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Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires
4

Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

(OP)

I don't really want to get into a great deal of detail, but I am fairly certain, say 91%, that a coworker let the air out of one of my tires yesterday.  Tire was fine, not even low when I left home and drove to work.  Went to my car in the afternoon to run an errand to find the front passenger tire completely flat.  Not just really low.  Hanging off the rim flat.  So I jacked the car up, put on the spare and took the tire to a tire shop (not a chain outlet either)  two blocks up the street.  I know the tire guys well and one of the tow services they use is owned by a good friend.

So I asked them to really check the tire carefully for damage from road debris, and to check the valve for damage.  It was a fairly new tire with about 10,000 miles on it.  The tire guys found nothing, so they filled it up with air, tested it for a slow leak and put it back on my car.  The guy who checked it out had the same thought, that the air was deliberately let out.

I've since driven about 60-70 miles without loss of any air.  I also have not parked next to this coworker's car.

So do I send out an email to everyone in the office to caution them about 'malicious mischief' in the parking garage without naming anyone?  Or do I try to reproduce the parking situation I believe prompted the tire flattening to see if it recurs?  Confront the guy about my suspicion?

  

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Reproduce the parking situation, but leave a motion activated video recorder running from a suitable vantage point. If they are caught in the act, then you can decide a more suitable response. The responses you suggested could make you appear to be paranoid.

Any reason the co-worker might have done this? Have you upset him/her? Did you park too close? Do they not like Hondas?

Is the co-worker a friend of Crystal Beth?

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

How much did the tire shop make out of this event?

- Steve

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Cass-

You need to keep better company...

old field guy

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

casseopeia,

   Could the air letter outer be a passing vandal?

   Consider all the possibilities.

               JHG

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

You had to post this one in Ethics not the pub.

If in the pub I'd say something like "stuff the email, assume they are guilty until proven innocent and return the favour, only 'deflate' the tires in a manner that can't be repaired and do more than one"

However that's unethical so I couldnt' possibly condone such action in this forum.winky smile

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

(OP)

CBL, We have a parking garage that provides too few parking spaces, is poorly designed and poorly striped.  I was left with the only remaining spot between Mr. Suspect's immaculate, shiny, new, slightly girly sedan and another co-worker's pickup.  Normally I'll take the top space in my sketch and back in as close to the column as possible, but this guy pulled in forward and had to hug the right hand stripe to clear the column with his car door.  The pickup needs a pretty wide space, about the full width of the striping.  So I backed my car in, about 10-12" away from Mr. Suspect's car, passenger side to passenger side.  Not enough room for either of us to get into the passenger side, but just enough room for me to get out of my car and for the pickup driver to get into his.  

Other than that, I have no work-related interaction with this guy.  He's been here less than a month and our jobs do not overlap.  I don't think I've said more than about 5 words to him since he's been here.

And I don't think it was my neighbor, Crystal Beth.  She would have thrown eggs or doggie droppings on my car.  That's more her style.  Besides, things have been pretty quiet with her since I was granted a TRO last week.  But I'll save that story for the Pub.

drawoh, we do get an occasional vandal.  There has been one stolen car (keys left in it), a couple of smashed windows with items stolen from inside the car and several instances of people using the garage as a giant outdoor toilet.  This was more of a retaliatory gesture, not an opportunity to obtain some drug money or answer the call of nature.

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

I take back my previous offer of moving into the house on the other side of me from ctopher... you just attract an unsavory element.




If it's not a bother, I would do exactly as CBL suggests... proof is so much easier to work with than suspicion.

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Can anyone else tell Cass is an Architect just from the pretty picture?  Mine, such as when reporting a traffic accident to insurance, are a lot simpler.

How big is your place, big enough to just let HR know there's been some more 'vandalism' in the parking garage and that people should keep an eye out?

Also, weren't you the person that posted the PC recomended way to talk to someone about an issue in some poor female engineers thread a while back.  Any nuggets of wisdom in that you can use?

Some claim a piece of gravel the correct size in a valve cap does a nice job of creating a slow leak, just so's you knowwinky smile

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Car parking politics!

