Home improement theft

seeker1950 · Oct 19, 2019 at 12:10 PM

I hired some men to do several repairs on my house. The outside repairs were good, inside sub par. But that is not the problem. They took, TOOK, a 5 gallon bucket of deck paint from my basement, knowing full well it was not their property. The cost of the paint was $160. They had the bucket up inside my house as they were doing the repairs, and i kept wondering, “Why is this up here?” They took the paint bucket which was 3/4 full and cost $160 at Home Depot. I should add that i paid the fellas $500 above their initial estimate for the work they did. I’ve contacted the contractor twice now to return the paint. His response was “sorry” and that he’d return it, but still no return. I feel stupid, victimized. What should i do? I’m 69, female, live alone. I’m afraid to antagonize them, but i feel this should be reported. Advice please. On the one hand, it’s “small potatoes “ in terms of life challenges, so maybe just dismiss and let it go. But, on the other hand, this was theft.

lizardlady · Oct 19, 2019 at 12:55 PM

What about telling the contractor that if it is not returned by a deadline you will call the police?

seeker1950 · Oct 19, 2019 at 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizardlady

What about telling the contractor that if it is not returned by a deadline you will call the police?

They’ve already passed two promises to return the paint. I have his text messages. I’m just fearful as i live alone, of what they might do if i report them. Our town has strict codes for contractors to adhere to. This would pull their license for sure.. I’m jus afraid of them, as they’re big strapping men. But this is not right, and a prime example of preying on the “elderly.” I’ll have to give this serious thought.

unaluna · Oct 19, 2019 at 02:41 PM

Yeah, i would be mad too. I guess they think you are rich and can afford it better than they can.

Or tell them you hire them to repaint the deck next year, as you know they already have the paint.

Anonymous42019 · Oct 19, 2019 at 04:33 PM

Deduct $160 off the contractor's bill in lieu of them replacing the stolen paint. They would hardly have the nerve to start legal proceedings because of their guilt and anyway, $160 is not worth their effort. Be strong and fight back.

A disgrunted customer can potentially lose many customers to a dishonest contractor. If they object to your monetary deduction, then they need to be reminded of that.

Oct 19, 2019 at 05:47 PM

Do they have a yelp page?

But, if you are truly afraid I probably would eat the cost. It sucks but probably not worth the trouble if you have concerns.

seeker1950 · Oct 21, 2019 at 07:15 AM

I did contact the contractor yesterday via messenger. I stated that since he had failed to return the paint, i would be reporting him to the town building permits administrator. I also stated that it amounts to”theft.” He was outside with the paint within 15 minutes returning it. (Reporting him would have resulted in loss of license and probably criminal charges.) I know the paint had been used since it had been cleaned off the top of the bucket and prior the top was covered in paint. Also prior, i could barely lift the bucket and now it is lightweight. I mentioned this to him in subsequent message which he denied, saying, “I’m not a thief.” That’s all fine. I’m done. It’s just very discouraging to try to find honest help.

Also, as a matter of mental health , it’s very hard for me to assert myself, but i mustered the courage, and i’m glad i did.

Anonymous42019 · Oct 21, 2019 at 08:57 AM

Unless you've already done this, put that same message in writing and mail it to your contractor with a note stating 'A copy of this letter has been forwarded to my town's police department "for consideration"'.

Having informed the police in writing, if more complaints arrive to the police station from other disgruntled clients, then the police could take action and the contractor made aware he could be prosecuted.

Well done for asserting yourself. You were courageous.

*Beth* · Oct 21, 2019 at 10:43 AM

I think you handled the situation perfectly. I would have been concerned about revenge, too. I believe that informing him that you would be reporting him to the building permits administrator is a wiser idea than involving the police is.

I'm glad the paint was returned.

WovenGalaxy · Oct 21, 2019 at 10:59 AM

I'm so sorry these "men" put you through this. I agree with Access Denied's advice. Of course, do what you are comfortable with. But yeah. They are probably doing this to others. Good on you for sticking up for yourself already!!!!!

seeker1950 · Oct 21, 2019 at 06:22 PM

Yes, i was fearful of asserting myself. But after i talked to my sister, and she said the same, “They are probably doing this to others.” If i would report him to the town permits guy, it would result in his loss of license. I’m afraid to do that. He’s a big strapping man, 7 feet tall. I am alone. I’ll just be done with it. As a side note, i did sleep last night, after not sleeping for three nights, obsessing about being a victim of theft, though in the scheme of life, it’s “small potatoes.” It was the betrayal of trust more than anything.

unaluna · Oct 21, 2019 at 06:43 PM

I wish you could find out whose deck he painted with your paint. Seems to me youre entitled to a summers worth of hotdogs and potato salad, at least!

Maybe he did a really good deed with it, like helped build a wheelchair ramp for somebody. He knew you would say yes if he asked you, and he felt it would detract somehow if he did. Or he painted his floozy's porch. Or paid off his tab at the bar.

I think you are right. The serenity prayer comes in handy here.

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Home improement theft

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lizardlady Legendary Member Since Nov 2002 Location: Mid World Posts: 17,483 (SuperPoster!) 21 7,513 hugs given	Oct 19, 2019 at 12:55 PM #2 What about telling the contractor that if it is not returned by a deadline you will call the police?
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unaluna Elder Harridan x-hankster Member Since Jun 2011 Location: Milan/Michigan Posts: 39,841 (SuperPoster!) 12 66.3k hugs given	Oct 19, 2019 at 02:41 PM #4 Yeah, i would be mad too. I guess they think you are rich and can afford it better than they can. Or tell them you hire them to repaint the deck next year, as you know they already have the paint.
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Anonymous45521 Guest Posts: n/a	Oct 19, 2019 at 05:47 PM #6 Do they have a yelp page? But, if you are truly afraid I probably would eat the cost. It sucks but probably not worth the trouble if you have concerns.
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Beth catches the flowers Member Since Jul 2019 Location: Downtown Vibes, California Posts: 15,701 (SuperPoster!) 4 23.7k hugs given	Oct 21, 2019 at 10:43 AM #9 I think you handled the situation perfectly. I would have been concerned about revenge, too. I believe that informing him that you would be reporting him to the building permits administrator is a wiser idea than involving the police is. I'm glad the paint was returned. __________________
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WovenGalaxy Magnate Member Since Sep 2019 Location: Earth Posts: 2,854 4 4,842 hugs given	Oct 21, 2019 at 10:59 AM #10 I'm so sorry these "men" put you through this. I agree with Access Denied's advice. Of course, do what you are comfortable with. But yeah. They are probably doing this to others. Good on you for sticking up for yourself already!!!!!
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