A CHURCH minister has complained that he was forced to pay to be a victim after leading police to his stolen car and getting a £150 bill for its return.
Rev Dr Martin Fair had a black box tracking device on his Vauxhall Corsa, which meant that when it was stolen from outside his home he could lead police to its exact location.
Martin, who is the minister at St Andrew’s parish church in Arbroath, Angus, was told forensic officers would check the car over before he could collect it.
The married father-of-three was then left stunned after being told he would have to foot a £150 bill to cover the cost of it being towed and stored.
The Church of Scotland minister said the country “sucks when you have to pay for being the victim”.
Martin says the situation is even more irritating as, being a minister, he cannot even swear.
Writing publicly on Facebook, Martin said: “Have been totally calm about our car getting nicked etc – until now.
“I was able to tell the police exactly where the car had been driven to (black box etc) and having found it they took it away for forensic investigation etc. I have now learned that I can go and get it but that it will cost me £150 to get it back!
“There are times when being a minister really sucks because all of the best swear words are denied to me.
“But more seriously this country sucks when you have to pay for being the victim.”
Speaking to a local paper, he added: “It was a shock but I had to hand it over or I wouldn’t get my car back.
“I understand the process but I think most people would think this just adds insult to injury. Most people will be unaware of it. It’s unjust.”
Under the Road Traffic Order 1997, police have the power to recover and remove stolen cars to make sure they are not damaged or stolen again.
But the vehicle owner is responsible for the cost of cars being recovered.
Drivers can often claim the money back on their insurance, but many do not because of the high excess costs involved, and the risk of losing a no claims bonus.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “There will be occasions where a stolen vehicle is required to be seized for scenes of crime examination.
“In most cases of removal, Police Scotland does not pay for vehicle recovery or removal costs and the owner or the owner’s insurance policy would meet these costs.
“However, in some circumstances police may be liable for recovery costs and the owner of the vehicle should contact Police Scotland where the matter will be assessed.”
The spokeswoman added: “We can confirm that a 34-year-old man has been charged in connection with the theft of a Vauxhall Corsa from an address in Grampian Gardens, Arbroath on February 18, 2017.”