Someone wrote "Tosser" and clipped it under the wiper of a car deemed too closely parked where I work a while back.  It sparked a bit of a war of words.  Sounds like the same kind of thing.

- Steve

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Sounds like sufficient incidents for the operators of the car park to install CCTV.
I'd log the incident, with any comments or concerns just to get something on record. You might suggest a need for CCTV.

Don't expect anything to happen but if something else untoward should happen then you are building a possible case against the operators, if they have a duty of care they are not fulfilling.

Not much that can be done about the design but you could comment on the poor stripes and maybe consider any other possible issues too such as whether there is proper lighting for night time etc. The operators probably won't want to be faced with any litigation because of due diligence or reasonable care failings.

Temporary Restraining Order? Against that nice Crystal Meth who throws eggs and doggy doo?  I must have missed a few episodes.... (its getting to be a bit Wisteria lane with never a dull day in the Cass saga).

PS I was originally invited to join the pub but never took the offer up and suspect my invite might no longer be valid....so please spill the beans here Cass, you can't tease us temperance folk that way!

"Slightly girly sedan?" is it pink? newbie seems to have made an impression already!
 

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Probably a Miata. (Girly car if ever there was one.)

Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

"Some claim a piece of gravel the correct size in a valve cap does a nice job of creating a slow leak, just so's you know"

An even nastier method, harder to trace, is to buy a valve stem wrench from local auto supply shop, and use it to loosen the valve stem about 1/8 to 1/4 turn.  Slow leak (refill of tire about every 1~2 weeks) that is a bear to find if the shop isn't smart enough to take the cap off the stem, and even then it can sneak past 'em...<insert evil grin smiley here>.

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

(OP)

itsmoked, I'm not that critical about cars, but there is no way I would ever describe a Miata as slightly girly.  That's a stripper's car...ubergirly.  Mr. Suspect's car is kinda on the level of the Scion, the kind of vehicle you would normally see college girls owning.  Not the kind of car a good-sized adult male fits into easily.  

And I really do mean immaculate.  Nothing out of place...no papers or files like I have in mine.  No inspection gear or tools either.  I've got a giant box of tools in my hatch, including laser levels, a moisture meter, several tape measures, various picks and gauges, and a full protective body suit including canister mask for going into or under moldy or rat-infested buildings.

I've seen him blowing little bits of dust and leaves off of his car in the  morning when he comes in.  I don't even bother to wipe the doggie nose prints off the inside of my windows that I got when I was dog-sitting for my friends 5 month old pit bull puppy.  I don't think the inside of my car was that clean after one week of driving it.  Now, 2 years and 40,000 miles later, you could probably keep from starving for 3 days subsisting entirely on the half empty water bottles stuffed in the map pockets and food crumbs between the seats and the console.  And if that stuff runs out, there are the Dora and Pink Pony gummy candies in the little kid-sized packets stuffed into the side panel for emergency use during the transportation of my SO's 4 yo daughter.

It's like Junior Metrosexual v Terminator-SoccerMom.


jmw, come on into the Pub.  I'll buy you a drink and tell you all about Crystal Beth and the Sheriff's Department.

 

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Cass...

Guys, and little boys, do these things to girls they like or attracted to.  I know...I know...  Nevertheless, do not ignore the fact.  sadeyes  These things do happen.

Does your parking lot have any extrerior video monitoring that you could view the recordings of?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Fill your tires with triple expanding foam instead of air.

Of course, from that point forward the tires will never be separable from the rims, but you can laugh glibbly at yourself for preventing the 'tire flattner' any joy from his serialzed transgressions.

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Yeah, Cass.....Like Mike said, he's hot for ya!


You might try re-piping HIS gas line...shadeshappy

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

If your point is to send a subtle message to the perpetrator, then I think the most you can safely do is send out a general "watch out for vandalism in the parking lot; the air was let out of my tires".  Without proof, you can't go to anyone over this co-worker's head, and if he's that nuts, you don't want to confront him either.

Hg

Eng-Tips policies:  FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Oh, that wasn't a misprint? It is Crystal Beth and not Crystal Meth?
Where'd I get that from I wonder?

