Reply To: Police search for men after taking car from garage without paying for repairs

[brad doulton]

We have seen a fair bit of this in the past in this area from travellers.
They would book the vehicle in for work, then when they turn up, they would add extra jobs, and when the vehicle is ready, they would ask for time to pay.
When this is refused, they then get aggressive, and tell you to remove the parts and give the vehicle back in the same state. Obviously this can’t be done, so then the descend mob handed on the premises and threaten violence.
This has happened several times in east Kent that i am aware of, and we had one try it with us.
Luckily, the bill was so small, that i just let it go as it’s not worth having your garage burnt down over a few hundred quid.
Since this has happened to us, if i suspect any sort of problem may occur with anyone, then we ask for a deposit for the parts upon booking, and give a lead time of 3-4 weeks.
Sorts the men from the chaf.

And just before anyone says the obvious, no, i am not saying that all travellers are the same.