Bushwick’s Pyromaniac Chop Shops
At first sight, the charred metal frame of what used to be a car might puzzle the average midnight wanderer. Sitting in silence with all its plastic components melted, exposing the inner workings of the dashboard, what seems to be a Kia has met its fate on Melrose Street.
Throughout the summer, this scenario has become a common occurrence near the Myrtle/Broadway JMZ stop. The burnt vehicle above has been parked near Bushwick Avenue for a couple weeks now and, on a good day you can still smell the smoky plastic fumes.
Early speculation on why such incidents happen may bring about thoughts of desperate bankers burning their own cars to collect insurance money or jealous lovers getting some serious revenge. But closer inspection will reveal the car’s tires were removed before the fire was ignited, along with an array of valuable parts.
So if you come across a burnt car, it’s usually a sign of intelligent criminal behavior in your neighborhood –- steal it, park it, strip it and burn all the evidence. All profits, no fingerprints.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
You can even see one these cars on google maps at Harman & Myrtle..
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http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=218+harman+st+11237&sll=40.698123,-73.92079&sspn=0.001476,0.00324&layer=c&ie=UTF8&ll=40.701057,-73.920393&spn=0.01181,0.025921&t=h&z=16&cbll=40.698373,-73.920373&panoid=gLHFqBJqg4VY7IXf28pyvA&cbp=1,122.92446597614008,,0,19.39028630538229
September 19th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
They don’t fingerprint cars after recovery so no need to burn them. Cars are only burned when the owner has it done, only insurance investigators would go the extra mile to make sure the owner didn’t do it.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:24 am
When I reported my car as stolen seven years ago, it took about a week before I was called and informed of where in the Bronx my car was found. They warned me it was a mess… and I was close to tears when I spotted my beloved and wounded Honda from the elevated train’s staircase as I approached it. I was fortunate enough to be insured for theft, but the emotional effects of such a personal violation linger for years.
By the way, for those of you that drive, there is a “Combat Auto Theft (C.A.T.) Program” available to you at Police Service Area (PSA) #3 (25 Central Ave). They give you stickers that you voluntarily put on your side and back windows… and if the cops see your vehicle being driven between the hours of 1am and 5am, they stop the car and find out if the car is in the wrong hands. I think it’s a great idea (unless you usually drive at those hours).
September 20th, 2008 at 11:11 am
I saw the semi of a truck once. Someone had taken the gas tank.