Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

[tinkerbelllovespink]

Hey all, please could someone help as am very distressed. I inherited a valuable cello bow from my grandfather back in 1996. Recently I have been in financial hardship and decided to sell it.I took it to a trader in Birmingham who offered an insulting price.I went to collect it yesterday and they refused to return in saying that a bow of the same maker had been stolen recently, they had informed the police and they would not be able to return it to me.The bow is completely absolutely MY possession.I asked if I could speak to the police in charge and they disappeared out the back and made some phone calls.I was able to produce avaluation document at the time proving I own it.They REFUSE to return it until the woman whos bows confirms it isnt hers - which she apparently already has from description of her bow. They REFUSE to provide a police incident number.Not only am I being accused of theft but they have stolen my belongings!Where do I stand legally???

[enquirer]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

(1) This is a crime. Make a complaint of theft to the police. If they say it's 'only a civil matter', don't believe them and press harder. Make sure you get a crime number.

(2) It is also a civil matter. You may sue them in the County Court for the return of your property.

What was the value of the bow? If it was significant, you can point this out when you report the item as stolen.

[tinkerbelllovespink]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

Significantly valuable: valued at 3.5k

[enquirer]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

Deleted.

[enquirer]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

Significantly valuable: valued at 3.5k

Jeepers. Go to the police pronto. Produce your valuation document, but don't part with it. Take a photocopy and give it to them if they want that.

[tinkerbelllovespink]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

Since I produced evidence I own the item seems no reason for them to retain it. Surely it should be in police custody if was suspected stolen? Also there accusations must libelous

[miliitant]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

Dont want to sound alarmist but

the dealer might have allready sold the bow and spinning you a line

i would go to the local police station where the dealer is located and ask if their is a crime reference number,
and for you to report the theft of the bow by the dealer

[tinkerbelllovespink]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

Where do I stand legally? Are they allowed to keep my possessions if they believe they are stolen

[miliitant]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

the police are

the dealer no

[tinkerbelllovespink]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

Thanks. I have asked them to produce an incident number so I can clear my name but they have refused

[miliitant]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

as sugested

go to the local police station and request the crime number

tell them you need it for your insurance company if they become difficult

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

where in birmingham (general area) and I will find out as much as I can for you (police stations, telephone numbers that sorta thing)

[bluebottle]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

Any problems with the muppet on the front desk of the police station, ask to speak to the Duty Officer, usually, an Inspector. Failing this, ask to speak to the Superintendent in charge of the station. If you have to escalate a complaint the usual route is -

Duty Officer -> Superintendent in charge of station -> Divisional Commander (Chief Superintendent) -> Chief Constable -> IPCC.

Go into the police station with this clearly written on a piece of paper and make sure the Duty Officer can see it. You would be surprised how quickly their attitude changes when they see it.

[tinkerbelllovespink]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

Thank you all so much. Had hoped could get my bow back by shouting some legal jargon at them. They are located on gibb st, central Birmingham

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: Help! Accused of theft and my possessions themselves stolen!

West Midlands Police Headquaters

Lloyd House 2 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands B4 6NQ

0345 113 5000



Apparently they have no loo roll so be careful msl:

Gibb St Birmingham, West Midlands, UK

	1. Head northeast on Gibb St toward Heath Mill Ln
		364 ft
	2. Take the 1st right onto Heath Mill Ln
		443 ft
	3. Turn right onto High Street Deritend/B4100Continue to follow B4100
		0.5 mi
	4. Turn left to stay on B4100
		0.3 mi
	5. Slight left onto Chapel St/B4114Continue to follow B4114
		0.2 mi
	6. Take the ramp to A38(M)/M6/A38/A4540/Coventry/Wolverhampton/Bromsgrove/Ring road
		276 ft
	7. Merge onto James Watt Queensway
		305 ft
	8. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit
		344 ft
	9. Merge onto St. Chads Queensway/A38 via the ramp to M5/St Chads/Bromsgrove
		499 ft
	10. Slight left onto St. Chads Queensway/A4400
		0.1 mi
	11. Take the 2nd left onto Snow Hill Queensway
		0.1 mi
	12. Turn left onto Colmore Circus QueenswayDestination will be on the left
		98 ft

West Midlands Police Headquaters Lloyd House 2 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands B4 6NQ, United Kingdom