Panter
Just call me Chris...
- Location
- Sittingbourne, Kent
Hostage? sounds more like theft to me!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Bike held hostage! Any trained negotiators here?
- Thread starter Sara_H
- Start date
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steve52
I'm back! Yippeee
- Location
- bottesford scunthorpe
theft cause offence,NOTE cause not commit 
mickle
innit
- Location
- 53.933606, -1.076131
I'll call him if you like.
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Like everyone else on here, I think this sounds distinctly dodgy.
Radchenister's advice seems like the right thing to do to start with, and a word with trading standards about it might be a good idea too, followed by the police if required.
Radchenister's advice seems like the right thing to do to start with, and a word with trading standards about it might be a good idea too, followed by the police if required.
Rob3rt
Man or Moose!
- Location
- Manchester
I would go round his house and knock on the door and say, I have come to collect my bike, please return it, now. If he refuses, call the police (not on 999) and ask them to attend the scene. Trading standards, solicitors etc sounds like a mighty waste of time and effort.
I'll call him as well. Let's do a campaign for you.
OP
OP
Sara_H
Guru
We could flash mob him!
If you'd like. Where do you live? I see it's Yorkshire and I visit Hull and Leeds fairly regularly if it's round there. I don't go to Sheffield though but I'm in Holmfirth Friday/Saturday to see the Mighty Lee Perry.
OP
OP
Sara_H
Guru
You're all very kind for offering to help.
My current cunning plan is to turn up unannounced and ask for bike. If refused I'm going to ask directly if it's damaged/ if he's still got it.
Essentially I'm saying I want it back or I want the cost of the bike off him. Anyone know what a 1987 Dawes Galaxy goes for these days?
My current cunning plan is to turn up unannounced and ask for bike. If refused I'm going to ask directly if it's damaged/ if he's still got it.
Essentially I'm saying I want it back or I want the cost of the bike off him. Anyone know what a 1987 Dawes Galaxy goes for these days?
brucers
Guru
- Location
- Scunthorpe
I would not bother with Trading Standards or solicitors...they are not going to get your bike back. Police might. By all means report him to trading standards after you've sorted your issue, and on the off chance to business rates/council tax plus Inland Revenue!
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Hang on, the shop is round the corner, why haven't you been in and asked for it back. Take a big d lock and start swinging it, he will know you mean business.
As for not getting parts, he is having a laugh. Any other cyclists near you to go in with ?
As for not getting parts, he is having a laugh. Any other cyclists near you to go in with ?
OP
OP
Sara_H
Guru
We're too polite for our own good. I know it sounds stupid, if I weren't me I'd laugh at myself for being so stupid.
Planning to start the no more Ms Nice Guy routine later.
summerdays
Cycling in the sun
- Location
- Bristol
Just turn up and ask for it - I doubt he is taking her out for the entire day ... after all how long does it take to hand over a bike that is OK. If it is in bits then say you would like to pick it up on Saturday (which gives him today to take out his other half, and tomorrow to fix the bike). Anything else start negotiating.
CopperCyclist
Veteran
Radchenister's advice is the best to start with.
You may not get a lot of initial joy with the police as its verging on a civil matter - this doesn't mean they won't be able to do anything, but for he police to be involved they have to be satisfied that there is a crime (theft) and two plausible (if not reasonable for you) excuses as to why he couldn't return it don't quite add up to it. After Radchenister's suggestion, that should however be enough if he's still making excuses. If you do phone for police help, mention its not a 'proper' business and he just works from his basement as this muddies the waters somewhat too.
Personally though, I'd play it by a different tact. I'd send him a letter (recorded delivery) stating that you will be round at a particular time, on a particular day (make it reasonable) to pick the bike up, after the two previous failed attempts. After this day, you will charge him £20 a day to cover travel costs whilst you don't have the bike, which you will be claiming through the small claims court. I bet he will give it back then like a shot.
You may not get a lot of initial joy with the police as its verging on a civil matter - this doesn't mean they won't be able to do anything, but for he police to be involved they have to be satisfied that there is a crime (theft) and two plausible (if not reasonable for you) excuses as to why he couldn't return it don't quite add up to it. After Radchenister's suggestion, that should however be enough if he's still making excuses. If you do phone for police help, mention its not a 'proper' business and he just works from his basement as this muddies the waters somewhat too.
Personally though, I'd play it by a different tact. I'd send him a letter (recorded delivery) stating that you will be round at a particular time, on a particular day (make it reasonable) to pick the bike up, after the two previous failed attempts. After this day, you will charge him £20 a day to cover travel costs whilst you don't have the bike, which you will be claiming through the small claims court. I bet he will give it back then like a shot.
