Motor stolen Police obstructive
Discussion
So a month ago my Range Rover stolen, Police found it via tracker and say it’s part of a larger case going on-25 in Sussex 80 in the South East!
So I’ve been trying for the last 3 weeks to find where it is ? Is it drivable ? As ultimately I may want it back-insurance have undervalued it £10k and sent a cheque within days (not cashed).
The Police have pushed me around the system and now want to know how i found out it was found? (Another Plod sent an email) I even had a over the phone statement taker tell me “sorry I don’t know where you car is/why don’t you write to your MP”
Where do I go from here, a visit to the county headquarters to file an official complaint! ? Any advice gratefully received!
So I’ve been trying for the last 3 weeks to find where it is ? Is it drivable ? As ultimately I may want it back-insurance have undervalued it £10k and sent a cheque within days (not cashed).
The Police have pushed me around the system and now want to know how i found out it was found? (Another Plod sent an email) I even had a over the phone statement taker tell me “sorry I don’t know where you car is/why don’t you write to your MP”
Where do I go from here, a visit to the county headquarters to file an official complaint! ? Any advice gratefully received!
A letter directly to the Chief Constable from your local MP tends to get some action.
Contact the officer who confirmed it was recovered.
Ask him who is investigating these thefts. If its involving 100+ cars it's going to be a specialist department / crime team, not a single uniform officer.
Ask to speak to the head of that department.
Contact the officer who confirmed it was recovered.
Ask him who is investigating these thefts. If its involving 100+ cars it's going to be a specialist department / crime team, not a single uniform officer.
Ask to speak to the head of that department.
I'm an ex rozzer - left after 16 years in February to go into cybersecurity. My background is in organised crime and investigations so can understand what's happening
You should have a contact, a name I mean and contact method. There is a victim charter where they are obliged to update and speak with victims at a certain frequency. I think it's at least once every 28 days (or maybe 14 days - can't remember to be honest)
I always make the point that often an officer may be on training, or leave, or court, or sick etc and there may be a delay in replying. I always prided myself on contact but not all are like that.
Complaining is a very valid way of getting an answer. Call 101 and it gets categorised as a complaint call (same system as any other incident just a different category). It's allocated to duty inspector. They will likely pass to inspector from the team dealing.
It's not a big deal in terms of making a complaint, it works and I'd probably say that's the second option if you're not getting any answer or what you need from the contact so far
Edit: also just to add some context to complaint. Likely that if the allocated officer or DS is working they'll be asked what's happening with investigation. They'll then be asked to call you to update and resolve. Once done, inspector will add a note to complaint call and it's closed. Very simple and I say all this just as some are reluctant as they imagine it's a very big thing to complain - it's not, it's a really good way to sometimes get what you need. The police are screwed and under resourced, often messages are missed, commitments too much, resources badly managed. So complaining sometimes just highlights where their attention should be.
You should have a contact, a name I mean and contact method. There is a victim charter where they are obliged to update and speak with victims at a certain frequency. I think it's at least once every 28 days (or maybe 14 days - can't remember to be honest)
I always make the point that often an officer may be on training, or leave, or court, or sick etc and there may be a delay in replying. I always prided myself on contact but not all are like that.
Complaining is a very valid way of getting an answer. Call 101 and it gets categorised as a complaint call (same system as any other incident just a different category). It's allocated to duty inspector. They will likely pass to inspector from the team dealing.
It's not a big deal in terms of making a complaint, it works and I'd probably say that's the second option if you're not getting any answer or what you need from the contact so far
Edit: also just to add some context to complaint. Likely that if the allocated officer or DS is working they'll be asked what's happening with investigation. They'll then be asked to call you to update and resolve. Once done, inspector will add a note to complaint call and it's closed. Very simple and I say all this just as some are reluctant as they imagine it's a very big thing to complain - it's not, it's a really good way to sometimes get what you need. The police are screwed and under resourced, often messages are missed, commitments too much, resources badly managed. So complaining sometimes just highlights where their attention should be.
Edited by redrabbit29 on Saturday 3rd June 08:48
SimonTheSailor said:
Why can't you find it via tracker ?
It was stolen early evening, and discovered missing next morning, I hadn’t looked at my app for a couple of years so I phoned LR tracking services they said it’s working but then would not me see it as only police can then, as I told them someone nicked it, explanation baseball bats and all that ! Earthdweller said:
Can you confirm it’s still your Range Rover, you say the insurance has settled and paid out on it?