I never trusted anyone who could keep their car, desk or nest neat and excessively tidy....but maybe that's because I'm a slob and a reflection on me not them (but a natural conclusion since the various Brown-nosers I have known shared that characteristic - not even, I suspect, leaving DNA traces).

Deflating the tyres is better than a key scrape in the paint but I guess from what you say Cass, with your paint job you would probably not notice if it was gored by a rhinoceros so a flat tyre is an attention getter (except perhaps with Citroen DS21). But I do get what Msquared48 says, but it would never have occurred to me that that was the way to a girl's heart (etc.).
(Hmmm, maybe I've been doing things wrong all my life?)

 

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Banana in the tailpipe?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Quote (msquared48):

Banana in the tailpipe?
I think Ron said it better with repiping the gas line quote winky smile

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

jmw ... I don't believe you have to be a Pub patron to be able to view the threads, but you do to reply.

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

OK...  gasline in the tailpipe.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

(OP)

Hg, You bring up a good point.  I'm betting he was hoping to send a message to me, with just enough clues to let me know that it was him.   I would guess he's also hoping I would get angry, show a bit of weakness and be severely inconvenienced, maybe even try to get back at him.  So what to do with a self-righteous narcissist?  Sending him a message would just fuel his inflated ego.

I decided best to not send an email out.  I'm certainly not going to HR with my flimsy suspicions.  I managed to get my tire changed by myself, loosing only about 45 minutes to an hour of work time and $28 cash.  No big deal.  But now I'm watching his a$$.  I'll find street parking rather than park next to his car.

I'm also hoping the person who has to park next to him is any number of other co-workers who learned to drive in the Middle East.  He has no idea how lucky he is that I was the one backing in next to his car!

jmw, the exterior of my car is fine, no damage other than one parking lot ding.  Keying my car would have been far more serious offense.

 

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Still not acknowledging the obvious, huh?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

1.  Meat/fish in his air conditionining intake (from Top Gear)
2.  buy/borrow a jalopy and park really close to him.  by really close I mean touching.
3.  A nice dent from a door opening - could happen at any shopping centre car park

In one work car park, the spaces were just a little narrow. One guy parked his car over hanging the line, and another guy parked his van so close you could hardly get a fag paper between the two.  That one taught a lot of people a lesson.

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

I am at a total loss to understand how you can be 91% certain it was someone who you have had no interaction with and whose only "crime" seems to be that he keeps his car very neat and tidy?

To go down the route of criminal damage that some suggest on here is just plain crazy on such flimsy evidence, although evidence is not the right word.
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

How about some really gunky grease on your valve caps.  You'll know it's there be he won't.

- Steve

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Interesting suggestions folks, but who will go to jail?

I knew a guy with an imported (US) sports car who kept losing the chrome trims to "collectors" until he had some very small very sharp spikes added.... he'd check each morning for blood trails.

I'm pretty sure that anyone trying to steal his chrome would complain to the police and have him arrested but I didn't know him long enough to find out if that ever happened.

Simple rule of law in the UK, though shalt not harm any criminal; the Criminal has more rights.

How refreshing, in the US, to be able to shoot intruders with impunity, here you have to make them tea and I think there is some law that says it is unfair to hide your valuables from them.

We keep a close eye out on our neighbours because of a local gang of socially challenged young persons.
They have any number of ASBOs (Anti Social Behaviour Orders) against them and they regularly appear in court to be given tea and biscuits by the JPs/Magistrates.
Our CSO (Community Support Office - a euphemisms for a cop who makes sure the criminals are safe) said it was very important not to upset them and if we did want to do something we should be sure to be able to individually identify them and what each had said and done.
I said fine, we'll video them next time. "Oh no" he said, "you can't do that, it's intrusive, you'd need to post up CCTV warning signs".

My wife favours extreme vigilante action but I wasn't too sure if she was after the gang or the CSO.... I had to distract her while he made his escape.

But I'm interested, to what extent can you wreak havoc on anyone messing with your wheels in a car park in the US?   

