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Stop police charges for vehicle recovery - Car theft victims made to pay

Hi
we had an accident in the car (no other vehicle was involved) and by the time we had a chance to move it (it was not causing an obstruction) the police had recovered it and I was charged £220 to release it. I tried to claim this back from the police as my excess on my insurance was £300 but they were so rude and no luck.

I later read this article in the telegraph "Car-theft-victims-made-to-pay" and it seems I am not the only one.

Can we start a campaign with the government to stop this

It could be something else for MSE to get it's teeth into.

Keep up the good work on the site it's saved me hundreds.

Comments

  • peter_the_piper
    peter_the_piper Posts: 30,269 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Granted they are a bit quick in removing some cars but do you want the removal costs to come out of hard stretched police budgets?
    I'd rather be an Optimist and be proved wrong than a Pessimist and be proved right.
  • benham3160
    benham3160 Posts: 735 Forumite
    I have heard, (from very reliable sources) a rumour that police often are on a cash 'bonus' from certain recovery firms if they find them cars etc.... Allegedly it's not uncommon for police to receive a few notes at an RTA if a car is recovered by a 'friendly' outfit.

    Whole system stinks of corruption.
  • peter_the_piper
    peter_the_piper Posts: 30,269 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    benham3160 wrote: »
    I have heard, (from very reliable sources) a rumour that police often are on a cash 'bonus' from certain recovery firms if they find them cars etc.... Allegedly it's not uncommon for police to receive a few notes at an RTA if a car is recovered by a 'friendly' outfit.

    Whole system stinks of corruption.

    Allegedly.
    I don't think it fair to accuse the police of corruption on heresay, more likely the CC has told them not to use resourses on this.
    I'd rather be an Optimist and be proved wrong than a Pessimist and be proved right.
  • vax2002
    vax2002 Posts: 7,187 Forumite
    What is true, is that the yearly contracts for recovery are bidded for and earn the police quite a tidy sum .
    I did here of one paying £120,000 a year for a contract.
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam
  • give_them_FA
    give_them_FA Posts: 2,998 Forumite
    Unless there is an operational reason to remove the vehicle, why should the Police become involved?
  • benham3160
    benham3160 Posts: 735 Forumite
    Allegedly.
    I don't think it fair to accuse the police of corruption on heresay, more likely the CC has told them not to use resourses on this.
    Like I said, it was a very reliable source, the kind of person who would know (boast) about these things........
    ....silly.....

    Regards,
    Andy
  • Granted they are a bit quick in removing some cars but do you want the removal costs to come out of hard stretched police budgets?
    benham3160 wrote: »
    I have heard, (from very reliable sources) a rumour that police often are on a cash 'bonus' from certain recovery firms if they find them cars etc.... Allegedly it's not uncommon for police to receive a few notes at an RTA if a car is recovered by a 'friendly' outfit.

    Whole system stinks of corruption.

    Yes, the Police make £100 a throw phoning for the recovery truck for you, and the recovery company take a statutory fixed £110.

    NEVER EVER LET THE POLICE RECOVER YOUR CAR!!!

    ALWAYS arrange recovery yourself, no matter what the police say, you'll save yourself £100.,
    **** I hereby relieve MSE of all legal responsibility for my post and assume personal responsible for all posts. If any Parking Pirates have a problem with my post then contact me for my solicitors address.*****
  • SailorSam
    SailorSam Posts: 22,754 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Allegedly.
    I don't think it fair to accuse the police of corruption on heresay, more likely the CC has told them not to use resourses on this.

    There are lots of these " It's common knowledge" rumours about people getting back-handers, if you've been in an accident it's not uncommon to be chased by solicitors wanting to help you and it's said they get their information from not only the police but our hospital staff.
    Liverpool is one of the wonders of Britain,
    What it may grow to in time, I know not what.

    Daniel Defoe: 1725.
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