If that’s true then the whereabouts of someone else’s property is not your concern
Of course it’s my RR I’ve not cashed any cheque or agreed to their valuation/I’ve been hoping to get it back (ob not trashed) If that’s true then the whereabouts of someone else’s property is not your concern
tescorank said:
It was stolen early evening, and discovered missing next morning, I hadn’t looked at my app for a couple of years so I phoned LR tracking services they said it’s working but then would not me see it as only police can then, as I told them someone nicked it, explanation baseball bats and all that !
I assume your subscription had expired? If that is the case then yes they would assist the Police with the location on receipt of a formal request
They would not ordinarily tell a former customer, who to their knowledge may/may not be still the legitimate keeper of its location
tescorank said:
Earthdweller said:
Can you confirm it’s still your Range Rover, you say the insurance has settled and paid out on it?
If that’s true then the whereabouts of someone else’s property is not your concern
Of course it’s my RR I’ve not cashed any cheque or agreed to their valuation/I’ve been hoping to get it back (ob not trashed) If that’s true then the whereabouts of someone else’s property is not your concern
Why would they have sent you a settlement payment then if they hadn’t settled ?
Normally if the settlement figure is disputed payment isn’t authorised till it’s agreed/settled
Doesn’t make sense
tescorank said:
So a month ago my Range Rover stolen, Police found it via tracker and say it’s part of a larger case going on-25 in Sussex 80 in the South East!
So I’ve been trying for the last 3 weeks to find where it is ? Is it drivable ? As ultimately I may want it back-insurance have undervalued it £10k and sent a cheque within days (not cashed).
The Police have pushed me around the system and now want to know how i found out it was found? (Another Plod sent an email) I even had a over the phone statement taker tell me “sorry I don’t know where you car is/why don’t you write to your MP”
Where do I go from here, a visit to the county headquarters to file an official complaint! ? Any advice gratefully received!
Not dissimilar to when my Range was stolen.So I’ve been trying for the last 3 weeks to find where it is ? Is it drivable ? As ultimately I may want it back-insurance have undervalued it £10k and sent a cheque within days (not cashed).
The Police have pushed me around the system and now want to know how i found out it was found? (Another Plod sent an email) I even had a over the phone statement taker tell me “sorry I don’t know where you car is/why don’t you write to your MP”
Where do I go from here, a visit to the county headquarters to file an official complaint! ? Any advice gratefully received!
It was recovered, driveable, about 15 miles from my home. But instead of calling me to collect it, they had it shipped to a compound miles away. A lengthy complaint process later, the police conceded they shouldn't have done it and refunded my costs.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Your car was stolen three months ago end of March beginning of April, on the 4th May the insurance company gave you a “full and final settlement” and paid out
They deducted £5k from the amount (your words) from the settlement because YOU failed to notify the insurers of motoring convictions you had
It’s probably fair to say you’re lucky they paid out at all
Have I missed anything?
Your car was stolen three months ago end of March beginning of April, on the 4th May the insurance company gave you a “full and final settlement” and paid out
They deducted £5k from the amount (your words) from the settlement because YOU failed to notify the insurers of motoring convictions you had
It’s probably fair to say you’re lucky they paid out at all
Have I missed anything?
redrabbit29 said:
I'm an ex rozzer - left after 16 years in February to go into cybersecurity. My background is in organised crime and investigations so can understand what's happening
You should have a contact, a name I mean and contact method. There is a victim charter where they are obliged to update and speak with victims at a certain frequency. I think it's at least once every 28 days (or maybe 14 days - can't remember to be honest)
I always make the point that often an officer may be on training, or leave, or court, or sick etc and there may be a delay in replying. I always prided myself on contact but not all are like that.
Complaining is a very valid way of getting an answer. Call 101 and it gets categorised as a complaint call (same system as any other incident just a different category). It's allocated to duty inspector. They will likely pass to inspector from the team dealing.
It's not a big deal in terms of making a complaint, it works and I'd probably say that's the second option if you're not getting any answer or what you need from the contact so far
Edit: also just to add some context to complaint. Likely that if the allocated officer or DS is working they'll be asked what's happening with investigation. They'll then be asked to call you to update and resolve. Once done, inspector will add a note to complaint call and it's closed. Very simple and I say all this just as some are reluctant as they imagine it's a very big thing to complain - it's not, it's a really good way to sometimes get what you need. The police are screwed and under resourced, often messages are missed, commitments too much, resources badly managed. So complaining sometimes just highlights where their attention should be.
Thank you for your advice ! You should have a contact, a name I mean and contact method. There is a victim charter where they are obliged to update and speak with victims at a certain frequency. I think it's at least once every 28 days (or maybe 14 days - can't remember to be honest)
I always make the point that often an officer may be on training, or leave, or court, or sick etc and there may be a delay in replying. I always prided myself on contact but not all are like that.
