Any policemen on here? stolen bike what would you do?

[coco69]

To cut a long story very short I have a son who we are having serious problems with, already diagnosed with adhd and being diagnosed for many more...all behavioural.
Anyway my wifes bike was stolen out of the garage (no forced entry) and we know it was him (reported to police).....I have been trying to find the bike and low and behold I have found it on ebay less than 10 miles from me..
Need help here as the best way to go round it as sure my son sold it for money for god know what hmm

 

[classic33]

If you're certain its yours, arrange an inspection of the bike before buying it/bidding on it, confirm it & report the matter to the police. You have the case number to go with.

 

[coco69]

Def hers.....would you message them to tell them that its my wifes bike to give the opportunity to give it back ( if the seller did not know it was stolen)

 

[coco69]

my son is 13, social services are already heavily involved (he is a level 4)...................police did not charge him as we had no proof and he denied it.

Getting the bike back...is it worth messaging them as above

 

[roadrash]

Do you know if the seller bought it off your son or is it possible they are selling it on behalf of your son , if you know what i mean

 

[stephec]

Report it straightaway.

If the seller isn't completely honest the bike might disappear if he knows you're onto him.

If he's legit then he might help the police to trace the bikes travels.

 

[coco69]

Cheers for all quick advice i really appreciate it...will call police and go from there.....horrible situation

 

[ianrauk]

Have you proof that the bike is yours. ie Frame number etc

 

[steveindenmark]

Send them a message right now and tell them it is just what you are looking for and arrange to go and see it tomorrow. If it is yours tell the seller it is stolen. If they dont want to give it back call the police while you are there.

They may have bought it in good faith but from a 13 year old, I doubt it.

 

[coco69]

She got it from cycle to work so sure i could trace it.....i know its only words but i know its hers..same pedals on..same position speedo sensor and holder etc....

 

[classic33]

As per steveindenmarks' reply

 

[coco69]

Yes i agree.....still inform the police though?

 

[Big Nick]

Is there a decent possibility that your son didn't steal it? if so report it to the police as the seller may be the thief

If you're sure he did steal it and want to criminalise him report it to the police and press charges, if you don't report it to the police so they can get it back and say you don't wish to press charges against your son

If you don't want the police involved, go and get it from the 'seller' and take proof of ownership with you, if he refuses to hand it over threaten calling the cops and that should be the leverage you need if the seller is dodgy.

 

[classic33]

There is also the added problem that if payments are still being made on it, through the C2W scheme, legally its not your wifes either.

 

[Brandane]

If you're sure he did steal it and want to criminalise him report it to the police and press charges, if you don't report it to the police so they can get it back and say you don't wish to press charges against your son

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Unless things have changed in the last ten years; the Police are NOT a property recovery service. If they get involved in these matters, and there is evidence to press charges, then they are duty bound to press charges.
If the complainer in this case was to withhold evidence to prevent such charges being made, then they could find themselves charged with wasting Police time or attempting to pervert the course of justice.