Thieving mechanic

cheapman1

^Potentially..

Hi all,

I'd like to share a recent experience and I'm seeking guidance on how to proceed.

A few months back, I purchased some brake parts for my car online. I fitted the front wheel brakes fairly easily, however the rear drums were a bit more complex for my abilities. Yesterday, one of my father's acquaintances agreed to do them for me.

At first he told me, patronizingly, that they won't need replaced after such low mileage and a good clean and sanding was all that was req. I told him I had already bought the rear shoes and that I might as well have them fitted. He agreed and off he went with my car.

A few hours later he came back with my car, told me that the new shoes had been fitted, charged me £30, told me I'd really notice the difference and then left. He had brought his grandson with him, who commented that he'd been busy sanding..

I drove the car, whilst the brakes were definitely more responsive there was a creaking noise present, Indicating slippage that wouldn't be associated with brand new, dust-free shoes. This morning I jacked the car to inspect the work and the old shoes are still on the vehicle. They have been sanded and cleaned but show visible age/wear.

I called VW to ask about standard thickness to compare against mine, just to be sure and also the original markings are present on the shoes, different manufacturer from the new ones.

I called him and asked him to return my shoes. After he effectively admitted he hadn't fit them, he told me he didn't have them and that they were in the bin. I told him I would come to his house and get them out of his bin If I had to. He says he Isn't home. When I asked him to let me know when he Is home, He just said "aye". I told him I'd appreciate my parts back as I'd paid for them.

I expect he has either used the shoes for another vehicle, Or will attempt to sell them. I obviously don't expect him to let me know when he's home so I fear that I won't get the parts back and he'll get away with It. The bins get taken away on Monday, He'll obviously use that as an excuse to explain their disappearance.

I understand I don't legally have leg to stand on as I have no work order or receipts and I have dealt with a private individual but has anyone had a similar situation that has any advice?

Many thanks In advance.

bigjl

So if you were unable to replace the rear shows how did you manage to inspect them?

cheapman1

I have a very basic understanding of car mechanics so I removed the drum, after doing so the shoes are visible for inspection. As I had already attempted to carry the work out myself, I was familiar with the setup and even took photos that I used for comparison. It's taking the shoes out and removing the array of levers, cables and springs that's too complicated for me.

Thanks

bod1467

What did your father say when you told him?

Mojisola

cheapman1 wrote: »

Yesterday, one of my father's acquaintances agreed to do them for me.

I called him and asked him to return my shoes. After he effectively admitted he hadn't fit them, he told me he didn't have them and that they were in the bin.

I expect he has either used the shoes for another vehicle, Or will attempt to sell them.

What does your Dad have to say about his friend's behaviour?

Does your Dad know where he lives?

cheapman1

He said he wasn't surprised as he's had troubles with him before but as he'd done work to a good standard on a previous car we thought It would be OK. My father Isn't one for confrontation but he agreed I had to attempt to get my parts back.

Yes, he lives close by.

arcon5

bigjl wrote: »

So if you were unable to replace the rear shows how did you manage to inspect them?

Silly question really

arcon5

What makes you think you have no rights op?
You paid for a service and he didn't provide that.

I'd be fuming, don't let him use bin collection as an excuse. In fact I'd pop round his house randomly to check whether he was actually in or not.

If he doesn't give you them back then tell him how much he owes you! Ie cost of shoes plus your thirty quid back

cheapman1

Thanks for your replies.

I am fuming. Thanks for your suggestion, I think I'll pop round later today. My dad however warned me that I did go up, I can expect trouble from him and I don't want his grandson to see any of that nonsense.

I think even If I do tell him he owes me, I'll never see the money and he'll just laugh it off.

I called the police to seek guidance, to see if there was any basis for a criminal case. An extreme measure, but I basically consider this to be theft. They told me It's not a police matter. Fair enough as I don't wan't to waste their time with such a small situation. They told me to contact trading standards, but I don't expect them to be able to do something when the problem lies with a private individual.

Thanks

arcon5

If it kicks off in front of his grandson then its his own doing! Why should I be able to get away with it?!

You can make your position to him clearly and firmly without going in all guns blazing

m0bov

Send a LBA and ask for the cost of the shoes back, its worth a try. Get Call Recorder App loaded onto your mobile to record any future calls from anyone.