UPDATED: Seaside Heights Residents Can Reclaim Their Towed Cars
New agreement between state and towing company
Yellow crime scene tape surrounds the large lot of automobiles on Lacey Road.
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UPDATE: According to Jeff Lamm, Public Information Officer for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, residents of Seaside Heights will be able to retrieve their towed vehicles or remove personal items from inside those vehicles at the APK Auto Repair and Impound Towing lots on Monday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. DCA investigators will be on hand at the site to assist vehicle owners.
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Seaside Heights residents can reclaim their cars and boats from a Toms River company that towed vehicles from the barrier island community following Hurricane Sandy.
The registered owners of the vehicles and watercraft can reclaim the items between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, and at additional times to be determined next week, Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced Tuesday.
APK Towing of Toms River has been accused of taking cars from private property in Seaside Heights, as well as price gouging. The company's Route 37 and Coolidge Avenue location was surrounded by crime scene tape and under police guard last week.
The state has brokered an agreement that "ensures Seaside Heights residents will not have to await the resolution of ongoing investigations into the legality of the towing company’s activities, before claiming their vehicles," Chiesa said.
The agreement was signed by Eric T. Kanefsky, acting director of the state Division of Consumer Affairs, and Matthew Zucaro, president of APK Auto Repair Corporation, doing business as APK Auto Repair and Towing.
Under its terms, APK will release and return, without cost to the registered owners, all vehicles and watercraft that APK removed from Seaside Heights between 12 p.m. on Oct. 27 and 12 a.m. on Nov. 9.
The vehicles include those transported from Seaside Heights to APK’s storage facilities by a third party.
In order to claim their vehicles or watercraft, the registered owners should:
- View the list of vehicles and watercraft, available at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/APK.pdf to determine whether your item is included on the list; and learn whether it is being held at the “Bamber Lot,” “Coolidge Avenue Lot,” or “Impound Inventory” lot. (Note that some vehicles on the "Impound Inventory" list may have been towed prior to the storm. Those vehicles are not included in this agreement).
- If you are unable to access the list online, or if you have additional questions, call the Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846. An investigator will respond to you.
- Visit the lot at which your vehicle is located. You will be able to work on-site with a Division of Consumer Affairs investigator at each of the three lots, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, November 21, and between the same hours on Friday, November 23. The Division of Consumer Affairs will set additional hours for the following week, and will post the hours at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov.
- The “Bamber Lot” is located at 2630 Lacey Road / County Road 614, Forked River. The “Coolidge Avenue Lot” is located at 2032 Route 37 East (at the corner of Route 37 and Coolidge Avenue), Toms River. The “Impound Inventory” lot is located at the corner of Bay Boulevard / County Road 629 and Sumner Avenue, Seaside Heights.
“We have brokered an agreement that ensures Seaside Heights residents will not have to await the resolution of ongoing investigations into the legality of the towing company’s activities, before claiming their vehicles. Just as important, it also ensures those residents will not have to pay the towing bills,” Chiesa said.
The agreement signed by the Division of Consumer Affairs and APK does not preclude further investigation by law enforcement. APK admits no wrongdoing in the agreement.
Consumers who suspect price gouging or any other violation of consumer protection laws, particularly as a result of Hurricane Sandy, are urged to call the Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846.
Jay Gee
6:39 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
TALK ABOUT CORRUPTION, AND THE DANGED LEADERS OF THE TOWN USED THEM AND INSISTED THE POOR VICTIMS OF THE STORM USE THEM. SOMEONE MAKE THESE PEOPLE RESIGN IN SHAME. THIS IS TOO OUTRAGEOUS. OUT WITH THE SEASIDE HEIGHTS REGIME OF GARBAGE...
