A customer recently refused to return a courtesy vehicle to a Lawgistics member who informed the customer consent to use the car was withdrawn, and our member then contacted the police.
The car was located on the customer’s driveway and the police informed our member that they would only get involved if the customer were to move the vehicle.
‘Twocking’ has found its way into modern parlance and is slang for T(aking) W(ithout) O(wner’s) C(onsent). It is the legal offence with which car thieves may be charged under the Theft Act 1968, specifically section 12; Taking motor vehicle or other conveyance without authority. Punishment for twocking ranges from a fine to six months imprisonment. A person does not commit an offence however, by anything done in the belief they have lawful authority to do it, or that they would have the owners consent if the owner knew they were doing it and the circumstances of it.
If you consult the Police in relation to a refusal to return a courtesy vehicle you will likely face the same response, depending upon circumstances. If you are in the same predicament, withdraw your consent for the use, advise your insurers and by all means consult the police if it is the case the customer has received their own vehicle back and has kept the courtesy vehicle not as leverage in the face of an ongoing dispute but for vindictive sake.
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