There is a pack of monsters roaming the streets of State College. You may think you are safe, but when you least expect it you could fall victim to their senseless tyranny like so many others before you. I'm not referring to wild animals or killers. I'm talking about tow truck drivers.

I come from a town where the tow truck driver is your friend. He'll be there to save you when you are stranded, and you're likely never to see him otherwise. In State College, however, these individuals serve as vultures, circling around the town, watching and waiting for you to step away from your vehicle.

When you are out of sight they swoop in and drag your car off, ignorant of the fact that there are only three others in the entire lot. They'll then tell you and the rest of their helpless victims (usually college students with empty wallets) you need to pay $100 to get back your stolen car.

The free reign that towing companies have been given in this town is absolutely ridiculous. There is absolutely no need to tow a vehicle out of an empty parking lot where it is causing no harm. Then again, in a town where police will pepper spray, beat and invade the privacy of its residents for participating in the act of being happy, perhaps such ridiculousness is to be expected.