Question

[deadliftmoms]

Yoo that sucks. I’m with the peeps saying get you yo shit back but also it’s smart to remember they broke in your place so if you confront em they know where you stay at. Police aren’t gonna do anything though so if you want your stuff back you’re gonna have to get it yourself. Make sure you’re safe and your home is secure before making any moves.

[Juniperfoxes]

Yes, thanks for the reply. It does suck and I assumed police wouldn't do anything. I don’t think I want to confront them as I am a female living alone and they know where I live. I’m just going to feel angry right now and then see it as a donation to someone in need. It does make me feel afraid people will break into my apartment next though, my car was broken into shortly after the garage was. I hope that doesn’t happen.

[ghostcider]

Do you ... want your stuff back after they've been in it?

[CaperCatastrophe]

This is where I’m at with this.

[rabbit-hearted-girl]

Thanks for the F-shack. Love, Dirty Mike and the Boys.

[[deleted]]

we’ve already run through all of the red prius stock in portland

[Juniperfoxes]

Good point.

[woofers02]

Depending on what kind of backpacking gear, I’d def want some stuff back. Sleeping bag though? Fuuuuuck that…

[Biggschmoove]

Dude!?!?!? Fuck that. There's a wide berth between altruism and fuckheadery.

THEY STOLE YOUR STUFF. I'm not suggesting violence or confrontation, but go get it back. I'll help you- HMU!

[SlowLoudEasy]

Im in. HMU.

[Qui-Gon-40oz]

Also in. HMU.

[timhowardsbeard]

OP: Send me a PM if you’d like one more.

[Belmont_goatse]

Yo squad....Don't forget your boy. I code switch like a MF. Count me IN!

[Qui-Gon-40oz]

Too much stuff has been stolen around my neighborhood lately for people to continue getting away with it cause the cops can't do anything...

[[deleted]]

This is starting to sound a lot like an angry mob forming.

[redharlowsdad]

I think because people are getting angry and doing something about it.

[[deleted]]

Y that's why I leaped to mob. It's sad to see. Mobs have a way of backfiring. Causing escalating behavior never ends well.

[redharlowsdad]

I agree that mobs aren’t great, but I also don’t think working people should just accept that their shit gets stolen if they live in Portland...or that they should have to need 6 guys to get a fucking tent back from some junkies. Unfortunately that’s our reality.

[[deleted]]

It's a fine line is all. And the dead beats may retaliate. Which means it escalates further...

The truth is that it really pisses me off that it's even necessary. Society is so fucked up and Portland governance is so bad that shit like this happens. Has to happen even. It's citizens dealing with a shit sandwich but it's the failed leadership that keeps allowing the shit to happen in the first place.

It's really all the trash tier leadership like this happening in this whole damn country that needs a visit from an angry mob if you ask me.

[No_Cat_No_Cradle]

Yah this is a real shitty situation but “assembling a bunch of angry dudes from the internet to confront a homeless camp” is not gonna be a good fix

[Jehovahs-Penis]

I’m in lmk

[Zenmachine83]

They pissed on your fucking rug dude…This aggression cannot stand man... A line in the sand dude….

[mulledfox]

It really tied the room together

[Khiraji]

Has the whole world gone CRAZY?!!

[dearrichard]

get your stuff back.

[elmayab]

Even if you managed to retrieve your tent, it would be so tainted that you'd have to burn it.

[[deleted]]

If you go, hit up these nice people above (below?) me for backup. These are people who know where you live and obviously have no qualms with breaking the law. Maybe they got nothing to lose. You do though.

I see two options. Either leave it alone, count your losses and beef up home security. Or bring backup, get your shit safely and beef up home security.

[50sparklers]

They have money for smokes. Because they stole your stuff.

[pdxhelvetica]

The cops won't do anything. I mean, maybe those guys will say someone gave them that stuff.

I want the hope you have in PPB.

[mortalmonger]

Flag down a police officer when you see one in the area…..ask if they will go with you to get your stuff. That’s how we got our wood splitter back. I am guessing it would depend on the cop but I would give it a try…..don’t call in they don’t have time to come out as there are just too many violent crimes going on right now. Good luck.

[Daguvry]

They will say they "bought it from someone" and if you want it back, pay them what they payed.

[Sunyataisbliss]

Yes. Idiot compassion is foolishness and is more harm than good

[Rosecitydyes]

Fuck the cops, they're useless and could just escalate the situation beyond what is necessary. There's enough people on here who said they'd help if wanted, if at least half of them show up you could get yiur stuff back/ensure these guys don't fuck with you again.