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

jmw,

Legally, we're not allowed to harm the perp, either, and it often appears as if the criminals have more rights than the law-abiding citizens.  That said, you still often read/hear of people trying to float in that gray area of intentional harm and plausible deniability.  In most areas, you can shoot a criminal breaking into your home (castle rule) if you feel bodily harm is imminent, but it would be wise to make sure he doesn't survive the attack to later sue... if he limps out of the doorway, you'll be in for a battle.  A few years back Florida passed a law that said you can shoot someone who you feel intends to cause you bodily harm, even if not at home (say they're trying to car jack you at a gas station), which caused all manner of commotion in the gun-free community saying it would cause skyrocketing murder rates on the street and vigilanteism... no such thing ever happened (as the reasonable people expected), and life continues on as normal there.

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

To add to tickle's list:
stuff a potato up his tail pipe and then put a 3/8" hole through it. The car will sound normal and run...until the heat causes the potato to swell and the hole shrinks. Then the exhaust gas pressure will take its natural action.

Since getting to the engine compartment is almost impossible these days, you can still get under a car and put limburger cheese on the exhaust manifold/pipe.
 

"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Huh, reminds me of running over some bag on a parking lot. turned out to contain some sort of rotten food.  it took months of jet washing, etc to get the smell completely out.

not that i'm suggesting that someone do that...

TTFN

FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

SomptingGuy,
I believe that is also the considered opinion and the preferred policy of your insurers since live, but damaged victims cost them more than dead victims (probably more so in the US with no NHS).... that is, if they pay up.
But we all know that the standard insurers response to any and all claims is that it is "fair wear and tear" (or a lack of maintenance) and they are not liable.
If insurance companies think maiming a perp is fair wear and tear then who are we, or the courts, to question them?

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

(OP)

ajack1, to answer your question, why do I think it's Mr. Suspect?  Here's my thought process,

This is malicious mischief, something that is done TO someone as a signal or message.  It is typically not a random act.  It takes too much time and there is too much risk of being caught for there not to be a motivation behind it.  And there's no gain for an anonymous  perpetrator.

Who would target me?  I really only had a couple of choices.  My neighbor with whom I have been having a dispute comes to mind first, but quickly dismissed because,

a)  I have been staying or keeping my car at various places since it started in mid April, although occasionally I still park at home.
b)  The tire that was flattened is on the side of my car that I can see from my house.  Although I don't think my neighbor is a particularly brilliant criminal, I don't think she, or anyone helping her, would pick the visible side.  They would hide on the driver's side.  And that particular evening, my SO's motorcycle was parked next to my car.  I think this would have been a more enticing target.
c)  My tire was fine when I left home.  I approach my car from that side and would have seen it.  My SO would have seen it.
d)  I was granted a TRO against this neighbor last week and have a hearing date later this month.  This is NOT her first rodeo in this arena.  One violation of the TRO that can be pinned on her would have serious consequences including loosing her son to child protective services and jail.  I'm guessing she is not going to risk it.
e)  It's just not her MO.  She's been more prone to throwing jars of strawberry jam and pieces of field stone at me, or at my outdoor deck whenever my landlord and I change a utility connection servicing her apartment from my meter to hers.  No changes have occurred recently.

The next most obvious choice is the person parked next to my car, this new coworker.  I can imagine his motivation, persnickety about his car and righteous indignation over the proximity of my car to his.  And he certainly had opportunity.  It's a very strong coincidence.  The flattened tire was on the side of my car next to his.  The garage is not that busy and the cars are hidden from view from the sidewalk by the CMU walls.  That's why I had the tire guys really check for damage or some kind of sabotage.  I even had them write it on the ticket and told them about the TRO.  And these are guys I know.  I've bought a few of sets of tires from them.  I walk by the shop frequently and they know a good friend of mine who owns a towing company.  There was no discernible damage to the rim, tire or valve stem.  No signs of a slow leak.  The guy that checked it was pretty certain the air was deliberately let out.