Complaining is a very valid way of getting an answer. Call 101 and it gets categorised as a complaint call (same system as any other incident just a different category). It's allocated to duty inspector. They will likely pass to inspector from the team dealing.
It's not a big deal in terms of making a complaint, it works and I'd probably say that's the second option if you're not getting any answer or what you need from the contact so far
Edit: also just to add some context to complaint. Likely that if the allocated officer or DS is working they'll be asked what's happening with investigation. They'll then be asked to call you to update and resolve. Once done, inspector will add a note to complaint call and it's closed. Very simple and I say all this just as some are reluctant as they imagine it's a very big thing to complain - it's not, it's a really good way to sometimes get what you need. The police are screwed and under resourced, often messages are missed, commitments too much, resources badly managed. So complaining sometimes just highlights where their attention should be.
Edited by redrabbit29 on Saturday 3rd June 08:48
Initially when I discovered RR gone, I phoned 101 someone answered and I said do you wan reg no “no I only work on switchboard” so put through to answerphone which said leave details and they will get back to you in a hour-never happened 4 hrs late visit station who manually wrote in a book ! Like I was reporting a lost hand bag!
So eventually I had one emailing by the name “William” and another “William” different surnames (I think was a Micky mouse names for Old Bill) they never answered the two questions , where is it? Can I drive it? Then another office answered and said it’s found and part of this larger haul! But did answer the two questions and then the “Statement taker”
it will be shipped to a compound to secure any forensic opportunities, it may be retained if a criminal trial is ensuing to give the defence an opportunity to examine the (forensic) evidence themselves, in a case with multiple defendants, all parties are defended separately so all defence teams would need to have that opportunity.
Lots of things go on in the background of a criminal case and much of it cant be reported for sub-judice reasons
Lots of things go on in the background of a criminal case and much of it cant be reported for sub-judice reasons
Earthdweller said:
tescorank said:
It was stolen early evening, and discovered missing next morning, I hadn’t looked at my app for a couple of years so I phoned LR tracking services they said it’s working but then would not me see it as only police can then, as I told them someone nicked it, explanation baseball bats and all that !
I assume your subscription had expired? If that is the case then yes they would assist the Police with the location on receipt of a formal request
They would not ordinarily tell a former customer, who to their knowledge may/may not be still the legitimate keeper of its location
Earthdweller said:
tescorank said:
Earthdweller said:
Can you confirm it’s still your Range Rover, you say the insurance has settled and paid out on it?
If that’s true then the whereabouts of someone else’s property is not your concern
Of course it’s my RR I’ve not cashed any cheque or agreed to their valuation/I’ve been hoping to get it back (ob not trashed) If that’s true then the whereabouts of someone else’s property is not your concern
Why would they have sent you a settlement payment then if they hadn’t settled ?
Normally if the settlement figure is disputed payment isn’t authorised till it’s agreed/settled
Doesn’t make sense
Earthdweller said:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Your car was stolen three months ago end of March beginning of April, on the 4th May the insurance company gave you a “full and final settlement” and paid out
They deducted £5k from the amount (your words) from the settlement because YOU failed to notify the insurers of motoring convictions you had
It’s probably fair to say you’re lucky they paid out at all
Have I missed anything?
nothing, test start of April it disappeared, the Insurance ombudsman has awarded against the sort of deductions in the past, I ultimately want my vehicle back as previously mentioned! Your car was stolen three months ago end of March beginning of April, on the 4th May the insurance company gave you a “full and final settlement” and paid out
They deducted £5k from the amount (your words) from the settlement because YOU failed to notify the insurers of motoring convictions you had
It’s probably fair to say you’re lucky they paid out at all
Have I missed anything?
tescorank said:
Thank you for your advice !
Initially when I discovered RR gone, I phoned 101 someone answered and I said do you wan reg no “no I only work on switchboard” so put through to answerphone which said leave details and they will get back to you in a hour-never happened 4 hrs late visit station who manually wrote in a book ! Like I was reporting a lost hand bag!
Phones aren't great as if it's an office phone no one will use it as it's probably hot desking. If it's mobile it's still not great. Police mobiles are rubbish and I hated using them as the number of controls on it meant it was frustrating to use. Initially when I discovered RR gone, I phoned 101 someone answered and I said do you wan reg no “no I only work on switchboard” so put through to answerphone which said leave details and they will get back to you in a hour-never happened 4 hrs late visit station who manually wrote in a book ! Like I was reporting a lost hand bag!
