Actually, it's not as cut and dried as it might appear. The shop DOES have a legal obligation to ensure the property of the vehicle owner isn't taken, especially by an employee. Dad had a lot of expensive tools stolen from the parking garage of a Hyatt or Hilton years ago in Houston. They pointed out that standard "Not Responsible for chit" sign on the wall, Dad's attorney introduced 'em to what the LAW said. Dad won - and they had to not only pay for his tools, but a VERY expensive attorney, as well.