But I have some remaining doubt because it's hard for me to imagine myself ever doing such a thing, especially if I just started working somewhere and targeted a coworker in a higher position than myself.  I do not intend to really cause any damage back.  I am more interested in removing my remaining doubt, not getting revenge by causing damage.

So to that end, this morning when I pulled into the garage, I found Mr Suspect's car parked in almost the same position as before.  So I backed in next to him, setting up the same arrangement.  If it happens twice, I'll be 99.9% certain, 100% if I see him do it.

But I also decided to set up a booby trap.  Not having any grease handy, I grabbed a tube of very sticky, pink lip gloss and put that on the valve caps.  Grease on your fingers and pants, explainable.  Pink lip gloss, a bit tougher for a guy.  He'll be wishing he had a box of tissue and wet wipes like I have in my car.

  

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Of course, if he's really that persnickety, he'd never touch anything on your car with his bare hands.  He'd have tissues, or somesuch, for occasions like that.

TTFN

FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Cass,

Is it possible this guy is doing it to "some a-hole's car parked too close" to his rather than to you specifically.  In other words, would he have done the same thing had someone else parked that close, or is there evidence of some personal vendetta against you specifically?

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Cas

Before you do anything you need to be sure. It is very easy to jump to the wrong conclusion.

If you do anything, be very aware of where it may finally lead and if you want to go there.

If I had irrefutable proof, I would confront them and if necessary take it to management. Do not make threats you are not prepared to carry out. The confrontation would bring their character and courage into question, but then I'm a bit of a Kamikaze that way.

In my experience people who do anonymous retaliation lack character and courage and normally quiver and try to slink away when bluntly confronted with proof.

jmw

You have been sent a new invite. You are welcome if you choose to accept it.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &
http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm
for site rules
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Hi Pat, thanks very much.
It was there on the home page and I have immediately accepted with pleasure....too long in the wilderness.
Now all I have to do is ask Cass for the inside dope on Crystal Meth.

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Reminds me of the time I had damage done to my car. I had the habit of unlatching the hood to allow cooldown after a long drive. An SOB pulled my AC compressor clutch. I made nothing of it; acted like nothing happened. I know who it was, and he left the company after a while.

Recently I had a hard door strike that left a deep dent. I had some military stickers on the car.

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

For a talented, attractive working woman with a penchant for drama, the possibilities are nearly endless...
  • Any woman in your workplace might be holding a grudge
  • Any man in your workplace might be stalking you
  • Any ex-boyfriend
  • You parked too close (by vandal's standards)
  • Crystal Beth
  • Random act of mischief

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

IF the car is conventional ( not a ront wheel drive) a plastic cable tie on the drive shaft is easy and very noisy.
IF you want to make life unpleasant for the guy and the lug nuts are common and exposed (Not under wheel covers and cheap) you can do this.  Buy four identical lug nuts. file the corners off the nuts so they are round.  Remove one from each wheel, replace with the rounded one. Replacing them requires the right tool.  I had to er er I mean the person I head this from used large channel lock pliers.  
Your revenge may be wasted on a tire shop employee or it could be way out in the sticks when a tire goes flat. You don't get to see it.  
You could probably do it with some keyed  lug nuts but they didn't exist when I did it.

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Cass,

Letting air out of someones tires can be done by someone who is just a little mischievous.  It doesn't have to be intent.

Why, as a small boy, I can remember letting the ....no, wait, uhmmm, I mean ...letting the dogs out of peoples yards...ya.  That's it....

Now...in a company parking lot, that is different.

______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

I'd like to suggest installing CCTV in the car but it would probably be noticed.

Incidentally, some cars have CCTV already anyway (surprised me when I reversed a new Audi loan car to see the integral sat nav display switch to a rear view CCTV display - confusing when it is the right way round and the mirror image is reversed) it won't be a big step to including more than one camera and recording to hard disc with overwrite of oldest data.... not for our convenience, but for accident investigators and law enforcement - a feature we might normally be unaware of ... for example I was surprised to discover that the air bag systems store recent speed data and impact speed that can be accessed by accident investigators..... its a bit like all that data Bill Gates stores on peoples computers we don't know about and is hard to route out until the law grabs someone for some reason or other.