Donna Greco
6:45 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Same in Ortley
Not rebuilding Ortley Beach. The represenatives on the bus tour video on youtube. can be heard talking at the end of the video when they are going over the bridge you can hear a lady saying to another lady. (so we are not rebuilding we will summit ------ to you and have FUN) the other lady says (it is time for a colorful change) Also they say earlier in the video that it looks like the most damage on the bay side was caused by the storm drains. If you copy the audio to sound clound.com you can get rid of the back round noise and hear it more clearly. They jokes about half price houses, no more take out from Mia's and 8th ave now being 4 and half left alot to be desired.
Kim E
6:54 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Pleased check your car for Damage before taking it off their lot! Often they damage cars while towing.
Chief Wahoo
7:25 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Boyd oh Boyd, this looks to me that this is going to hit some lowlifes in seaside who they think they are important because they have public titles. Protect and serve ..... Themselves.
Jay Gee
7:57 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
RIDE ON CHIEF....I HOPE IT DOES. THEY MAKE BIG MONEY OFF THE TAXPAYER, AND ABUSE THE OWNERS, AND HAVE LOW LIVES WORKING IN THE TOWN, AND DRUG DEALERS THEY KEEP AROUND. AND THAT IS NOT A LIE. IT'S DAMN TRUE. IT IS SEEN BY EVERYONE, EVERYDAY, AND POWERLESS TO DO ANYTHING, BECAUSE OF RETAILATION, AND PEOPLE HAVE KIDS AND STUFF, AND NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THESE CRAZY'S WILL GET AWAY WITH. THAT'S A SEALED TOWN ALL WINTER, AND THEY MAKE IT UP AS THEY GO ALONG.
1stcav
6:14 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
You hit the nail on the head Chief, no oversight by the Admin. or SSH PD.He signed a contract & New what he WAS suppose to charge, but then charged what HE wanted. Sounds like kickbacks were in place here ! Taking advantage of a situation when people who were hurt , to be hurt even more by the" POWERS that be" in charge to protect and serve, themselves ( well stated Chief )Are there good cops in SSH, you bet, there NAMES are never mentioned on those "Law Suits " that we tax payers pay out ( Insurance. only covers part of those ) to claims...The same CREW keeps getting elected and IS in charge in OC...Why ??????? You the voters & tax payers HAVE to stop " The good old boys club " Business as usual after this Nov. vote, you get what YOU pay for ( or voted for ) once again.Vote the same people in & expect a different result..Just plain STUPID !!!!! Wake up Ocean County...I guess when Mike gets out you'll have him as your Superintendent AGAIN !!!!!
Jay Gee
6:28 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
1stcav ....HOW IN WORLD TO GET THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN CHARGE, AND THE BAD APPLES IN THE PD? THE OTHERS, ALL OF THEM. NO WAY TO GET RID OF THEM. THEY'VE BEEN AROUND FOREVER. THEY JUST WON'T GO AWAY. THE PD IS TOLD TO KEEP THE TAXPAYER IN TOW, AND ABUSE THEM, WHILE THE DRUGGIES, THE JERKS, AND SOME OF THE BUSINESS OWNERS GET THEIR POCKETS FILLED UP. OH, THERE ISN'T ANY WAY. WHAT IF PEOPLE GOT TOGETHER AND WROTE TO THE PROSECUTER OF OC? WOULD THAT HELP? SOMEHOW, I THINK NOT.
FRANCIS
7:32 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
SLAP ON THE WRIST. BE BACK IN BUSINESS SOON. GOOD JOB THANKS TRPO
1stcav
10:33 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Jay Gee: the Prosecuter's office did nothing to get Mike, it's was the people who contacted the AG's office and the Fed's that were called in, and did it ! Some of the " good old boys club " are county employee's, it's like the" fox guarding the hen house" !Big people are brought down, ask Bernie how 's the tuna Bernie ? Martha will have Bird this year & even Mike may get some Pigeon...not that he deserves any . How did Mike's mansion due in the storm ? so...sad....on so many levels !
