Washing machine removed – Crime or Not?

Washing machine removed – Crime or Not?

13:37 PM, 1st December 2014, About 11 years ago 12

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My son has a couple of rental properties. The tenant of one of them has finally quit following expiry of the Section 21 Notice. He is about £1,000 behind with the rent. The property was left in a disgusting state with litter everywhere and a child’s scrawlings on some walls. The flat needs to be completely redecorated.

On top of this, he has removed a £700 Bosch washing machine, without consent. My son reported this to the police, but they feel that it is not their job to act as a bailiff and seize goods. They suggested that he withhold the bond guaranteed by the council, but that won’t even cover the unpaid rent..

My question is whether or not a crime has been committed, i.e. theft of goods, and if so, should the police be expected to follow this up with the tenant.?

Malcolmwashing machine


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Philip Savva

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Member Since February 2014 - Comments: 35

8:55 AM, 6th December 2014, About 11 years ago

Apart from the obvious! Theft! May I suggest you do not install £700 washing machines in any rental properties, you can instead install washing machine seconds for between £130-£200 in perfect working order, which may have some cosmetics defects! Does it matter? Then if they are stolen, deduct the cost from the deposit or bond, problem solved!

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Neil Robb

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Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 348

14:26 PM, 6th December 2014, About 11 years ago

Hi

Theft to permanently deny the rightful owner of there property. Unfortunately the police just wont do anything unless they are forced to.

I wrote on this forum earlier this year explaining it all and the lack of action by the police. I have been told the case has gone to the CPS I fully intend to put in an official complaint to the police authority.

The individual took my possessions / property in Apr 14 witnessed by neighbours across the street to another property. Then claimed to fake a break in when I contacted her to ask why my items had been removed.

The police were charging her with faking a break in and wasting police time. They would not prosecute for the theft of items I insisted and still waiting to hear end result still have not had my items return.

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