Tow companies cannot tow vehicles that are parked illegally unless...

From the 26th District Police:

Tow companies cannot tow vehicles that are parked illegally unless thay are contracted for a driveway and parking lot.  They are not permitted to take a car off the street just because it has a ticket on it for illegal parking.  In those cases, the vehicle will be considered stolen.

On 2-19-18, a local tow company was observed towing a vehicle illegally parked on the 200 block of E. Girard Avenue.  The vehicle was issued a parking ticket by PPA for "prohibited parking" in regards to a posted sign. The vehicle was not blocking a driveway or parked in a private lot. 

Two individuals operating this tow truck were arrested.  Unscrupulous tow companies are using tickets issued by PPA, Septa and Phila. PD to justify towing a vehicle and then claiming that the vehicle was blocking a driveway. 

Report all illegal towing to the police as a stolen auto. 

Any questions, feel free to contact me directly.

John MassiSergeant #8571 26th Police DistrictPhiladelphia Police Department(work) 215-686-3260/61(cell) 215-327-9156(email) John.Massi@phila.gov 

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