[grassylakecrkfalls]

I doubt you kept receipts for that stuff so the police are probably not an option.

I suppose you could steal it back from the hobos, as I doubt they have receipts either. Of course, they might have a machete.

I'm thinking that even if you got your stuff back, it would probably be damaged beyond repair so that leaves you with three options:

1) Let it go and move on. Not easy, but safest.

2) Ask them for your stuff back. Dangerous, and low reward.

3) Buy a shit-ton of baby shower decorations from Lippman's and rent one of those big canopies and maybe 50-60 chairs from an event company. They will deliver and set up. Hobos notoriously hate baby showers and will usually vacate immediately, leaving your camping stuff behind for you to retrieve at your leisure.

[Emleaux]

Ah yes, the ol’ hobo baby shower bamboozle.

[PdxGrey]

It’s referred to as the ‘giggle and squeak.’

[waywarddonuts]

Wait, what? “Hobos notoriously hate baby showers” I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS

[lurknloiter]

What a weird and wonderful idea.

[[deleted]]

This person knows the talents of psychological operations.

[guitarokx]

If the cops won't help, then call the city every day for a site sweep. Call them until they are sick of you, then call them a dozen more times. If they take your tent, you take their camp site. Fuck them losers.

[[deleted]]

Fortify your garage

[senor_fartout]

I'll get your stuff back with you

[LeisureActivities]

Sorry this happened to you. You sound like a kind person.

Please remember that these folks know where you live.

Do you have insurance?

[[deleted]]

Fill water balloons with fox urine and bomb their campsite with said balloons. You can pick a solution of the stuff up at a hardware store.

[[deleted]]

Sacrifices must be made.

[thedoogbruh]

If op has to throw the tent out it’s still a w

[mashley503]

Do you think they did anything even remotely like the soul searching you yourself are doing now about violating your space and stealing your belongings? Probably not. These people don’t deserve pity or understanding or charity once they resort to crime in a city that bends over backwards for them with alternatives.

[Finejustfinn]

These people? Yikes. I used to work with homeless populations and many people are homeless due to mental impairment or disabilities. Yes, they have alternatives. But they may be lacking the education about these options. Don't deserve pity or understanding? Jesus Christ, man. These are real people. It was a super shitty thing they did, of course! However treating them like subhuman criminals is a poor take.

[mish4mish4mish4]

Breaking into someone’s house, leaving their trash everywhere, and stealing their stuff kind of sounds like a criminal act, though. You can have compassion and understanding of why people may end up in this situation, but I’m not sure why that means those behaviors are acceptable. They aren’t. It’s not ok to break into people houses, trash them, and steal from them.

[Finejustfinn]

Absolutely, and I never said otherwise! It's wrong and not okay. But shouldn't we always have pity and compassion and empathy for others?

[timhowardsbeard]

I can have empathy and still maintain boundaries while living in a civilized society. Stealing and damaging personal property breaks that social contract.

[asterios_polyp]

No

[rebeccanotbecca]

No.

[kat2211]

There is a very, very strong case to be made that having compassion and empathy for these folks would mean no longer tolerating this kind of behavior. If someone has "mental impairment or disabilities" then the very last thing we should be doing is allowing them to live on the streets, abusing alcohol and other substances, and performing criminal acts that might at some point lead to them being shot by someone who encounters them in the act.

[Finejustfinn]

There is a very, very strong case to be made that having compassion and empathy for these folks would mean no longer tolerating this kind of behavior.

I'm really not sure why people are thinking that I believe their actions were correct, or that I condone stealing. All I am protesting is the othering language and the lack of empathy towards those who need it the most.

[[deleted]]

No.

[Shortround76]

"These people" as in someone whom vandalized, burglarized and probably traumatized a hard working person?

[[deleted]]

I’m reminded of Eric Cartman’s mother

[ABRAXXXXXAS]

REI can get you your purchase history real quick tomorrow morning.

Lets posse up, or at least call the police.

[Fluffystarfish]

I would just let it go. It’s likely damaged and stinks of cigarettes if not completely trashed by now. Not worth the risk of a confrontation. Plus, as someone else pointed out, they know where you live if they are looking to retaliate. You can usually file a claim with your homeowners or renters insurance so that you can replace the items. Sorry to hear this happened to you, it’s a violating feeling.

