Shannon Towing Inc

My daughter's stolen car was towed to Shannon after police recovered it because she was visiting me in Milwaukee WI for the Christmas holidays. Shannon said they could only release the car to the owner, but then told her that she could have a friend pick it up if we sent them a notarized statement, saying that the person was authorized to pick up the car. They said we could fax the statement to them, but that the notary seal had to be stamped, not embossed. We finally found a notary with a stamp, had it notarized, and faxed it to Shannon. When the friend stopped to pick up the car they said they needed the original, not a faxed version of the statement...that a fax was ""not a legal document,"" and that whoever said differently gave the wrong information. First of all, a signed statement ought to be more than enough, with verified identification. Secondly, a fax is commonly accepted in business. So why would they do this run-around? …to get a couple extra days payment for holding the impounded car, of course. It took a day to pull together someone to pick up the car, draft the statement, get it notarized and faxed. Now it will take another day to do it all over again. What can we do? Not much. They have the car... more

These people would as soon steal your car as tow it. They're actually not in the ""towing"" (as in helping people"" business, but rather in the Car Theft and Extortion business. Their signs are posted everywhere. And, regardless of whether you park your vehicle in a legitimate space or not, they will tow it if they see fit and then charge you an arm and a leg to get it back. OK, let's be honest here: They seem to have permission to steal cars and then charge ANY amount for their return. The only constraint, in fact, seems to be the actual value of the vehicle. In June, Shannon's people took our van from its Approved Parking Space at the Edmonds Train Station. (After we parked there, someone marked the spot as ""1-hour parking,"" but we were TOLD by Amtrak to park in this spot. When we came home, Shannon had stolen the vehicle. When we called, they refused to return our car for another day. Then three of us had to take time off of work to retrieve the van. And, guess what -- the price kept going UP UP UP. We spent $700 to get back a car that belongs to us, that they had no business stealing in the first place.They are basically theives without consciences. I urge you to STAY AWAY. And if their sign appears within 100 feet, Don't Park There. (Run!) Pros: They'll move your car for you. Cons: They'll take your vehicle without authority or permission. more