Stolen Vehicle?

It has to be a crime. If it isn't, that's just another reason to not live in Kalifornea. -- no offense to all you Kaliforneans.

If she doesn't have the $300 to get a key made (and Slappy makes a very valid point about putting buying a $30K car if she doesn't), she certainly doesn't have the $1,000 retainer (or more ... it is Kalifornea after all) an attorney would require.

Plus, she doesn't know where the car is ... so the $300 key would be of little help.

I think Intrepid answered the question about "false police report" correctly. It is a crime, and the police should make the report. If the dumb desk seargeant refuses to take the report (and with all due respect to GF, some police officers can be dense -- and I realize that's a sentiment that might come right back at me) I would advise your friend to ask to speak with his supervisor. This is clearly theft of property.

And now that I've alienated Kaliforeans and police officers, I hope at least I helped polomajik. :wink:

...and you raised yourself a notch in my book too :-)

If your friend went into the police station with a long story of a lover's quarrel, the man on duty probably reckoned that she would make up with her beau and any police effort expended on getting the car back would be wasted.

Remember a frighteningly high percentage of domestic violence cases can't be prosecuted because the battered partner doesn't want to testify against the batterer.

If she goes in with the title and the payment book and says, "I lent this guy my car and he's taken off with it. I'd like to report the car stolen." they will probably do something.

"Just the facts, ma'am."

Tico - some are dense, some are just bone idle lazy - trust me. I have known some cops with major approach-avoidance conflicts - work approaches so they avoid it

I knew a police prosecutor (yes police prosecute summary cases in my jurisdiction) who had a great workaround on that. It involved a ground floor office with a window. He is now in private legal practice but for all I know his ruse could still be working so I won't reveal it. It did involve some theatrical behaviour and allowed the victim to run sobbing from the police station telling her partner/batterer that the bloody cops wouldn't pull it and threatened to lock her up. He was a very cunning copper who became an even more cunning lawyer :wink:

you guys have all been REALLY helpful. i appreciate it

Just an aside...

Tico, do you think it's wise to bash Californians when you use Arnie as your avatar? You might confuse some of my dunderheaded neighbors to the south.

I'm sure they are confused, but that cannot be helped.