We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
🔔 Today's the final day to apply to become an MSE Forum Ambassador
Who do you call when the Police takes your car?
Hi,
I wonder if anyone can give me any advice.
On Friday night there was a stabbing that took place right by my car. On Friday night I spoke to 3 police staff and informed them all that my car was right where it happened, I live about 30m from where it took place.
No one bothered to take my details and I was given mixed information from the 3 officers.
The next morning I saw that the car was no longer there. I went to speak to 2 other officers and was informed the car was taken for forensics and was given a reference number and a contact number for the pound.
I tried to call the pound but no answer so I called 101 and was informed they cannot give me a timeframe but it would be weeks or months until I get my car back.
I was told someone would call me back. After a few hours, I called back and was told the same. I called a 3rd time and was told the same. After a couple of hours two detectives came over to ask us questions but were not aware that my car had been taken and they took down my details.
After an extra 2h, I got a call to basically say the car was taken and they cannot give me a time frame but it would be at least a week and that I would have to go and get the car, they would not bring it back.
On Monday I called the pound to see if there was an update and also to check if the car is damaged as I have no idea and no one has told me. I was then told that the car was not at that pound but at a different one even further away.
I tried to call Citizens Adviser since Monday but there is no answer, noone available on the chat and I have not received an email back so today, Wednesday, I called 101 to get an update.
The detective on the case called back, said she had no been in touch as did not have my details! I asked her under what power was my car taken and if they would bring it back. She just told me that the police has the rights to take the car and they have no means to return it! I explained that my car is rather old and if not switched on for a few days, the battery can drain, looking at the details for the pound, they do not even jump-start it if needed.
I am rather surprised by how all of this has gone.
Surely I should have been given a letter with the details of under what powers my property has been taken, where it is being kept, be given a rough time frame idea and be informed of my rights and options. Surely the car should be brought back since I have not committed a crime.
Am I expecting too much? Do I really have no rights on this matter?
I wonder if anyone can give me any advice.
On Friday night there was a stabbing that took place right by my car. On Friday night I spoke to 3 police staff and informed them all that my car was right where it happened, I live about 30m from where it took place.
No one bothered to take my details and I was given mixed information from the 3 officers.
The next morning I saw that the car was no longer there. I went to speak to 2 other officers and was informed the car was taken for forensics and was given a reference number and a contact number for the pound.
I tried to call the pound but no answer so I called 101 and was informed they cannot give me a timeframe but it would be weeks or months until I get my car back.
I was told someone would call me back. After a few hours, I called back and was told the same. I called a 3rd time and was told the same. After a couple of hours two detectives came over to ask us questions but were not aware that my car had been taken and they took down my details.
After an extra 2h, I got a call to basically say the car was taken and they cannot give me a time frame but it would be at least a week and that I would have to go and get the car, they would not bring it back.
On Monday I called the pound to see if there was an update and also to check if the car is damaged as I have no idea and no one has told me. I was then told that the car was not at that pound but at a different one even further away.
I tried to call Citizens Adviser since Monday but there is no answer, noone available on the chat and I have not received an email back so today, Wednesday, I called 101 to get an update.
The detective on the case called back, said she had no been in touch as did not have my details! I asked her under what power was my car taken and if they would bring it back. She just told me that the police has the rights to take the car and they have no means to return it! I explained that my car is rather old and if not switched on for a few days, the battery can drain, looking at the details for the pound, they do not even jump-start it if needed.
I am rather surprised by how all of this has gone.
Surely I should have been given a letter with the details of under what powers my property has been taken, where it is being kept, be given a rough time frame idea and be informed of my rights and options. Surely the car should be brought back since I have not committed a crime.
Am I expecting too much? Do I really have no rights on this matter?
0
Comments
-
Hi,
I wonder if anyone can give me any advice.
On Friday night there was a stabbing that took place right by my car. On Friday night I spoke to 3 police staff and informed them all that my car was right where it happened, I live about 30m from where it took place.
No one bothered to take my details and I was given mixed information from the 3 officers.
The next morning I saw that the car was no longer there. I went to speak to 2 other officers and was informed the car was taken for forensics and was given a reference number and a contact number for the pound.
I tried to call the pound but no answer so I called 101 and was informed they cannot give me a timeframe but it would be weeks or months until I get my car back.
I was told someone would call me back. After a few hours, I called back and was told the same. I called a 3rd time and was told the same. After a couple of hours two detectives came over to ask us questions but were not aware that my car had been taken and they took down my details.
After an extra 2h, I got a call to basically say the car was taken and they cannot give me a time frame but it would be at least a week and that I would have to go and get the car, they would not bring it back.
On Monday I called the pound to see if there was an update and also to check if the car is damaged as I have no idea and no one has told me. I was then told that the car was not at that pound but at a different one even further away.
I tried to call Citizens Adviser since Monday but there is no answer, noone available on the chat and I have not received an email back so today, Wednesday, I called 101 to get an update.
The detective on the case called back, said she had no been in touch as did not have my details! I asked her under what power was my car taken and if they would bring it back. She just told me that the police has the rights to take the car and they have no means to return it! I explained that my car is rather old and if not switched on for a few days, the battery can drain, looking at the details for the pound, they do not even jump-start it if needed.