FRANCIS
7:39 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
JUST LOOKING TO VENT. BUT I COULD NOT BELIEVE THE OUT OF STATE CONTRACTORS (USAUCTIONS) FROM FLA. REMOVING BOATS FROM TOMS RIVER TODAY. MY FRIEND A BOAT HAULER WHO JUST LOST HIS HOUSE IN GREEN ISLAND IS NOT GETTING ANY CALLS TO REMOVE ANY BOATS DUE TO THE FACT THAT COMPANIES FROM OTHER STATES ARE COMING IN HERE AND TAKING ALL THE WORK. SHAME ON NJ FOR LETTING THIS HAPPEN. I GUESS HE WILL GO ON UNEMPLOYMENT SO HE CAN BOOST THE
UNEMPLOYMENT #S.
HAS NOT RECIEVED A CALL FOR ANY WORK
Cyndie Farrar-Makuch
7:48 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Totally Agree!
Debbie Bury
7:52 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tell you friend to get his story out to a news station, that is so wrong
Tina
4:03 pm on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
this story was already on ABC, FOX (i was on it) and News 12
ed crowley
8:51 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Why would they enter into this agreement if there was no wrongdoing? Who told them to tow the vehicles? Will the lawyer apoligize when the truth comes out? Will those that have already paid get a refund? Nice to have your car stolen then you have to travel to the edge of Lacey to retrieve it. This investigation has been ongoing for two weeks I think it should be finished it did not take this long for the first group of charges by the Attorney General.
Tina
4:04 pm on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
the investigation only just started.
mjmjr
4:13 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012
I HEARD THEY JUST GOT A CONTRACT FROM TOMS RIVER,TO TOW CARS.
Sandra
9:04 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Believe me, the salt water/air has already made the automobiles junk. Now the victims (who are in shock) being treated like garbage. One hand is placed around them when the storm happens and then they use their foot to kick them when down.
Chief Wahoo
9:14 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
after reading the list of cars, most of them were already junk (doesnt anyone in seaside own a nice car ??).....still its their junk and no one should try and steal it and shake them down to get it back !!!!!
Nice job
10:39 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Donna ... I was saying the same thing the day the video was posted!! Who the hell are these people, why are they given a tour of this area and why are they permitted to post this ridiculous video?!?! It's obvious they are just friends of politicians! The video was pathetic!!
Laci
11:06 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
APK hasn't had the capability to tow a tricycle in the past week since their tow trucks are on the other side of the yellow crime scene tape. Maybe they will apply for Disaster Relief Unemployment Benefits since the Ocean County Proscecuter and the Division Of Consumers Affairs put a crimp in their low life business dealings. There done.
JerseyVet
3:53 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
I think this has to do with being fema certified
dave
4:20 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
rittaco has room in his cell
Jay Gee
4:31 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
TOO MANY PEOPLE (WHOOPS, DID I JUST SAY PEOPLE)? NEED TO GO INTO A CELL. I DON'T THINK HE HAS QUITE ENOUGH ROOM. MOST OF THE BOROUGH HALL BA*TARD* NEED CELLS TOO! ALTHOUGH THEY ARE BELIEVABLY WORKING FINGER TO BONE NOW, THEY WILL GET PLENTY O.T. THEY ARE THE NASTIEST CRUMMIEST, CROOKIEST, (NEW WORD), CRAPHEADS GOING. AND THEY GET AWAY WITH EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING AT ALL....THE CROOKIEST PEOPLE AROUND.
