Cash Converters won't return my stolen property

DewsburyDriver

This is my first post here and I hope someone can give me some advice.

My guitar amplifier was stolen in late June - I immediately reported it to the Met Police and got a crime number.  I had photos and the amp's serial number so I notified it to a few local shops including Cash Converters.   About 3 weeks after the theft I was called by a Cash Converters manager who told me that they had my amp (confirmed by the serial number) and they had told the police that they had my property, along with CCTV footage of the transaction, the seller's address and ID.   The Met have been really, really slow and they've only just asked me to make a statement.     I've been told by Cash Converters that they won't hand over my amp until the police press charges (so they can then try to recoup their outlay) but the police say that I can collect it because I have proof that it's my property.   

My question: are Cash Converters legally entitled to hold onto my property like this?   If not, what's my best option to recover it?   Any advice gratefully received...

Okell

No they aren't  - but what proof do you have that you are the owner?

I suspect it's covered by the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 but I'm not 100% certain.

I'm sure somebody else will know.

(Cash converters need to pursue legally whoever brought the amp into them.  they don't need to wait for the police to charge anyone because thay will be able to demonstrate your proof that you own it)

unforeseen

I would have thought that Cash Convertor have a duty to hand stolen goods to the police. It is then up to the police when they release stolen goods back to the owner

MyRealNameToo

I suspect most people have watched too much TV and expect the CSI team to descend on Cash Convertors, taping off the area, swabbing for fingerprints, studying CCTV etc etc when in reality they'll say its too textured surface, been through too many hands etc so no point 

marcia_

 Google letter before action, that might make them rethink 

Aylesbury_Duck

MyRealNameToo said:

I suspect most people have watched too much TV and expect the CSI team to descend on Cash Convertors, taping off the area, swabbing for fingerprints, studying CCTV etc etc when in reality they'll say its too textured surface, been through too many hands etc so no point 

And there's an expectation that the police can take grainy CCTV footage shot on a 1990s system and enhance it to show perfect detail, just like the CIA do in films.

sheramber

I doubt the police will be charging anybody.

Too many  other crimes to deal with..
 

Go back to the police and explain and ask for written authority to collect it

flaneurs_lobster

Pretty daft comment from the manager saying they'll hold the amp until the police press charges. What happens if the thief isn't caught or convicted? Do they hold this amp forever? They clearly can't sell it knowing it's stolen. 

Even if the thief is charged, why do they need the amp to get their money back? 

Oddly, if CC had checked the hot list and told the seller to do one then the amp might not have been recovered. 

DewsburyDriver

Thanks for the comments so far.   Because of the photos and serial number I provided, CC have confirmed to me and to the police that it's my property.   I think their reason for not giving it back to me could be something to do with their financial outlay - whatever they gave the thief for it.   Perhaps they have insurance cover which only pays out if the police press charges?)    Whatever their reasons, they have my stolen property and I want it back.   But how do I get it back?   If I go into the branch I really don't expect the person behind the glass screen to just return it to me, even with my proof of ownership.   

marcia_

marcia_ said:

 Google letter before action, that might make them rethink 

DewsburyDriver said:

Thanks for the comments so far.   Because of the photos and serial number I provided, CC have confirmed to me and to the police that it's my property.   I think their reason for not giving it back to me could be something to do with their financial outlay - whatever they gave the thief for it.   Perhaps they have insurance cover which only pays out if the police press charges?)    Whatever their reasons, they have my stolen property and I want it back.   But how do I get it back?   If I go into the branch I really don't expect the person behind the glass screen to just return it to me, even with my proof of ownership.   

See above