Minerva Security Limited, Whitehall Square Appts, Belfast

bod1467 wrote: »

So those owners have a case to file small claims (or the NI equivalent) against Minerva Security Limited for the return of the extorted fees?

Absolutely,

I recommend that anyone who has had money extorted from them:

1. Report the crime of extortion to the PSNI. Be very firm and do not accept it any lame attempt to palm it off as "It's a civil matter sir" Point out that the spaces are privately owned, and clamping in your parking space is no different to the scammers coming onto your driveway and clamping your car. Demand that they investigate and get a crime reference number.

2. If you paid by credit card or debit card get on to your bank immediately and report the transaction as extortion. Tell them that you were deprived of your vehicle and were forced to pay a ransom demand. Point out that the spaces are privately owned, and clamping in your parking space is no different to the scammers coming onto your driveway and clamping your car.

3. Start a Small Claim through the NI Courts for trespass and damages to claim your money back. The claim will be against Minerva Security Ltd and the Whitehall Square Management Company. I will help guide you through the process and suggest the wording that should be used.

cmccracken888 wrote: »

I live at Whitehall Square and my car has been clamped... The sign in the foyer says 'repeat offenders' will be clamped - this is my first 'offence', as I only got my car last week and Monday was my first day using the car park.... I also had no way of knowing about the permits as the info got sent to my Landlord (I rent privately, no letting agency), and my Landlord lives in Kenya, so he didn't receive the info either as it got sent to his address in NI, not emailed! CSM are blaming my Landlord, my Landlord is blaming CSM and Minerva are having nothing to do with it and won't release my car unless the fee is paid... Someone please help me and tell me what I can do/what my rights are... I urgently NEED my car and I feel so helpless at the hands of the awful management company and Minerva. I knew nothing of this new permit and it looks like I'm going to be out money and I don't have my car either.

The first thing that you need to know is the space belongs to your landlord, and that you are using it with his full authority. The Management Company, The Management Agent and Minerva have absolutely no authority or right to dictate rules to your landlord, or to you, and Minerva have absolutely no right to trespass on your space and they are acting illegally by depriving you of the quiet enjoyment of your parking space, and your car.

If you pay any money to Minerva you will never see your money again, unless you take a court claim against them. This involves some work and should only be attempted as a last resort.

I would strongly advise that you call the PSNI, tell them that Minerva are attempting to extort money from you, they are acting illegally. As the average PSNI officer isn't the sharpest, you will need to spell out the situation to them. Tell them that it is just like living in a private estate where the management company may have the authority to clamp people on the roadways, but what happens on your private driveway is none of their business. Show them your lease that includes the parking space. Tell the Police that if they are not going to act to stop the illegal activities of the wheel clampers that you will be forced to bring in a locksmith to remove the clamp. Tell them that you will be making a complaint about their failure to act and that you will be making a court claim against Minerva for the cost of the locksmith. Also if the Police don't act tell them that you will be making a complaint to the Police Ombudsman.

Also contact your MLA and your MP

You need to be really assertive and don't let them palm you off. What Minerva are doing is trespassing, illegally clamping and extorting money. It is the job of the Police to sort this out and to Prosecute Minerva.