I am rather surprised by how all of this has gone.
Surely I should have been given a letter with the details of under what powers my property has been taken, where it is being kept, be given a rough time frame idea and be informed of my rights and options. Surely the car should be brought back since I have not committed a crime.
Am I expecting too much? Do I really have no rights on this matter?
No rights, I would suggest. And you may well have to pay a fee to get the car back, such is the corrupt nature of British officialdom. Really makes you want to co-operate with the police, doesn't it?
Good luck, and keep up the pressure. Maybe speak to a solicitor.0 -
I'd check if your car insurance has any cover for this, or legal advice.
You should be able to reclaim your costs, but I've no idea what'll happen regarding being without a vehicle for a while.0 -
No rights, I would suggest. And you may well have to pay a fee to get the car back, such is the corrupt nature of British officialdom. Really makes you want to co-operate with the police, doesn't it?
Good luck, and keep up the pressure. Maybe speak to a solicitor.
It did cross my mind they may charge me to pick up the car but I will call to ask and then yeah, may have to speak to a solicitor.
One would think they would have some system in place. I understand if my car was taken for no insurance or if I was involved in some sort of criminal activity.
Having read the reviews about the pound, I am in for a treat
0 -
I'd check if your car insurance has any cover for this, or legal advice.
You should be able to reclaim your costs, but I've no idea what'll happen regarding being without a vehicle for a while.
Thanks - will see what the police says about paying to collect the car. If I don't have to and it won't take more than a week, may leave it and not bother.
Can't remember if I took the option for legal advice, need to double check but looks like I will be adding it from now on regardless, just never know!0 -
No rights, I would suggest. And you may well have to pay a fee to get the car back, such is the corrupt nature of British officialdom. Really makes you want to co-operate with the police, doesn't it?
Why do you think there may be a fee?
Where is the evidence of corruption?
Isn't it reasonable that the investigation of a serious violent crime (possibly a murder) should take priority over the OP's inconvenience?0 -
Why do you think there may be a fee?
Where is the evidence of corruption?
Isn't it reasonable that the investigation of a serious violent crime (possibly a murder) should take priority over the OP's inconvenience?
Just reading the reviews as I have not really been given much information.
I have not mentioned corruption, just surely a lack of organisation and communication.
I have not questioned the police taking the car for evidence, I understand it is necessary. I would have also rather given them the keys in case they need to open the car.
What I question is how they are dealing with the situation and my rights as the owner of the car and someone who is not involved in a criminal activity. Yes there is a victim in the hospital but like anything else in life, there tends to be collateral damage.
Not at any point has anyone questioned what I use the car for. Luckily it was my car there and not my neighbours. She has 3 kids that takes to and from school everyday and visits her family member who is sick. I just hope this never happens to someone that needs the car more than I do.0 -
Ghostbusters.0
-
Where is the evidence of corruption?
Sadly anyone who has had the misfortune of dealing with the plod in the last 20 years will likely be able to back that up...Isn't it reasonable that the investigation of a serious violent crime (possibly a murder) should take priority over the OP's inconvenience?
Isn't it also reasonable that the Police, having done this kind of thing routinely, should have procedures in place to let the OP know likely timescales/what's going on/likely outcomes for them/advice to help them out (even if it's just "your comprehensive insurance should cover this - contact your insurer"?)
Not for them to mess the OP about by passing them from pillar to post and not giving them straight answers that would clarify their situation.
Sadly this backs up my experience with getting info out of the plod - they will refuse to do 2 minutes of digging in the PNC to give you relevant answers, and instead continually fob you off until you go away in a blind rage - even if the duration of fobbing off is twenty times the effort needed to leave the complainant satisfied.0 -
I feel for you in this situation. I do recognise that the stabbing victim is probably far worse off than are you but that doesn't make your situation easier for you.
I can't offer any advice other than to say I think that it is highly unlikely that you will have to pay to get your car back. (with the proviso that it was road legal in terms of VED etc).
Some years ago my car was seized by the police for forensics after an accident that I was involved in.
I was able to collect the car about a week later. I did not have to pay anything although I had to make my own way to the pound some miles away.
I am fairly certain that you will have to collect the car. The police will not return it to you.
Good luck.0 -
Sadly anyone who has had the misfortune of dealing with the plod in the last 20 years will likely be able to back that up...
Isn't it also reasonable that the Police, having done this kind of thing routinely, should have procedures in place to let the OP know likely timescales/what's going on/likely outcomes for them/advice to help them out (even if it's just "your comprehensive insurance should cover this - contact your insurer"?)
Not for them to mess the OP about by passing them from pillar to post and not giving them straight answers that would clarify their situation.
Sadly this backs up my experience with getting info out of the plod - they will refuse to do 2 minutes of digging in the PNC to give you relevant answers, and instead continually fob you off until you go away in a blind rage - even if the duration of fobbing off is twenty times the effort needed to leave the complainant satisfied.
So you've personal experience of police corruption?
I doubt it, but it makes you sound good.
What's routine about seizing the vehicle in this circumstance? Do you know what the suspect has said about any evidence found on the vehicle? No, I didn't think so.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 348.8K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.3K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.6K Spending & Discounts
- 241.6K Work, Benefits & Business
- 618.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176K Life & Family
- 254.7K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards