Theft of locos

[cbeckett]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought under UK law, the "bought in good faith" argument didn't hold water in the courts, and items can still be confiscated - and even "aiding and abetting" can kick in. Particularly if the buyer was part of the scam, in a laundering-type fashion.

But, I wish the original owner gets his locos back. somehow!

 

[sparky230]

If these are the stollen locos, then under uk law they belong to the person who had them stolen or his/her insurance company if a claim has been made. Even if the seller on ebay has sold and dispatched one, the Unlucky buyer will find plod knocking on there door, If they are the stollen locos.

Seen it happen with Radio kit, in my other hobby as a Ham when stollen rigs have been sold on,

 

[cbeckett]

If these are the stollen locos, then under uk law they belong to the person who had them stolen or his/her insurance company if a claim has been made. Even if the seller on ebay has sold and dispatched one, the Unlucky buyer will find plod knocking on there door, If they are the stollen locos.

Seen it happen with Radio kit, in my other hobby as a Ham when stollen rigs have been sold on,

Thanks for confirming my assumptions/recollections. It is tough on the innocent buyer, but...fair on the poor victim.

 

[Nodrog1826]

Roundhouse loco is no longer for sale.

Seller ended the sale early due to error in listing.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roundhouse-Live-Steam-Engine-16mm-SM32-Radio-Control-/191475765939?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2c94d852b3

 

[Zerogee]

That's good news, another great example of the various branches, societies and forums in the hobby working together to achieve a good outcome. The sad thing is that they will probably never catch and punish the piece of scum that stole them in the first place.

I wonder who will end up out of pocket when all is resolved.... the auction house, or the unsuspecting eBay dealer?

Jon.

 

[stockers]

I can't imagine an auction house would deal with an unknown - they seem to pay by cheque or transfer these days - so all traceable. The Ebay dealer - who knows?

 

[chris m01]

Sounds like a good result and I hope they catch the bu**er responsible.

There is an element of buyer beware on all secondhand transactions. The simple principle is that ownership of an item can only be transferred by the lawful owner. If an item is stolen the thief is not the owner and therefore cannot transfer ownership to any buyer regardless of whether the buyer is completely innocent or not.

One thing to be aware of. If you have something stolen which is then found you may well have to prove to the police that it is yours. It is well worth having a record of all your stock with photos. It is worth putting a unique marking on every item (maybe you initials on the underside) and photographing this unique marking. Or alternatively your postcode with one of those special pens.

 

[The Devonian]

Good advice Chris. I am sure many here will, if they have not done so already, act upon your advice.

 

[daveyb]

i suppose if you buy and sell you will at times have problems with stolen goods, the seller has lost a good little earner and his time waisted

not to mention his collar felt

glad thought the owner will get his locos back

alarms and cctv me thinks may be in order

 

[KandNWLR]

I hope that the owner really does get his locos back. It´s also a proof of the value of community such as our own.