Email is by far the best. Especially then you have a paper trail.
Not sure why they're writing in a book. Almost all the police is now digital. We didn't even use pocket notebooks or physical paper for anything when I left.
tescorank said:
So eventually I had one emailing by the name “William” and another “William” different surnames (I think was a Micky mouse names for Old Bill) they never answered the two questions , where is it? Can I drive it? Then another office answered and said it’s found and part of this larger haul! But did answer the two questions and then the “Statement taker”
No idea what this means. What do you mean Mickey mouse names - are you saying the two emails you think are false somehow?There should be a team allocated. Probably something like a CID team or Proactive unit that deal with things like burglary/robbery and vehicle crime. Something of that nature. That's based on your comment that it's part of a bigger investigation rather than left with a response officer who won't have time to do anything with it other than file it.
tescorank said:
So a month ago my Range Rover stolen, Police found it via tracker and say it’s part of a larger case going on-25 in Sussex 80 in the South East!
So I’ve been trying for the last 3 weeks to find where it is ? Is it drivable ? As ultimately I may want it back-insurance have undervalued it £10k and sent a cheque within days (not cashed).
The Police have pushed me around the system and now want to know how i found out it was found? (Another Plod sent an email) I even had a over the phone statement taker tell me “sorry I don’t know where you car is/why don’t you write to your MP”
Where do I go from here, a visit to the county headquarters to file an official complaint! ? Any advice gratefully received!
Just for clarity So I’ve been trying for the last 3 weeks to find where it is ? Is it drivable ? As ultimately I may want it back-insurance have undervalued it £10k and sent a cheque within days (not cashed).
The Police have pushed me around the system and now want to know how i found out it was found? (Another Plod sent an email) I even had a over the phone statement taker tell me “sorry I don’t know where you car is/why don’t you write to your MP”
Where do I go from here, a visit to the county headquarters to file an official complaint! ? Any advice gratefully received!
1. Your car was stolen over three months ago
2. The insurers didn’t send a cheque “within days” but several weeks after you reported it stolen in “full and final settlement”
They reduced the payout because you had a motoring conviction prior to commencement of the policy and failed to declare it (circs, penalty, points, not mentioned)
3. You’ve been trying to get LR to track and tell you where the vehicle is even though you do not have a contract with them for an active tracking system and indeed most likely don’t own the vehicle anyway
4. The Police will be in contact with the Insurers and will no doubt have been told that the insurers are now the owners of the seized property and as such any information regarding the location of the property and decision re it’s disposal will be be between the Police and insurers
Edit to Add: depending on circs Police may retain property for further examination and evidential reasons till AFTER Criminal matters have been concluded. I have known vehicles retained for several years in storage
I can see there’d be a concern as to why you are trying to find a location of something you no longer own ( in their view)
Some police rota garages (where recovered vehicles are usually initially taken) are well known local businesses, other storage areas are secure and the locations are not for public disclosure
Edited by Earthdweller on Saturday 3rd June 09:48
Sounds to me like you'd be better off taking the money and moving on with your life. The insurance co could argue you've effectively agreed to take a payout by negotiating on it rather than saying you'll hold out for the car. It could be months or more before the police can release the car, which will still be depreciating, and in the meantime you've got no car. You've no idea what condition it is in and there's a good chance it's now got an insurance marker on it. The chances of you getting back a car that's worth what you think it's worth now are low, and there's a decent chance that it'd be worth less than the payout. And now you're distracting the police from putting away the people who stole your car and other people's cars. Suck up the £5k as a reminder to tell your insurers about convictions, like you agreed to when you bought the insurance, cash the cheque before inflation erodes its value any further and go buy another car.
Personally I'd be very dubious even thinking about having it back. You don't know what state it will be in. Almost certainly it will have had pieces of the interior trim ripped out, they may have even cut a hole in the tailgate to access the canbus in order to steal it. Your key will probably no longer work where the car has been reprogrammed, it will not be in one piece.
I see this all the time, the police tell the owner they can collect their car after the forensic work has been concluded, from xyz garage etc. But fail to mention that the 'car' is smashed/stripped/trashed/unroadworthy or a combination of those things. It's a very rare day a stolen Range Rover is able to be driven away by the owner once it has been in the hands of professional car thieves.
I see this all the time, the police tell the owner they can collect their car after the forensic work has been concluded, from xyz garage etc. But fail to mention that the 'car' is smashed/stripped/trashed/unroadworthy or a combination of those things. It's a very rare day a stolen Range Rover is able to be driven away by the owner once it has been in the hands of professional car thieves.
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