Urgent: mechanic won't return car keys, etc.

Articulate25

My mobile mechanic who is usually great has let me down, he did some work, very fast and reasonable, but needed to wait till i got some bearing, another saga, and i finally got them, he came round to collect the keys and said he would be back later to collect the car when he has alift. he has not been rpound, he keeps saying he will, but he doesn't, the thing is there is a pool of water/coolant in the car that needs cleaning and has been there for two weeks now and is just rotting outside my house

He is not dishonest, but i am aware he is prone to going awol, etc, but i need my car, he still hasn't done the bearings and i am disabled and its a specialist car

should I go to the police.

tx

worried_jim

Use your spare set?

GDB2222

Articulate25 wrote: »

My mobile mechanic who is usually great has let me down, he did some work, very fast and reasonable, but needed to wait till i got some bearing, another saga, and i finally got them, he came round to collect the keys and said he would be back later to collect the car when he has alift. he has not been rpound, he keeps saying he will, but he doesn't, the thing is there is a pool of water/coolant in the car that needs cleaning and has been there for two weeks now and is just rotting outside my house

He is not dishonest, but i am aware he is prone to going awol, etc, but i need my car, he still hasn't done the bearings and i am disabled and its a specialist car

should I go to the police.

tx

You need to get to the top of his list. It is just possible that involving the police, or threatening to, might achieve that. On the other hand, if he has accidentally lost the keys and is embarrassed to admit that, then there's not much anyone can do.

Really, this is a civil matter, not a police one, as I don't think there's any dishonest intent. The police might still get involved, as you are disabled, just to help you out, but they'll probably refuse.

The sensible thing to do, if you have a spare set of keys, is to get another mechanic. Then set about getting the other keys back or some compensation for the loss.

Articulate25

Hi, i haven't got any more keys and can't afford any, he does ring, but then doesn't turn up, its very bizarre and difficult.

GDB2222

Articulate25 wrote: »

Hi, i haven't got any more keys and can't afford any, he does ring, but then doesn't turn up, its very bizarre and difficult.

I think you have to get the keys off him, then get a different mechanic. Are you able to go round to get them, or get a friend to pick them up?

You need to face the possibility that he has lost the keys.

waamo

Get a lift to his house or workshop and pick them up. Then get another mechanic.

Articulate25

i don't know where he lives, he is a mobile mech

whai the cheapest you can get set of peugeot keys?

it gets worse, the road is being closed off this week and all cars will be impounded.

PasturesNew

Do you have a friend close by that could phone up with some fake problem with their car? Then he'll come to see/quote that job and you can ask for your keys (and have a witness to his reply) ...and hopefully he'll either have them or you can get 4rsey and demand he takes you to the keys right now and brings you back....

Articulate25

he is not answering any one, or touting for more work on local fora, etc.

GDB2222

Articulate25 wrote: »

i don't know where he lives, he is a mobile mech

whai the cheapest you can get set of peugeot keys?

What car? How old?

The last time I had to get a key was for my Volvo. That was £200, but I already had a key. We lost the spare. Your car is immobile and locked.

I think you should try to get the police involved. A call from them would be a help.

Articulate25

He has just contacted me, he says doesn't pick up messages as they cost, he has had personal issues as well. he says he is coming tomorrow, he is actually a bit upset that i think he has let me down, like i said he is usually excellent, will post if done, tx for advice, but will be much more circumspect/cautious in future