Chuck Lada
8:29 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
I was at the Seaside Heights Council meeting on Wednesday November 7th when a resident spoke up and told the borough council that he had three cars illegally towed from his driveway. The article talks about cars towed between Oct. 27th and November 9th. Why didn't our police department and Council stop these theifs immediately after the council meeting on November 7th??? The fish rots from the head. Our Bourough attorney Georege Gilmore (Ocean County Republican Chairman) sat in silence after the resident complained. Why didn't council address this immediately and pass a resolution to allow residents to get their cars back without be robbed? Why did nothing happen until 5 days later after the press got invloved? I will tell you why. Seaside Heights is corrupt from top to bottom.
walter
10:27 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
We also were at that meeting and the fellow next to me got up to ask about APK Towing residents' cars, and why there was nothing on the Seaside Heights website explaining what was going on and why. Gilmore and Akers seemed nonplussed for a moment then promised to put something on the town's homepage. Nothing yet.
Mike M
9:30 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Take note of a couple earlier comments. If the car went to Lacey check and make sure there are not holes in the bottom of the gas tank and the catalytic converter(s) are still on the car. I've dealt with these guys, and their "secret" partner under normal conditions. They should be hung by their "rear main seal."
Chief Wahoo
9:38 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
they have the town on lockdown and yet no one in authority questions why a convoy on tow trucks are taking all the cars west over the bridge....sounds like the top dog in this operation didnt think this out to clearly and should always know that what you get away in normal times, you will not get away in a disaster......GREED IS GOING TO MAKE THEM FALL !!
marc holloway
10:23 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
TO ALL SEASIDE SANDY VICTIMS! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE YOUR CAR TO HELP SANDY VICTIMS, I HAVE ONE OF MY REPRESENATIVES AT APK HANDING OUT FLYERS NOW! GSR-OR CALL US AT 732-240-7779. WE ARE LQQKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!
1stcav
10:49 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
APK:Matt I hope you get WHAT you surly deserve hear on earth, before you meet your maker...have a lousy Turkey day. You made your bed ( MONEY $$ ) now you have to sleep in it !!!!!!! Joe he wasn't just trying to make a living as you stated, he was in fact ripping people off after they lost EVERYTHING !!!!!!!!! I see the light , there is a difference ....In most dept. the police TAG cars THEY want towed, but you were GIVEN " Free rain " to tow EVERYTHING for the almighty dollar, ALL involved here SHOULD be INVESTIGATED . From the Mayor right on down the line , and let the chips fall where thy may, and people HELD accountable and be FIRED or resign for there BIG Pension's , on the tax payer's dime of coarse Said : with tongue in cheek !!!!
Tina
4:07 pm on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
my car was returned to me already. my car was completey flooded out, and not repairable. it had minimal damage from them draggin it out of my back yard parking. some scrape marks, bent in tail pipe. a dent. I knew I was going to have to junk it because of the flooding. it was principal for me. I signed my complaint with the prosecutors office, and got my car back that is all i wanted.
Rem
8:58 pm on Wednesday, November 21, 2012
After the storm i knew people would be holding their hands out helping others who lost everything in the storm and then there are others that were rubbing their hands together just waiting to take advantage of the situation. As far as APK goes Automotive Pricegouging Krooks . Get them out of town and hope the contract with seaside hgts is canceled also. This does not mean that you can't go after APK yourself for time lost and damage to your car let alone it being stolen. And as far as the town goes all the republican jerks that are still in except for Jerry little can pound salt. The command center at high school north never saw our sheriff Polhemus must have been farting dust somewhere. And Gilmore you think he cares
mjmjr
4:08 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012
WHAT NO JAIL TIME FOR THIS ACT,HE SHOULD LOSE HIS LICENSE AND NEVER BE ABLE TO TOW AGAIN.WHO IS HE SLEEPING IN TOWN WITH.
SystemIsBroken
4:14 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wasnt this the tower who was towing cars illegally out of Kohls parking lot in Toms River..staging them across the street at Dover Mall then bringing them to his site on Coolidge and 37 the week before Christmas several years ago????
Once a scumbag... always a scumbag
Calvin
9:54 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012
The System is Broken for sure and not limited to just this towing companies. The public school systems is broken too. There really is no accountability. It is not like they are going to lose the funding every time someone pulls their student out of school because they are clearly not doing what they should be.
steve
10:48 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012
Calvin...Correct and nothing will change the corruption will continue.
