it's for Denny's customers only.

From the pics below, anyone can see that where you parked is (1) a completely separate parking lot from the Red Robin; (2) it runs along the BACK of the Red Robin restaurant where there are NO entrances to that restaurant; (3) it is fenced off from the Red Robin parking lot; (4) you would have had to walk around that fence to even get to either sidewalk in order to enter Red Robin.

This is not a simple case of a shared/common parking lot that is accessible to both restaurants. They are clearly separate and you chose to park in the Denny's lot so you deserve to be towed. I'll grant you that the Red Robin lot does not appear to be large enough to provide adequate parking to its patrons, but that doesn't give you the right to park at Denny's. Sorry!

Thats a real bummer you try to go out and spend some money have a good time and support the local economy, then Denny's goes and ruins it all!

I agree you should be alot more careful because there really are alot of sharks out there.  Most of em in Dennys parking lot undercover!

Having these losers doing this when the restaurant is really dead is pathetic!  They must really envy Red Robin and their superior food!

What do you expect of a restaurant ran by a bunch of ex-cons?





 

Let me get this straight, you parked in Denny's lot, ignored the sign stating the lot was for Denny's customers only, went to Red Robin to eat, and are mad that Denny's had your mini-van towed?  Since the sign didn't specify specific parking spots, you should have assumed it meant the entire lot.  From your own research, it doesn't sound as though Denny's did anything illegal.  It doesn't matter whether the lot was full or only had one car in it, you parked illegally and got towed.  You were not entrapped, you just used poor judgement.