How legal is it to collect and use such data? doesn't it come under the self-incriminating status? Must be some of our rights being compromised here.

Ah well, just tether the car in sight of a hide and sit up all night with a 30.06 or a Saturday Night special... Just Kidding... set up a camera, borrowed from one of the nature film people, disguised as elephant droppings or whatever. Or, you could ask your local police to try parking their trap cars there for a while (the ones they use to lure in unsuspecting criminals and then immobilise and which are full of cameras).  

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Interesting topic. Although, in light of the "professional ethics in engineering" thread, I would have to say let it go. This is the most ethical thing to do.
If it happens again, that's another story wink  

Fe

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Just get a bunch of, "I love my country but fear my government", NRA & similar gun rights lobby stickers for your car.

Of course, may increase liklihood of vandalism other places you park but if you're clever maybe you can get magnetic ones that you take off except when parked next to the suspected loser or something.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

(OP)

No political hot button slogans on my car, unless you consider a sticker from a favorite belly dance instructor that says "Shut up and Shimmy" along with an outline depiction of Jasmine, the Disney character, objectionable.  Just as macgyvers2000 suggests, it's not me specifically, just my perceived parking job.  I pretty much get along with everyone I work with, including all the women, impossible as that may seem.

My neighbor that I've nicknamed Crystal Beth for her methamphetamine addiction is the most logical suspect, and I'd love to pin it on her, but there are too many factors that rule her out.  So far no further drama in the company parking garage.  I guess pink lip gloss on the valve caps is working for now.

An interesting aside regarding installing recording devices, I was informed by my attorney prior to filing the TRO not to offer the court my recordings of my neighbor's screaming and arguments, even though I recorded everything from within my own apartment or on my deck. I also recorded a couple of conversations where my camera was around my neck, but did not announce the filming nor get prior permission from the people being filmed.  She said only to bring a transcript of a threatening phone message left on my cell phone, but not the CD I burned of the message to my hearing.  Stupid.  

I converted the phone message into an audio file using Garage Band and exported it to my iTunes as an .aiff.  I guarantee that it's a far more accurate representation than the transcript I typed.  I actually think the transcript seems worse than listening to the voice message.

  

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Interesting thread.  I ran into a cad tech from another division, but in the same building, at a bar. After a few minutes he went nuts and stated that if he would kill his boss.  All I could think of was "Wow, and I thought my division was under alot of stress". Chalked that episode up to the booze.  

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

casseopeia,

I think you should have publicly acted as if nothing had happened, until you had actionable information.

Why let on that you are suspicious or give someone the satisfaction of knowing they got your goat?

I have also carried one of those cigaret lighter tire pumps in my vehicles for decades. They are indespensible. I also know how to plug a tire and do keep the tools, cement and plugs in my tool box.

I use that stuff more for damsels in distress around the apartment complex than I do for my self.

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Clearly vandalism in the USA is of a very poor standard, and lagging behind the rest of the wrold. In the UK they'd just have stolen the whole wheel.  

corus

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

In Liverpool, if you stopped at the lights, they'd have had all four.

Seriously, I do hope you catch the b***rd and that you then post a picture of your catch tied to the bumper of your truck - like any other hunter would.

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

2
punch all your co-workers in the throat...it's bound to have been one of them.

Or you could just forget about the whole thing since you have no proof.....

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

When they cry out "What the hell was that for?", make sure you exclaim "You know what it was for!".  If they still look bewildered, they weren't the one...

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

macgyvers200, sorry, that won't work.
It is a standard tactic of wives, and presumably women in general, to give you grief for some imagined or non-specific crime.
You don't have to have knowingly done anything wrong to get ticked off.
So the natural male reaction is to look moderately guilty but as contrite as hell.
This tactic would reveal a conspiracy of all the male employees (including farting draughtsman, if he is still there).

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Think Co-Worker Let Air Out of One of my Tires

Hence the phrase used often in my failed marriage: "Is it my fault yet?"

Ironically, mother-in-law found that funny and started quoting it herself.

- Steve

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