This venue was beautifully set up for a private event. The food, décor, cake, and ambiance were great. But what it wasn't worth was an attempt at a stolen vehicle. The damage to my car steering system and electronics because of an attempted theft and negligence on the security of the facility is extensive. The facility has a gate but of course is open during business hours, understandable. My car was parked in the second row from the front of the building, visible from the glass front door, and under a streetlight. My car was locked and was unable to be stolen but was extensively damaged in the process. The security guard was extremely negligent, during the event itself and how my issue was handled. He did not seem concerned about anything until I brought this incident to both him and the off-duty sheriff's attention. He was very nonchalant until I showed him the damage. He kept accusing me of leaving the car door unlocked and was very worried. I called the police and while waiting for them to arrive, instructed me on how to "word" the incident, which of course was for his own protection and protection of the facility. He kept telling me to call 911 and ask them to come as soon as possible. It was obvious this was a non-emergency event as the event was already over, and no one was harmed. He made me call 911 three times, and upon the third time asked for me to put them on speaker phone because he was a security guard and could pull strings. Well, the outcome was the same and there was no time frame given. He said he needed to step away to make his "rounds," and proceeded to go sit on a bench by the front door and smoke a cigarette. I was not at the front when the police arrived but when I came upon them, he was already speaking to the officer about how he found it "funny," they were able to get in my car with the door being locked. I asked the officer if I could speak to him, and him alone. I asked the security guard to leave us, as you did not see the crime so what can you do now? The police got my statement and left. The security officer seemed upset that he was unable to give his details to add but all he needed was a picture of the incident report. I then proceeded to make my claim with insurance and work on getting a tow. At 2:00am, the security guard came to me and let me know that my car could not stay on property, I could not stay on property, and the gate needed to be closed at 2:30am. That information should have been told to me at 11:45pm when the incident was first discovered. I needed to wait for the police first, before getting a tow. I asked him what I was supposed to do, push the car across the street myself, as our event was over and guests gone, and he said he did not know, he could not help me. It was all so ridiculous. I remained very calm considering. I understand that the facility is not responsible for criminals but because they "provide" security, normal and customary measures to protect their clients should have been adequate and a priority and my loss was due to their negligence. read more
