Newlyn seized a strangers car? Please help!!

[alexc]

Hi all, first time post.

Missed a council tax payment and was sent a letter by Newlyn, fair enough. I called them once to inform them that their payment system wasn't working online and they said no problem try again tomorrow. That was two days ago. Today I woke up and found a Notice Of Distress informing me they had seized a red Fiat Punto, and were selling it if the balance was not paid in the next 5 days. The council tax balance is 243.76, I can pay this off that's not the real issue.

The thing is I don't own a red Fiat, I don't even drive. I don't know anyone who lives on this street and no-one I know drives a red Fiat. So they have grabbed a stranger's car and are now, I am guessing, charging me for it. What should I do? Obviously I am not paying the removal fee for the car, nor am I intent on paying any kind of appearance fee for Newlyn. I was awake, at home the whole morning, there is no way I could have missed them ringing my doorbell ( my flat is small haha) . They literally took this car then left this letter. What should I do and what can I do?

Thanks all, please help me get this sorted out, someone's car is missing!

Alex

edited for grammer.

[ploddertom]

Re: Newlyn seized a strangers car? Please help!!

They won't have removed it unless of course they have left a Removal of Goods Notice (Form 9). I assume what they have left you is a Notice of Seizure (Form 7) which should list the details of the car, it should also have a list of the charges they have applied on it - might be on the reverse.

What Newlyn have done is a classic trick by a numpty Bailiff. Seize a random motor and charge you a small fortune as his beer tokens have run out. There are several critical reports from the LGO about this sort of practice but some of the ignoramuses still persist in doing it. Would like to see their faces if they did remove it as they would be committing theft - they can't hide behind their Certificate for something that is so obviously avoidable.

What I would do is pay the Council direct what you owe + £24-50 which is all the Bailiff should be entitled to charge you. If it were me I would ignore his seizure and let him find out himself - why should you do his work for him. You may pay the Council direct using online banking, Council website or automated phone. If the numpty comes visiting do not open the door to him or engage in any conversation.