Rant......and a question..

[nilagin]

From the original post!

"How about making the thief sell his tidy 5-door hatch (with nice alloys) to pay?"

....and I think it is entirely fair that thieving scum should be deprived of their property to compensate their victims.

I agree, in cases like this or people who make a life out of ill gotten gains, should have all their assets seized and sold off as recompense to victims or pay court costs and policing.

 

[Mag1cp2x]

I believe the vehicle in this instance is the offenders car!

Steve

From the original post!

"How about making the thief sell his tidy 5-door hatch (with nice alloys) to pay?"

....and I think it is entirely fair that thieving scum should be deprived of their property to compensate their victims.

If the 5-door hatchback was not owned by a finance or leasing company or the offender has other assets a Small Claims action in the County Court costing £35 would still be the obvious, easy and cheap option to take but it would still be necessary to establish the market value of the stolen motorbike.

 

[Tigger.ufo]

I don't think establishing the maket value of the VICTIMS vehicle is relevent as it is the repair costs that he is out of pocket by.

 

[Mag1cp2x]

I don't think establishing the maket value of the VICTIMS vehicle is relevent as it is the repair costs that he is out of pocket by.

It remains the market value of the vehicle that the court will adjudicate by. Costs of repairs are highly debatable ; e.g., has the property such sentimental value to the owner that they will pay far more for its restoration that it is worth. An insurance company will only pay out what the property is worth if its value is less than the cost of repairing.
I had a very reliable 15 year old Mondeo that I owned from new and had never given me any trouble, its Glass' Guide value was £350. The drive belt was overdue for replacing which would have cost about £500. If I'd had this done the market value of the car would still have been £350.