From the victims' perspective

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Thieves' persistence pays off after fifth try

THE VICTIM: Virginia Gallego, Modesto

THE VEHICLES: 1991 Chevrolet pickup, 1957 Chevrolet, 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe, stolen in 2002

THE STORY: "They tried to steal the '91 pickup twice in one place and three times in another. At our last house, the pickup was stolen in 2002. We recovered it the same day.

"They attempted to steal the '57 Chevy and left it in the middle of the street. It was all scratched up. We're painting it now. … I'm glad they couldn't figure out how to drive it.

"The 2000 Tahoe also was stolen. It had a gas leak and I was going to take it to be repaired the next day. It was stolen and burned to a crisp. … We never had any trouble until we moved to Modesto from San Jose."

THE DAMAGE: The Tahoe was totaled at $38,000. The '91 had $3,000 damage and the '57 was $9,000. They were all insured, but the '57 Chevy is a classic and insurance didn't cover the cost.

THE QUOTE: "These thieves come into hard-working neighborhoods and take our stuff. I wish they would get a job and earn for themselves. They are robbing from the poor to get rich."

Even an old, unpainted pickup taken

THE VICTIM: Dave Odle, Modesto

THE VEHICLE: 1957 Ford pickup, stolen in 2002

THE STORY: "It was stolen from the YMCA. I put $3,500 into it to sell it and I took it to the YMCA and put a 'for sale' sign on it that morning. I went back that afternoon and it was gone. I thought I had forgotten where I left it."

THE DAMAGE: "I didn't have enough insurance, so I lost it all."

THE QUOTE: "It was primed and ready to paint. A lot of money wasted. Just part of life, I guess."

— Compiled by Bee staff writer Roger Hoskins