This wasn’t the first time the facility’s owners have slammed car theft victims with hundreds in missed storage fees, either.
Like most Charlotte, North Carolina residents, Shauntay Tidwell worked hard for her luxuries. In June 2024, she woke up in the middle of the night, and by morning, discovered her car was missing.
“I heard a loud start and noticed my car was gone,” she told WCNC. “There was glass everywhere… Somebody really feels like something they didn’t work for, they can come into your yard, literally in front of your house, and take what belongs to you.”
Tidwell promptly called the police and filed a report. In January, Morningstar Storage informed her she needed to remove her completely stripped car from the property, or the police would tow it. But first, she had to take control of the unit her car was in to get it back.
That meant Tidwell had to cover the over $900 in payments the thieves neglected to pay.
“I had to take ownership of the unit so the police would not tow it,” she said. “They call me every month harassing me about the payment.”
Police reported that other car theft victims faced the same issue
When asked by reporters, Morningstar Storage workers confirmed there were “several” similar instances like Tidwell’s. Thieves would steal someone’s car, strip it, and abandon it, leaving the owner to reclaim it and cover hundreds in fees.
Authorities told Tidwell the same. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed they are actively investigating.
“The police told me about one, and I was told by an employee there were several others,” she said. “I just feel like nobody cars. I wouldn’t be surprised if people started taking matters into their own hands.”
Viewers came to their own conclusions
Several viewers suspect something sinister is going on due to the numerous other reported incidents.
“Sounds like the storage company found a new way to make ends meet,” wrote a viewer.
Another keen viewer noted a lack of security camera footage.
“A video camera system that never records anything, and multiple stolen cars… You do the math,” they said.
Someone else said towing might have been smarter.
“Tow it! That’s an insurance claim, what is she going to do with a shell of a car that she paid an extra $900 for? The place knows exactly who’s responsible, they should be investigated.”
