Forged signature on V5C log book!

lissa_23

Thanks for all your advice, but until the DVLA say it's ours again wouldn't we be stealing the car if we took it?

New_World_Man

How did the relative get the V5?

lissa_23

New_World_Man wrote: »

How did the relative get the V5?

I don't know, we have the V5C here, registered at our address. Maybe applied saying they had lost original?

Spicy_McHaggis

lissa_23 wrote: »

Thanks for all your advice, but until the DVLA say it's ours again wouldn't we be stealing the car if we took it?

No, the registered keeper isnt the owner.

To steal it you would have to act dishonestly and take another's property.

The problem is damaging their lock, which you would be doing wilfully so it's criminal damage.

Have you answered the question about payment for storage?

stator

Pay someone to tow it away with the lock in place.

New_World_Man

Presumably if someone steals your car it would be a reasonable excuse to free it up and take it away rather than criminal damage/vandalism. Alas I can't comment on the legalities but in some countries there is a "reasonable excuse" defence.

Extreme example, what if a kidnapper handcuffed your child to a radiator. If you cut the cuffs off then you are deliberately damaging the property of another.

OK I know this is a different scenario but in principle is there a significant difference? Theft of a car and kidnapping are equally unlawful.

lissa_23

Spicy_McHaggis wrote: »

No, the registered keeper isnt the owner.

To steal it you would have to act dishonestly and take another's property.

The problem is damaging their lock, which you would be doing wilfully so it's criminal damage.

Have you answered the question about payment for storage?

They haven't said they want any money for storage. Wouldn't they have to agree that with us beforehand? No such agreement was made, in writing or verbally.

Spicy_McHaggis

lissa_23 wrote: »

They haven't said they want any money for storage. Wouldn't they have to agree that with us beforehand? No such agreement was made, in writing or verbally.

Yes, basically when any contract is formed the penalties must be outlined for you to agree with them.

lissa_23

Anyway, back to my original question. What do you think the DVLA will do? And how long should it take for them to investigate? It's only been a week so far. But we are worried the car will be disposed of before they make a decision!

Spicy_McHaggis

lissa_23 wrote: »

Anyway, back to my original question. What do you think the DVLA will do? And how long should it take for them to investigate? It's only been a week so far. But we are worried the car will be disposed of before they make a decision!

What can the DVLA do?

Either issue you with a new log book or keep it in their name. They can't stop the vehicle being sold or deal with the theft of the vehicle.