Complaint Review: Storage USA - Memphis Tennessee

I had my belongings stored here for about 5 1/2 years, It started off being in my boyfriends name. The managers had us switch to my name in April of 2002, this was so I could keep it at a rate I could pay each month.

They had told us there were security cameras and no one could get in the gate without an access code. I went every month and paid my bill and checked on my unit. Everything was fine each time I went. My mom passed away and I put some of her things she had given to me in my unit.

When we switched names on the account in April 2002, I was planning to get my stuff out in a few months. I talked everytime I went to pay my bill to the manager and his wife. I told them I would be getting it out hopefully in the next few months. They told me not to worry everything was safe.

Little did I know that a month later, May 5, 2002 that my unit and 28 others would be broken into. This happened around 3 am.

The managers lived on the property, but said they heard nothing. I was not notified until right before closing that day, that they had been broken into.

I went all the way up there, I was staying in Mississippi, and looked at what had happened. I was told to come back tomorrow and make out a list of things that were taken. I did and faxed them to the robbery unit in Memphis. I was told I would receive a copy of the report. I still have not received it to this day.

The managers said they had contacted the main office and had filed reports. I heard nothing from anyone. I called and talked to the district manager, Jeff Spence. He said that he couldn't find where it had been filed. He said he would file one for me. I still heard nothing.

I called him back and he said that the claims department had it and would be sending me my check. The amount came to over $3200. That was about 6 months or so ago. Everytime I called him to check on it, he wasn't in and didn't return my call. I left messages everday and he never called.

Finally I emailed a letter to Storage USA and told them I had contacted a lawyer like the managers told me to and I was turning it over to them. I received a call from a MS. Williams who said she would take care of it. Jeff Spence had been fired and had not even filed my report. Now everytime I call her, she's not in. I called to file a report with Seabury & Smith, the insurance company myself. They were sending me forms to fill out. I have not received them yet either.

I had my suspisions that the thefts were an inside job. The manager had told me how his brother and wife, worked for a storage company and how they went through the units and took what they wanted. That's how they furnished their house. It makes me wonder if they did not do the same thing. As much stuff as was stolen the robbers needed a big truck to get it all out. But no one heard anything. They claimed someone bypassed the computer that controlled the gate and took a big truck in.

They would have gone right pass where they lived in a unit behind the office. Yet they heard nothing. They also said they were not giving the police the security tape, they were going to tell them it was lost. Sounds strange doesn't it.

They have messed around for the entire year and have done nothing about it. But I live in Mississippi and the statue of limitations is 2 years. So I guess I will end up letting the lawyers handle it. They have had all the necessary information since this happened.

Oh also Storage USA did not have security cameras anywhere except at the gate. We were lied to about that. I know my little amount isn't alot, but things my mom gave me were very valuable and sentimental to me. Now they are lost. Storage USA is responsible for their units. They are saying that there is no way anything could happen, because we have very good security. That is a bunch of bull.

I know there were alot of people robbed, but we weren't allowed to talk with them. Storage USA claimed they had all been compensated. Everyone of them but me. I think they need to get off their buts and compensate me for my loss. I paid alot of money to them for almost 6 years.

My advice to anyone who needs to put stuff in storage is to get you a big storage unit and put it in your yard or some of your family's yard,if you live in an apartment. That was why I had to put mine in storage. At the time I lived in an apartment. Never again will I ever put anything in a storage unit, nor would I recommend Storage USA to anyone.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that they transfered or fired the manager and his wife. (Thomas and Tawyna Davis) This seemed pretty convienent to me. I think maybe Storage USA had their own suspisions.

If I finally do get compensation for all the pain, aggravation and suffering I have endured because of this I will let you know. I already was upset over losing my mom and then to learn that things she gave to me had been stolen, just put the icing on the cake.

Barbara

Byhalia, Mississippi
U.S.A.