STOLEN: 1985 Vanagon Westfalia in Portland **FOUND**

[HoustonPhotog]

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Posted on the VanAlert App
Download Here: http://vanalert.com/
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Status: RECOVERED
Status Date: August 31, 2019

Joey M. spotted the vehicle and called the cops. The thieves had spray painted the black steel wheels silver, and spray painted the sides (lots of overspray) of the tan poptop black in order to help disguise the van. The top face of the pop top was still tan. There aren’t many black Vanagons around so the cover up didn’t do much good.

Cops said the thieves had been spotted stealing license plates nearby and the van was spotted by one of our members so the thieves ran. Apparently they were looking to really keep this van instead of just ditching it somewhere in a day or two.

The van was recovered in Parkrose, about 10 miles from Hawthrone where it was stolen.


OR - Portland: 1985 Vanagon Westfalia Camper

Stolen On: August 25, 2019
Stolen In: Portland, OR (Hawthorne)

Vehicle Details:
1985 Vanagon Westfalia Camper (Black w/Purple Hue)
Oregon License Plate: XJU 523

Added Details:
Has a drawing of a bird on front of the fiberglass luggage rack. Has a hitch. Color is distinctive, Black with purple hues. Tan roof. Black steel wheels. Chrome stock bumpers and stock side view mirrors.

If spotted, please contact your local Police Department immediately.

Contact Judy
Cell: 503-575-0391
Email: [email protected]

_________________
Abel Longoria
VanAlert App for Vanagons/Buses | Texas Vanagons | My Vanagon Build Thread | Follow Me On Instagram | Vanagon-centric Stickers Available Now

[djkeev]

Oh Geee!!........

Again.

Hope for a speedy recovery!

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[kamzcab86]

Aw, jeeze... not again!

It seems when one gets recovered up there, another is taken.
_________________
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子

[E1]

This has exceeded "getting to be depressing."

What's up with the PNW? This is ridiculous!

Best of Luck and so sorry!!!
_________________
If ever twice as rich, we’re gettin’ a double-wide
’84 “Westfailure”/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s

AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
The caveman’s first question to the headhunter: “Hey, you got any coffee?”

[chompy]

Jeebus this is screwed up... Very sorry to hear about this. We'll keep our eyes out. My hypothesis is that whoever was running around stealing vans in Seattle last year has moved down here. But its been mentioned how crappy these lock/ignition cylinders are. It would be nice to upgrade to modern keys.

I have 'The Claw' I'll throw on my van at remote destinations. They normally go on a trailer but are a very obvious sign that its going to be a pain to steal it. That means they have to get through that and the steering wheel club. Then figure out how to start the van. Not that I'll go into detail about that.

I think I'm going with a tracker as well now. It sort of goes against my frugal/cheap nature though.
_________________
'81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission

[the joker]

please inform us about the situation in which it was taken, any anti theft stuff foiled?

was it parked in a remote area?

everyone should consider hidden kill switches

[cmayna]

To the owners of that beautiful rig, we all sincerely hope you get it back soon, un-harmed. I am sick to hear of this.
_________________
'90 Westy / automatic.
If I'm not working on the camper or my '50 Chebbie truck, I'm either fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.


Craig

[jimf909]

[Forthwithtx]

I don't know if this is common, but my work computer system will not show pictures from whatever photo sharing site you use.

"Web Category Blocked"
_________________
Cheers!
-Karl

'84 GL with 2001/2004 Subaru 2.5L

[handjammer]

[michaelbteam]

Not victim blaming!! But why doesn't everyone have at least a simple fuel pump cut off switch in their van. After the recent news I finally got around to installing a well hidden kill switch, I don't mind admitting. I wonder if these owners had any anti theft protection: it would be good information in case thieves are getting more sophisticated. Certainly hope for good news of recovery soon!

[E1]

There's endless ways to get screwed in this world, and not everyone has the time, skills, energy, or means to protect themselves against them all.

I know you meant no harm but this ain't the time to make it worse for the ones most affected.
_________________
If ever twice as rich, we’re gettin’ a double-wide
’84 “Westfailure”/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s

AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
The caveman’s first question to the headhunter: “Hey, you got any coffee?”

[levi]

I don't know how it could be figured out accurately, but for every 100 vanagons out there, maybe less than 10 have even heard of thesamba, and of those 10 maybe 1 or 2 visit and read often enough to know that these get stolen easily.

If so let's say that's only about 1%.

Then of that one percent less than 10 % actually get around to it, the rest thinking it's a good idea and I'll do it later.

So that's probably right in line with the % of vanagon owners who actually DO something proactively about their fuel lines.

I just made up those numbers, insert whatever equation tickles your butt.

*Butt tickling comment in no way intended as derision, defamation, or sexual harrassment towards any samba member or members*
_________________
One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way

https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40

[jimf909]

[michaelbteam]

I guess I should expect my rant would offend someone. I forgot that the Samba is not the center of the Vanagon universe. I stand corrected and apologize if I offended anyone. I hope the stolen van is returned soon, and/or the owners have good insurance.
Many owners have put SO much energy and money into their vans; installing a fuel pump interrupt is maybe $100, by any mechanic, and a battery switch isn't too difficult either. I live in what "I think" is a lower risk area and it did take me a while to get around to it myself, and it's worth the peace of mind.
I even had a kill switch on an old beater Cadillac that I had to leave lying around. Old GM ignitions are also really vulnerable.
The intention is to encourage anyone waiting for motivation: just do it!
Peace out.

[michaelbteam]

I guess I should expect my rant would offend someone. I forgot that the Samba is not the center of the Vanagon universe. I stand corrected and apologize if I offended anyone. I hope the stolen van is returned soon, and/or the owners have good insurance.
Many owners have put SO much energy and money into their vans; installing a fuel pump interrupt is maybe $100, by any mechanic, and a battery switch isn't too difficult either. I live in what "I think" is a lower risk area and it did take me a while to get around to it myself, and it's worth the peace of mind.
I even had a kill switch on an old beater Cadillac that I had to leave lying around. Old GM ignitions are also really vulnerable.
The intention is to encourage anyone waiting for motivation: just do it!
Peace out.

[newerwesty1987]

Please don't apologize for possibly "offending" anyone, ever. People need to grow a f-ing pair these days. That goes for all you idiots who let your van get stolen.

[Alaskaberrys]

[andrewvwco]

Wow is this yall's 2nd time?
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Be here now, not in the past and not in the future, but be here now.

[Ahwahnee]