Police uncover tow scheme

Ocean City police uncovered a suspected theft and towing scheme by 1st Street Towing in Ocean City, going back as far as March 16. Charges filed last month allege that 1st Street Towing profited by thousands of dollars by illegally towing vehicles from a multi-unit property on Atlantic Avenue and the parking lot of Bank of America in mid-town Ocean City.

According to court documents, police became aware of the situation when Cynthia Mooney, president of Shore Management, reported to police on Aug. 9 that her car had been towed by the wrong company.

Shore Management organizes tow companies for its own properties, one of which was the multi-unit property on Atlantic Avenue. That property has labeled parking spaces by unit number for the owners.

Mooney told police she has tow warning signs that bear the stickers of the tow company she contracted with to perform that service: East Coast Auto Repair. She added that unit owners and agents have the right to call the company if a vehicle is incorrectly parked in the owner’s spot.

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