Jay Gee
9:01 pm on Thursday, November 22, 2012
ditto:
Calvin...Correct and nothing will change the corruption will continue.
Calvin...Correct and nothing will change the corruption will continue.
Calvin...Correct and nothing will change the corruption will continue.
Calvin...Correct and nothing will change the corruption will continue.
Calvin...Correct and nothing will change the corruption will continue.
Calvin...Correct and nothing will change the corruption will continue.
Okay, i'll stop now, but could go on forever and ever.
BTW....IS APK STILL IN BUSINESS? IF SO, WHY? CAN ANYONE DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BEFORE INVESTIGATION WHICH WILL PROBABLY WILL TAKE FOREVER...? IS THERE NO WAY TO GET THEM OUT OF BUSINESS SOONER? AND THE CORRUPT BAS*TA*D'S IN SSH AND WHEREVER ELSE.....
Rem
1:30 pm on Thursday, November 22, 2012
APK hope you choke on your turkey or maybe your having crow.
steve
10:28 pm on Thursday, November 22, 2012
Greed is going to make the world that we all know come to an end. This is the beginning of the end. Self destruction, natural disasters is the beginning of the end. Amen.
Jay Gee
10:56 pm on Thursday, November 22, 2012
yup, uh huh, yup...it's a comin. sure is. yup,uh huh, yup.
AMEN
Dainty
10:50 pm on Thursday, November 22, 2012
Worst part is.. it was a "local" person who should have helped and not ripped off his neighbors. The investigation isn't over yet. IF they have done it before, they'd better go to jail. As an example to others that seek to take advantage of others. Pitiful!
steve
7:40 am on Friday, November 23, 2012
Don't think a "local" is so innocent. Even some of those have agendas and put on a show. Maybe not now, down the road looking for a favor or job in return. They no how to work it.
Jay Gee
1:30 pm on Friday, November 23, 2012
mhmm....mhmm...yes, mhmm....
Sal
12:55 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
They STOLE my vehicle and they Stole MY BOAT off of MY Property and now they expect me to pay to have them towed back to my home at my expense. Why haven't there been criminal charges placed against them for stealing my private property???? Why is the Police Department ignoring this Grand Theft??? Why is the Ocean County Prosecutes Office ignoring this Grand Theft??? We don't need protection from looters__we need protection from the public officials who ALLOWED our property to be stolen from us as they look the other way. Is this why they prohibited us from returning to OUR homes and Our Property so they can steal and pilfer from us??? Everyone involved must get together and make a Federal Case out of this as a Taking of Private Property without Just Compensation.
Jay Gee
5:48 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
@SAL..........I REPLIED TO YOUR POST BUT IT WASN'T POSTED.
THEY "STOLE YOUR VEHICLE AND BOAT."
OF COURSE, THEY DO ANYTHING THEY LIKE.
OF COURSE YOU HAVE TO PAY. NO CRIMMINAL CHARGES, OF COURSE NOT. IT'S GOING TO GET WORSE. MARTIAL LAW WILL PREVAIL IN SEASIDE AS NOT ENOUGH OWNERS ARE AROUND TO FIGHT BACK, AND IF THEY DO, IT'S RETALIATION ON THEM, ESPECIALLY IN SSH. THERE BRAND OF LAW, OR SHOULD I SAY LAWLESSNESS IS USED ON TAXPAYERS THERE ALL THE TIME. THEY DON'T THREATEN PERPETRATERS.
THEY TOLD THE PEOPLE THAT THE TAX PAYMENT WAS DEFERRED TIL DEC. 17. OWNERS GETTING MAIL....PAY BY CERTIFIED CHECK. BULL.......
