How should I handle me and my car being mistaken for someone else with the same car who behaves inappropriately?

Question

A colleague working in a different apartment has the exact same car as I have (same model and color and the only two of the brand at my office). The only difference is the chairs, but I understand this is not something that really makes them stand out from each other.

Now the other owner is a very rude. He will park in visitor's spots, which we're not allowed to park in, and he'll park in such a manor as to occupy two space and be completely crooked. They have even damaged other cars before. All of this while driving a particularly tiny car.

Apparently my face is much more associated with the car than his, as I've been getting all the complaints, rants and threats over his parking. Two months ago there even was an incident where two of my colleagues completely duct-taped my car because they thought it was his. (I had permission to park on the visitor spots that day because I had to carry in heavy stuff.) Leaving all my windows with sticky stains that took me hours to remove.

Should I approach this guy? Should I make changes to the appearance of my car?

What would be the best way to approach this guy? Should I talk to him myself or notify HR? According to colleagues who have talked to him, he has been asked to act normal multiple times but has never improved.

Answer 1

Honestly, you should be going to HR over the other 2 colleagues duct taping your car. That is utterly unacceptable.

Now, it's clear from your question that you haven't spoken to the colleague who can't park directly yet. I think you should mention to him the incident, and explain to him that his lack of care with his car is now causing you to suffer. Possibly explain to him that the parking rules apply to everyone. I wouldn't mention his bad parking, but do mention the fact that the visitor spots are for visitors only. Most people will try to better themselves if they see what they're doing is having an adverse effect on another person.

If this doesn't work, go to HR. Specifically mention him parking in the visitor spaces. If he damages another persons car, that isn't an issue for HR. That's an issue for the insurance companies/the two parties involved.

Answer 2

The other answers address the business part, but a thought is to put a sticker or something on the back windshield or get like a sun shade or something that will distinguish your car from the other persons. It sucks that the situation exists in the first place, but there are things that you can do to make your car look different. Also things on the antenna that blow in the wind. Anything to distinguish your car from his and then let people know you added it to your car to distinguish it.

Obviously this is a partial solution as you want to address the professionalism issues, but the other responses cover that well, just adding this as you might want to adjust your car appearance in little ways so that it's distinguishable and hopefully people won't attack your vehicle next time.

Answer 3

Firstly, it really should not be your responsibility to talk to the offending colleague and ask them to stop being so inconsiderate. You mentioned in the comments that you have 400 people on site - in which case I'm presuming you may have some kind of Site Manager, or Site Services. Normally - things like parking would be their responsibility, so I'd make sure they know what's going on, are familiar with your registration and therefore know it's not you causing the problem. You should also ensure they're going to do whatever they can to find the actual offender and improve their behaviour.

The issue you do have to deal with though is the fact that there are baying mobs roaming the building, hunting down parking offenders. I'd be asking for a formal meeting with HR in regards this, and also to the duct tape as it could be classed as Criminal Damage. In English Law;

A person who without lawful excuse destroys or damages any property belonging to another intending to destroy or damage any such property or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged shall be guilty of an offence.

I, personally anyway, would not stand for someone damaging my property whether they thought I was in the wrong or not. The fact they seem to be okay with is wrong.

Answer 4

First off, I agree with the comments, let your colleagues know that you did in fact not do the things your other colleague did. If they have problems reading a license plate, maybe advise them to get their eyes checked.

Secondly, I would advise for you to go to HR, and talk to him with HR, and not alone. If there are more people who have told him not to do so already, it's of no use for you to do the same thing.

Make sure HR know's what's up, let them figure out what to do with the problem and if your colleagues pick the wrong car again, make sure they fix it as well.