urban camo magnets ?

[triumph]

I'm still building out this stealth white e150 cargo van.&nbsp; I decided against a roof vent opting for a more stealthy ventilation strategy and so far I'm pleased with the decision.&nbsp; This means I've been able to keep the exterior of the cargo van completely stock except for the limo tented windows. &nbsp; <br><br>Here's my question:&nbsp;&nbsp; A friend has helped me acquire two 3ft by 1ft Roto-Rooter magnets to stick on the drivers and passenger side doors.&nbsp; Is this a good idea or not ?&nbsp; Will it make police more suspicious or less suspicious ?&nbsp; What about thieves ? would they be more likely to break into the van or less likely ?&nbsp; <br><br><br><br>

 

[cyndi]

not a bad idea, preoviding the spelling is correct<br><br><IMG style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 8px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; PADDING-TOP: 8px" id=il_fi src="http://i27.tinypic.com/2a5ln4h.jpg" width=300 height=219><br><br>Seriously, I dunno!<br>

 

[Guest]

<P>I'd say it would make you look like any other company van. I don't know what type of tools they use, but my first impression would be to not break into a van used to fix peoples toilets.</P>

 

[gadgetMe]

Any vehicle that would advertize "having any tools inside" is a target&nbsp; for theft, they are easily pawned. <br>Putz<br>

<br><br>

 

[triumph]

My initial thought was that having the roto rooter logo would temporarily deter home owners from calling the police after they notice the van parked near their driveway.&nbsp;&nbsp; The home owner might assume the van is parked there legitimately to work on the neighbors plumbing. <br><br>I guess it seems like the downside is it might also attract thieves.&nbsp; <br><br>

 

[Guest]

I am thinking you may face some persecution from the company who owns that logo....they may call in a complaint of someone impersonating their service techs....<br>Also if any crime happens in the area you are parked and you are found as not being an employee of Roto Rooter, you would immediately be under suspicion.<br>I don't think it is worth the chance personally.<br>Now if you were to make some cool signs on magnets advertising a non-existant business... Like TRIUMPH Research and Developement or like I had a friend design for a non-business card:<br>Ragged Edge Exploration and Expeditions, LTD.<br>It might work without any surprises...<br>Just a thought,<br>Bri<br><br><br>

 

[karl]

I agree with Brian, and beyond that, feel that it is dishonest to impersonate either another person or business.....that which you project comes back to haunt you.<br>If you are caught in this lie( and that is precisely what it would be) by law enforcement, how much of anything else you tell them can they be expected to believe?<br><br>

 

[Guest]

<P>Hmm, on the make your own magnets thing. Go for "FBI Spy Van #11" <img src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></P>

 

[Seraphim]

The home owner might assume the van is parked there legitimately to work on the neighbors plumbing. <BR>

<br><br>Many (most?) cities have a section forbidding the parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas during specific hours (overnight). Most officers would be familiar with local businesses, having responded to numerous false alarms at most of them, and will have some idea if you are a legitimate businessman. &nbsp;What neighbor is going to assume there's a plumber working next door at 2 am? There's a lot of paranoia in residential areas about child safety, especially at bus stops in the morning.<br>

 

[triumph]

I'm now convinced that trying to camouflage as a plumber will likely have the opposite effect of what I was looking for.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp; Thanks to everyone who responded; you guys are keeping me from having to learn my lessons the hard way.&nbsp; <br><br><br>

 

[MrNoodly]

Maybe not as a plumber (Ooooo, tools to rip off!), but what about some generic, nondescript, made up company name? Just something small on the front doors. Something corporate or institutional. Like Geoglobal Associates, Polygon Consulting, or whatever. And maybe a fleet number. Or maybe it's for a company that makes things no one wants to steal like, oh, flowers or religious books.

 

[blueberry]

Start your own business and use that for your magnets.&nbsp;

 

[tink]

Federal dept. of prisons transport van # 1869.

 

[Les H]

sorry Tink, already got that one :0)

 

[dragongrannie]

I would highly suspect a 1/2 ton van wouldn't work as a plumbers tool chest, so howabout Flower Delivery... all occaisions, weddings, parties, funerals. I wouldn't mess with that~

 

[Van Tripper]

<br>Now if you were to make some cool signs on magnets advertising a non-existant business... Like TRIUMPH Research and Developement or like I had a friend design for a non-business card:<br>Ragged Edge Exploration and Expeditions, LTD.<br>It might work without any surprises...<br>Just a thought,<br>Bri<br><br><br>

<br>HEY! I own Triumph RnD!!!<br><br><br><br><br>NOT...

 

[Van Tripper]

I would highly suspect a 1/2 ton van wouldn't work as a plumbers tool chest, so howabout Flower Delivery... all occaisions, weddings, parties, funerals. I wouldn't mess with that~

<br>I've considered florist, not to many people want a bunch of wilting flowers. &nbsp;I was thinking about the 1-800-flowers number, that way if some called the number it would be answered.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

If you are in the same state a lot, you can get a google voice number to put on it, and just set up your voicemail for the fake business <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[Van Tripper]

If you are in the same state a lot, you can get a google voice number to put on it, and just set up your voicemail for the fake business <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img">

<br><br>Good to know, Thanks! &nbsp;<img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/idea.gif" class="bbc_img">

 

[offroad]

Here is a good idea. Find a charity you kind of like. Let's say Disabled Veterens. &nbsp;Then just just create a business like lettering and use MOBILE SUPPORT SOLUTIONS - helping disabled Veterens cope with life. 24-7&nbsp;<br><br>Works great if you are a veteren. You could be a fund raiser for disabled Veterens, or a counselor-advocate for homeless Veterens. Etc, hospice support for Veterens. &nbsp;<br><br>Substitute ELDERLY, DISABLED, HOMELESS, MENTALLY ILL, ANIMAL COMPANION, FAITHFUL, VICTIMS, for the term disabled veteren.&nbsp;<br><br>Realize you are being truthful. Maybe you should volunteer some time to these groups, while you are legitimizing your new part-time fund raising efforts for these organizations. &nbsp; Part- time is one day a year for some.&nbsp;<br><br><br>