City of Rochester
News Release
(June 25, 2009) - As a follow up to the City’s efforts to assuage the victimization of a number of Jazz Fest patrons last week, Mayor Robert J. Duffy today expressed his appreciation to the owners of four tow-truck companies who have agreed to provide full or partial reimbursements to motorists whose vehicles were towed during the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival as a result of an illegal parking scam.
“I want to thank the towing companies for recognizing these downtown visitors for what they are: the victims of a crime,” said Mayor Duffy. “While every city in America has its share of petty thieves, I am extremely proud that in Rochester we have decent and hardworking business people willing to take the necessary steps to rectify this wrong.”
Rochester Police are investigating a series of crimes that took place in downtown Rochester June 19 and 20 in which the drivers of approximately 15 vehicles were directed to illegal parking spots by one or more persons who operated a scam by collecting fraudulent parking fees. The vehicles were then towed and the owners were charged a fee to retrieve by towing companies to recover them from impound.
The companies, Vesa Towing, Towbusters, Flower City Towing and Galliotti Towing, have all agreed to provide full or partial reimbursement only to those motorists who can prove that their vehicles were towed as a result of this scam during the Jazz Festival. This proof can be demonstrated by producing receipt of the towing.
Mayor Duffy also commended Rochester Police Officer Charlie Clottin for contacting the towing companies and reaching an agreement on behalf of the victims.
The Rochester Police Department is continuing its investigation into the parking scam and requests that anyone with information about it call 911. The City and the RPD are looking into steps to curtail similar scams in the future.
The RPD also recommends that motorists take precautions to ensure their vehicles are parked in legal parking areas. These include parking in City-owned lots and garages; metered parking spaces; or privately owned lots that are marked by signs. When following the instructions of parking attendants, obtain a receipt or consider asking for identification. Anyone who suspects an attendant is operating a scam is encouraged to call 911.
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News media: For more information, contact Mike Keane at 428-7135.