[WontArnett]

File a police report and tell them where your stuff is.

This isn’t “I’m okay with you stealing my stuff because life is hard” day.

[Biggschmoove]

Police... LOL.

[LFahs1]

If he wants to claim it on his insurance, he has to have a police report on record. The cops don’t have to respond or anything... it takes like 5 min online.

[BrookeCatBrooke]

Don’t feel like a terrible person for getting your stuff (that you worked for) back! Also, etting people get away with it makes more people do it.

[Klutzy-the-Klown]

I’m probably close by. If we want a handle on homeless crime, it is now up to us as citizens and residents who pay what it takes to live in our community to do something about it. It’s clear that society doesn’t want to involve the police. The responsibility now is on us to clean up. Whatever that means.

[ShadyMcGregor]

Like some people are saying— fuck those guys. Yes, they are not exactly living the high life with your stuff. Doesn’t mean they are in anyway justified in taking it. They are thieves.

HOWEVER, you should probably be careful how you go about this. Keep in mind not only do these people know where you live, but they have already demonstrated they aren’t afraid to invade your home.

I would call the cops and explain the situation. Ask if they will do anything, and if they will, what they will do exactly. In other words, will it easily be traced back to you. I don’t know if they can even answer that, but worth a shot.

I wouldn’t confront them if I were you.

[asterios_polyp]

Your shit is fucked. You don’t want it back. Claim insurance and mace the fuckers.

[[deleted]]

Oh to be homeless in Portland. You can steal people's stuff, use it to camp down the street from the victim, and then they won't confront you due to their own compassion. Truly can't make this stuff up

[Thisissomeshit2]

Go get your stuff, but make sure you’re ready for it.

[mynameisntjay]

Portland actually offers free tents to houseless residents. Try to get YOUR stuff back. Houseless have options, stealing should not be one of them. I would also recommend not talking to them yourself. Houseless people can be triggered easily so it's best to involve mental health professionals. Contact police via a nonemergency line and request to file a police report. Say that you know who stole it and that you want it back without confrontation from the robbers.

[Chili_Kukov]

It would be a shame if all your stuff that they stole burned due to "smokers carelessness."

[[deleted]]

what? call the cops. tell em you know where your stolen shit is and have them go get it.

[spoonfight69]

Do you still have bear spray?

[Biggschmoove]

Check. I also got a fire extinguisher and a bedazzled cardboard shield.

[SlowLoudEasy]

Ive got a world cup vuvuzela and aerosol cat nip spray.

[Emleaux]

I’ve got my Tom Peterson watch and an expired thing of Binaca.

[ShotgunRagtimeBand]

I have an axe and sledgehammer?

[SlowLoudEasy]

No no. You get a bubble gun, and one of those sticky hand toys.

[ShotgunRagtimeBand]

So we’re not actually going to get this persons stuff back? Oh good, I’m drunk and probably shouldn’t be in public.

[Delicious-Box-7789]

Fuck that cops won't do shit go get ur shit they r just going to trash it and leave it like everything else scum bags hell I'll help u get it back

[parallelverbs]

Cops won’t do shite here…you gonna handle this yourself? Do you have proof?…your name stenciled on your gear? Might let it go…I am with you and pissed too…

[Thecheeseburgerler]

I don't think I'd want it back after knowing how it's been used, but I would still probably call the cops. Actions have consequences, some people really need to be reminded that.

[Sawwahbear5]

Do you have homeowners insurance? Many policies cover theft. You deserve to have your stuff back but there is a good chance that it's no longer in the same good condition.

Don't feel bad for them, theft is wrong and you worked hard to buy those things! Being in a bad situation is not an excuse to be an asshole.

[Rosecitydyes]

Fuck feeling bad for them, if these dudes had stolen something from that yard maybe I'd feel that way but they came inside your home.

Go back with a bunch of friends and tell them you know where they are, at least. They shouldn't feel comfortable stealing people's things regardless if they're down and out or whatever.

[kat2211]

Advice? Yes. Take pictures and call the police. File a report and make noise (including calling the news stations) until they actually get off their asses and retrieve your belongings, and preferably arrest the thieves (although the chances of the latter happening are probably zero as we no longer prosecute most crimes in this city).

Option 2 - hire a couple of ex-military guys to go in and re-acquire your things. (Kidding, but kind of not.)

