Non-Paying Customers

[BUNGYSTRAP]

Remove the skin from the soles of their feet and make them do a River Dance in a bucket of salt. They will pay!

[NKT]

Since the definition of theft is "to deprive someone permently of their property", you could write a letter saying that you require the lock back, and you will come and collect it on such-and-such a time.

If they deny you the lock back, you can have them arrested. You have already "arranged" to collect it after they have had it for longer than allowed, and the goods are yours, as stated in the terms and conditions.

State that the other way is to pay the balance of £xxx in cash on or before that time.

You might also say you will re-secure the property afterwards, and that they may need to call a locksmith to gain entry... but that would be naughty!

Someone should run this past a policeman and a lawyer before trying it, though.

[oldlock]

Once you fit something to someones property whether it be a lock or a toilet you cannot remove it again as it is classed as criminal damage, however since they have not paid for it you can prevent them using it .. hence the lock blocker, the grey legal area occurs if in doing so you prevent them access to their property - however seeing as the police are not likely to be remotely interested in a ' civil matter ' then I would always give the lock blocker a try- - just have all your paperwork to hand in case they call the police ..

Paul

[NKT]

I should think that jamming the lock would be the worst thing to do (in the UK) since you would be falsely imprisoning them, which is big jail time, as well as preventing safe egress in the event of a fire...

As with the wheel clamp thread, removing something without damage is not criminal damage, and it isn't theft, as you still own it.

[MStoddart]

Can any of you recommend a debt collection agency please? I've an outstanding part of a debt that I want to sell off in the next week or so, any names, contact numbers etc would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Unlock-IT]

Best thing to do if you are looking for a debt recovery agency in your area is to do an internet search. There are quite a few reputable companies in your area who are very proffesional in their work, who I am sure wil be willing to take on the debt on your behalf. Don't forget to add to the bill any interest that is owed on the account and any costs you may incure. Search for :- debt recovery, private bailiff companies, or variations of the same theme.

Hope this helps

[acl]

Mstoddart,i have used a guy from Oxen before ill see if i can find you a number
Andy

[MStoddart]

Thanks to both Unlock-IT and acl (I've pm'd you) for your help.

[helix]

It is easy enough for you to pull out a half-key if it is
in a lock, right?

Give some kid five bucks to stick a half key in their lock,
then call them the next day politely asking for your money.

When they abuse you and tell you that you have done something
to their lock, helpfully ask them to describe the problem to you,
and explain that you have encountered this before.

"From what you've told me", you say, "It sounds as if some kid with a
blue shirt has put something in there at 7:35 last night... I've had this problem before.
Turns out that it was REALLY easy to fix and even easier
to make sure that it doesn't happen again"

Anyway, it's still your lock.

I AM NOT A LOCKSMITH AND KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE LAW.
... But that's what I'do.

[79commando]

I find that people that dont pay tend to find their lock made inoperative by a misterious person. If you then park 50m up the street and await the next locksmith to arrive before briefing them on the lack of payment they soon pay up. Take the money, drive away and let them await a third locksmith to arrive. It tends to spoil their day.