POLICE IN BED WITH OFFICIALS. POLICE TAKE YOUR INFORMAITON WHEN YOU CALL THEM CONCERNING WHAT SOMEONE DID AGAINST YOU. AGAIN, NOT THE PERPETRATOR. YOU ARE THE ONE THEY WILL ARREST. YOU ARE LIVING IN A PLACE CALLED "STUCK' YOU ARE STUCK THERE.
WRITE TO CHRISTIE. WRITE TO OC PROSECUTER. CALL THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND COMPLAIN. HOW CAN WE GET TOGETHER. YOU DON'T KNOW WHO IS WHO, AND WHO IS READING THESE POSTS. OH, BOY, WHAT IS THE USE. THERE HAS TO BE A WAY. WE'LL HAVE TO FIND ONE.
Jay Gee
6:03 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
WHERE IS MY POST, PEOPLE....I DON'T SEE IT?????
WHY CAN ADVERTISERS POST, AND I CAN'T???
Jay Gee
5:48 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
WHERE IS MY POST, PEOPLE, I DON'T SEE IT?/????
WHY CAN ADVERTISERS POST, AND I CAN'T MAKE TRUTHFUL STATEMENTS WITHOUT THEM BEING TAKEN OFF.???????????????????????????????????????
Jay Gee
5:48 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
WHY IS POST PENDING APPROVAL????????????????????
Jack
1:42 am on Sunday, December 2, 2012
ANYONE FROM SSH
SEASIDE RESIDENTS
LETS GET TOGETHER
AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
With a large group, we can invite the media. Start making the town the way it should be before many good people abandon the town due to the neglect of its laws and lack of respect for its people.
Close the bars early
Enforce the ordinances for noice and health
The time is now
Contact me
LETS MARCH TO CITY HALL AND DEMAND A CHANGE AFTER THE NEW YEAR
Jay Gee
8:14 am on Sunday, December 2, 2012
@JACK.....NOTHING WILL CHANGE. LET'S DO IT, AND NOTHING WILL CHANGE. MEETING COMING UP. WE'LL LISTEN TO WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY
Jay Gee
8:14 am on Sunday, December 2, 2012
@JACK, AND AT THE MEETING, IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS, THEY WILL END THE MEETING. THEY ARE IN CHARGE. NO MATTER WHAT. NO ONE WILL STOP THEM. THEY WIN, YOU LOSE.
Jack
10:06 am on Sunday, December 2, 2012
Jay
Wrong approach
I agree that they will end the meeting
That's their game
Believe me, I know
This organized effort is for all of the SSH citizens that have had it and there are many of us (1000's)
Timenis our Allie
We want to get the word out over the next 60-90 days
Let everyone f'ind out and tell their friends
Email,twitter, Facebook news media
Then march to city hall (nonmerting or meeting day .... Doesn't matter
The word will reach the town officials
They will be forced to address the issues. News will pick it up
If the town ignores the majority's proposals an attorney can file a class action law suit
The town needs to reopen
While that takes place, the word needs to be spread
I have a web site that anyone can blog in regarding SSH
IT WILL BE RUNNING IN A DAY OR 2 so people can discuss and we can accumulate contacts over the next 60 days and then set a date
The town will no longer push our issues aside
We need to bring families back and better the quality of life in SSH
MAKE IT A YEAR ROUND PLACE TO DINE AND BE AT instead of a 3 month free for all.
Give incentives to builders and eateries to develop
Get on board
We need your help
CanWeTalk?
1:19 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
@Jack and @Concerned Citizen. What now? Everyone still in power. It's January. Could this be true about the APK not having done the sour deed?
Concerned citizen
11:55 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
Apk towing is innocent of any wrongdoing. The prices were set by the corupt politicians of ssh. The truth will come out and these guys will be owed a huge apology. The state has cleared them just waiting for the corupt politicians of ssh to figure out if the prosecutor should charge them so they won't have to pay them. The town should have taken care of the bills from the start they ordered the towing private property and all you all will see.