A Virginia truck owner got a clue about a theft by checking how much gas was left in his truck. He had sent it to a dealership for engine repairs and was waiting for the work to be done.
The Chesterfield man shared his story in a November 4 report by WRIC ABC 8News. His 2021 Chevrolet Silverado had been stolen from Parks Chevrolet in Richmond, the station reported. He had owned it for less than six months.
He had it towed to the dealership on September 18 for engine service. He expected the work to take about a week.
Instead, he says he got it back with more damage and the engine problem still there. By the November report, he still had no explanation for how the truck had been taken.
A Second Look
A check of his myChevrolet app showed that the truck’s fuel level was at 10%. His first thought was that someone was driving it to see if the repair had worked.
When he checked again, the app placed the Silverado about 20 minutes away. WRIC reported that the driver was not a mechanic.
Owners can use the app to check on a truck without being near it. Chevrolet’s app guide lists fuel level among the details owners can view. Its map features also let them find their vehicle. Which features work depends on the vehicle and service plan.
Richmond police told WRIC the truck was reported stolen on September 28, ten days after it arrived for service. Police were still reviewing security footage to determine when it was taken and who took it. No arrests had been made when the report aired.
The Next Bill
WRIC asked the dealership whether the truck and its keys had been secured. A manager told the station that such a theft was uncommon for the dealership and that it took the matter seriously. The business was working with Richmond police. Citing the open case, the manager would not comment further.
WRIC put the added damage at about $1,000. He was working with his insurer to get that damage and the engine problem fixed.