This is daylight robbery! Minister’s fury at £150 bill to get his stolen car back

A MINISTER led police to the exact location of his stolen car – only to be landed with a £150 bill to get it back.

Church of Scotland clergyman Martin Fair was dismayed when his Vauxhall Corsa was taken from outside his home.

However, the car was fitted with a tracking device, meaning he was able to tell police exactly where it was.

Cops found the car and apprehended a 34-year-old who has been charged with theft.

Married dad-of-three Martin, 52, was told the car had to be checked over by forensic officers before he could collect it from a private garage.

However, when he went to pick it up he was stunned to be told he had to pay £150 to cover the cost of it being towed and stored.

“It was a nasty surprise,” said Martin, who leads the congregation at St Andrew’s Parish Church in Arbroath, Angus.

“It was a bit of a shock but I had to hand it over or else I wouldn’t get my car back.

“I understand the process but I think most people would think this just adds insult to injury.

“I think most people will be unaware of it. It’s unjust.”

Although he was unhappy with the bill, Martin stressed the police officers he dealt with were “excellent and very professional”.

Now he faces a wait to find out if his insurance company will cover the cost.

Hugh Bladon, spokesman for the Alliance of British Drivers, was “utterly astounded” to hear that victims could be hit with recovery costs to get their stolen cars back.

He said: “It’s absolutely ridiculous.

“If the police want the public on their side, this is the last thing they should do. This guy actually helped the police do their job. They should be rewarding him.

“It’s unbelievable.”

Hundreds of drivers across Scotland are understood to have been hit with the levy.

Although many will be entitled to claim the money back on their insurance, often they do not do so because they still have to pay a high excess and do not want to lose their no claims bonus.

Under the Road Traffic Order 1997, police have the power to recover and remove stolen cars to make sure they are not damaged or re-stolen.

However, current legislation and case law states that the vehicle owner is responsible for the cost of cars being recovered.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman 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.”