Being pursued regarding 'stolen' rib 7 years later?? - Help!

[thomas]

From what I gather the current owner has found out it's stollen, as it came up when he tried to sell it and is pursuing it, not sure if the original owner is involved yet.

I'd be wanting to see crime numbers and dates along with proof of ownership from when it was stollen before I started incurring costs, I also think chatting to the police is not a bad idea, if it is a scam then you'll want to talk to them and if not then they can be very helpful but you actually need to go and see them as they're terrible on the phone.

[biffer]

Well it seems you've made your mind up so good luck and hope it works out for you. I still think my way would get results quicker and you can always revert back to what you're planning to do if nothing comes of it. My advice is based on nearly 40 years of doing business

sent from a remote device

[BruceB]

Surely if you ask for information supporting the claim made first without prejudice any legal action would be looked on as unjustifiable by the courts in the meantime.

It is not unreasonable to want to see some proof of a debt owed, which is what this effectively is, before sending money or going into a court.

I think, if it was me, before I spent any money I would be asking for details of the original theft and details of the basis of the claim made. ie how much the loss was to the present owner and details how after 6 years (the limitation normally) that I was responsible.

Its not unreasonable to ask for this before instructing a solicitor to see what the case actually is.

[captnjack]

I would ask to see their evidence it was stolen before doing anything which costs you at all. Unless you have access to free legal advice from a friend or something who could advise how not to prejudice your possible future case. Basically call their bluff via certified mail.

(not in your country, different statute of limitations here, and we have titles and such on boats)

[MikeCC]

May have been suggested previously but I'd first of all check what the statute of limitations is in relation to 'stolen' goods. If it's 6 years, then there's nothing to be done. If that is the case, then your buyer can sell the boat although his buyer may want some sort of title indemnity.

If that doesn't apply, just write to the solicitor asking for details of how and where they found the 'stolen' boat details. I'd be especially interested in knowing when the theft was notified at whatever source they used. Just as important is how they determined that it is in fact the same boat.

You don't need a solictor for either of the above unless it goes further.

If he's had it for 7 years, you had it for one and the previous owner for 2 years, that's getting on for 10 years since it was stolen! I'm not sure he can ask for all his money back having had 7 years use of the boat in the meantime.

[Pikey Dave]

If a letter dropped on my doorstep out of the blue demanding ten grand, which in this case is all that's happened up to now, my first response would be "ok prove you're due to it". Don't be phased by the 14 day threat, they're just having a punt that you might roll over. Reply asking to see proof. As the others have said, insurance claims from the original owner, crime numbers etc. Once they add some provenance to their claim, then start spending money on solicitors. Make 'em work for it. You need to know what you're up against before you can act.

[Blue Lightning]

I have now written to them asking them to substantiate their claim and to provide full documentary evidence. Watch this space ....

[Tino]

Originally Posted by Blue Lightning

I have now written to them asking them to substantiate their claim and to provide full documentary evidence. Watch this space ....

May I suggest that continuing to discuss this matter in a public forum such as this may not be in your best interest. There is a good chance that your perspective adversary(s) may be able to access this forum and this may prejudice your case.

"A shut mouth catches no flies!"

[Dry Run]

Originally Posted by Tino

May I suggest that continuing to discuss this matter in a public forum such as this may not be in your best interest. There is a good chance that your perspective adversary(s) may be able to access this forum and this may prejudice your case.

"A shut mouth catches no flies!"

Can't see much harm in it myself?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by thomas

From what I gather the current owner has found out it's stollen

Can't see what the fuss is about, it's only a cake

[Bigmuz7]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Can't see what the fuss is about, it's only a cake

LoL .. lost on many I'm sure

Dont see a problem either

[willk]

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

LoL .. lost on many I'm sure

Currants/hot cakes/selling?

Do tell....

[Poly]

Originally Posted by willk

Currants/hot cakes/selling?

Do tell....

Its not like you to miss a pun / spelling error joke:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stollen

[willk]

Originally Posted by Polwart

Its not like you to miss a pun / spelling error joke:

Stollen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ah! Thanks. I'd never have got that. Kerny, maybe...

[kerny]

Originally Posted by willk

Ah! Thanks. I'd never have got that. Kerny, maybe...

These German jibes are getting a bit

Schweinhund's

[tony t]

Originally Posted by kerny

These German jibes are getting a bit

Schweinhund's

Once a German always German them FOCKERS are in the air again everybody

[tinker]

I would just ignore the letter until its presented in a way i couldnt deny delivery. 7 years is a long time, who's to say it wasnt reported stolen and then found? Any cliam would have gone through an insurance company.....

If this case get anywhere then it has frightening implications for all non registered and recorded valuable items.....the scam possibilities are endless.

[lightning]

Is there any update on this, as it's been nearly two months since the original letter?

[lightning]

Any update at all?

[lightning]

I guess not then!