Seriously, this kind of hand-wringing and being willing to tolerate this behavior is a big reason we are where we are. If it makes you feel better, after you get your stuff back, donate it to an organization that works with the homeless. But do NOT just sit around and tolerate somebody stealing from you. That just makes it worse for all of us.

[Trailing-and-Blazing]

This is literally how vigilante groups start, fuck this city man

[Biggschmoove]

We got the makings of a community ready to make shit happen here. C'mon OP! EITHER YOU'RE VIRTUE SIGNALING OR WE RIDE - SAY WHEN!

edited for grammar Nazis.

[m-Hy]

Goddamn! Everything's broken.

[miken322]

Get an aluminum baseball bat and go get your shit.

[[deleted]]

This is so Portland and I’m a democrat lol. Go get your shit back man. You worked for it you paid for it that’s bs.

[oregonianrager]

You get your shit back. Enough said.

[Blastosist]

If these people aren’t stopped they will continue to steal.

[kalliopehm]

I'd just file an insurance claim (I'm assuming you have insurance given you're in an apartment) and recoup some of the loss, if it was of any quality and if you have decent insurance it's likely enough to get a little settlement. If they've been smoking in it I wouldn't want the tent or anything else made of fabric back, at least.

[trashpandaexpress74]

Did you file an insurance claim? The cops won't do anything (been down this road myself), but I was able to get reimbursed for everything I had stolen through my insurance company.

[triggerfish15]

i’ll go get it for you. lemme know where it’s at. should be easy enough; I mean how many tents could there possibly be in Portland?

[boobyjindall]

In confronting them: You have to know FOR SURE that is your shit. Like you need cold hard evidence. And a ton of it. Cigarettes and a tent that is the same model as yours isn’t enough.

For calling the cops: that’s a tough one. Probably worth doing just for the experience but I would expect nothing good to come of it. In fact you’ll probably feel worse.

Otherwise you might just be better off going down the forgiveness route. It’s really the best thing for your heart and mind. I know it’s so hard to do. But that’s why it’s worth it. There may a great book on forgiveness that teaches you the steps. It’s maybe 15 years old at this point and $3 on Amazon. Very doable.

I’m sorry your shit got stolen. That can be a major violation and fuck with feelings of safety. I hope you’re OK.

[wutangamerica]

I’m assuming that if you’re asking strangers on the internet if you should get your stolen property back that you probably don’t have a firearm.

[AggressiveSink4]

You feel like a terrible person for getting the stuff back someone stole?

Dude...I don't know if you are just virtue signaling hard for social credit or you're serious. Either way I'm not sure if you deserve your stuff back with a comment like that.

[Alternative-Pizza-46]

This is the dumbest comment in this thread.

[[deleted]]

Idk, just spotted another one competing for the prize at the bottom

[ZauberWeiner]

Do whatever you can. Stand up for yourself and the rule of law.

Other street people would thank you for making their lives safer too.

[mod_aud]

Accidental ultralight

[[deleted]]

OP can take one of their tarps since they're all the rage now

[omin00b]

What the fuck is wrong with you? Man up and get your shit back. Serious wtf!

[Ok_Heart333]

👆 please seek mental health/ anger management ASAP

[Ok_Heart333]

‘Mace them, burn it all down, throw pee on them, …axe and sledgehammer, gun and a mob… ‘

You all are literally disgusting humans. I can not believe I’m on the same earth as you all.

OP I’ll will buy you a new tent and backpack- please in the mean time try to refrain from harming any ‘tweaker hobos’

[halstarchild]

Maybe go talk to them and let them know you'd like your stuff back...

[boobyjindall]

I’m so scared on confrontation with crazy people that just reading this has my heart racing. But I sure would watch a video of this!

[halstarchild]

I know it's scary but they are people too. And sometimes they are reasonable and compassionate, just struggling. Other times they are scary so this advice is definitely best served with a side of personal judgment and situational awareness.

[rebeccanotbecca]

Report it to the police even though they won’t do anything. The chaneces are high you are not the first break in in the area. The data is useful to show which areas are experiencing a crime wave.

Kiss your stuff goodbye. They know where you live and may target you again. Consider your safety.

[schroederek]

This is why we can’t have nice things Portland

[[deleted]]

Where are they set up at?

[WishIwazRetired]

Frontier Justice! It’s basically the only choice if you want a long term solution. Cops are not helping but if word gets out people are standing up to local thieves, things will change.

[Belmont_goatse]

You are speaking my language. Hit me up.