one of his heavies said "We will do whatever it takes to take the car today even if it means getting our hands dirty"

had a phone call from the police officer last night, explaining that it is categorically not theft and it is a civil matter. His sergant confirmed the same.

Mightymouse: The car wasn't driven away as it has no engine in it!

He has given me some advice regarding the defendants rights to keep hold of the car, which seems that he doesn't have any, as he surrendoured control of the vehicle when he dropped it off to me. Today, I instructed him to write a letter to the company to try and negotiate an out of court settlement.

Trying to get my car back from him! He hasnt responded to any letters. I've only recently got a solicitor involved.

Surfer01 - The £9000 was the inflated invoice for £4700 + £30 a day storage since August!

hi all, Thanks for your help on this. I did contact the police at the time and the office gave me a crime number. He wasn't prepared to deal with it though as it isn't "motor vehicle theft", it's a technicality on a TWOC.

No, they referred me to the Technical Offences Team within Companies House who I have reported them to.

Hello, yes I've reported it to trading standards who have advised me that he does not have a legal lien on the vehicle and they advised me to issue a return of goods order which I have done.

Hi, In May this year, I took my vehicle to a local car sprayer for a complete respray. I got a written quote from them for £2000. 8 weeks later, he returned the car to me and upon inspection, I realised that the work was less than sub-standard. I voiced my concerns to the trader who claimed all of which was unfounded. Two days later, he and 9 others arrived and took my car away by force and by threat. I informed the police but they explained that it was a civil matter and not criminal. At this point I had not parted with any money. The next day, I receive an invoice (undated) from the trader for the sum of £4700+VAT+ £30 a day storage fees! Having done checks on this company, I have since found out that this company is in fact declared as Dormant (non-trading) and have been for 3 years. I have issued a return of goods order for the vehicle but the trader has counterclaimed for non payment of invoice to the tune of £9000 including interest, storage, extra work etc. Any advice would be gratefully received. Many Thanks, J Ruffle