LAPD CRACKDOWN TARGETS ILLEGAL TOW-TRUCK OPERATORS.

Byline: RACHEL URANGA

Staff Writer

Tow-trucks will have to be registered and permits prominently displayed under an LAPD crackdown on bandit drivers who operate illegally in Los Angeles.

Under a new state law that gives cities the authority to regulate the tow-truck industry, the LAPD will revoke the licenses of operators who repeatedly tow cars without proper authorization or who force drivers to pay exorbitant fees for the return of their cars.

"We are not trying to stop towing in this city," LAPD Detective Ben Jones said. "What we are trying to provide is legitimate tow companies a set of regulations they can operate in while at the same time protecting the public from some of the confrontations that have occurred when somebody's car is being towed."

The Los Angeles Police Department gets about 75 complaints a month from motorists complaining that their car was illegally towed or that they were charged outrageous fees for its release.

Under state law, operators cannot take a car if the owner is still on the property.

"L.A. residents are sick and tired of being victimized by tow-truck predators," said Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, whose office has also increased its prosecution of bandit operators. "(This) sends a clear message to all the would-be tow-truck predators lurking in this city: We're standing up against you and putting an end to your illegal activities."

rachel.uranga(at)dailynews.com

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