BS: help - I am starting to panic

Subject: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 06:15 PM

A letter arrived through my door today from Essex Police regarding "Intention to Prosecute". However, it was addressed to someone who I have never heard of, and who does not, and as far as I am aware, has never lived at my address.

The offence was in respect of a vehicle I have never owned a Mercedes C63 AMG AUTO, which was driven on 9/11/2014, when I was at home. My last car, which has been off the road for more than a year, and has just been sold for scrap was a Vauxhall Corsa,

The police have sent me a form asking for the identity of the driver, or asking the mysterious Martin Ryzio. However, the only question I can answer is the name of the driver, as this is the name provided by the police. The letter says that I can be prosecuted for not providing the information, even though I do not have a clue as per the persons address etc.

The letter also say that the police will not disccuss this with me as it forms part of an active investigation.

What do I need to do? Can I be prosecuted in Martin Rozio's absence? Can I be accused of given a false name? Should I worry about this? If Martin Ryzio doe snot respond do th epolice have the power to break down my door with an arrest warrant?

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Jack Campin
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 06:29 PM

Giving a fake address when stopped by the cops must be routine enough that they'll know what to do about it.

It's not like they're suspecting you of having an unlicenced TV.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Ed T
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 06:30 PM

It seems to me that, in matters like this the police woukd deal with people directly, not through letters.

I would contact the police directly. It could be an early phase of a scam?

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 06:36 PM

I can only think of two possibilities:

The driver/owner used my address to register the vehicle - as far as I know DVLC do not bother to check if the person actually lives at the address.

DVLC have got the address wrong in their database.

This has got me so stressed, I can't sleep and I need to go to a consultation meeting tomorrow so I need to be very mentally alert.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 06:41 PM

Write back explaining that the person named does not live at that address and is unknown to you, and that you have never owned the vehicle concerned. Send your letter by recorded delivery, and keep a copy.

Then wait.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 06:43 PM

Play a totally straight bat and be completely open. You've done nowt so you'll be OK. It must be horrible for you and you have my sympathy, but it will pass.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 06:45 PM

http://www.driving-law.co.uk/terms/intended_prosecution.asp

Notice of Intended Prosecution can be given by letter - it's probably not a scam.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 07:35 PM

There is a process for dealing with this on the DVLA website

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,,gargoyle
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 08:06 PM

Resumé
by Dorthy Parker (USA)

Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

QT

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: gnu
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 08:29 PM

"A letter arrived through my door today..." No, it didn't. End of story. Except for using it in the hob.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 11:27 PM

Let us know how it turns out, and take deep breaths, into a paper bag if you have to.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Nov 14 - 11:39 PM

Defend yourself against those nazis. Buy a gun. Oh, no, you can't do that in England.

Defend yourself with a knife. Oh, that's out, too.

Use strong language. Or no, that's punishable by up to 14 years in England now.

Continue panicking.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 01:49 AM

...but it seemed like a good liberal policy, at the time....



HELLO!?!?!??


GfS

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Musket
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 02:45 AM

As the letter wasn't sent to you, you are just a bystander. Your citizen obligations extend to confirming nobody of that name lives there and nobody at that address is the registered owner of that car.

If you wish any piece of mind, hear that advice from your local Citizens advice rather than some blokes on the Internet.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 02:51 AM

Yes to all of that.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: BobL
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 03:24 AM

In fact, if the letter was addressed this Martin Ryzio chap and not to you, then arguably the only thing you can be accused of is opening someone else's mail. I'd have sent it back, unopened, marked "Not known at this address" (which the Electoral Register should support).

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 03:43 AM

I would do what BobL suggests - the same thing I do when mail arrives in my post office box addressed to people who I've never heard of. Return to Sender, not at this address.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 07:28 AM

Backwoodsman has it right. Recorded delivery and don't forget to keep a copy!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Ed T
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 07:54 AM

If you did not do anything illegal, the worst they can do to you is shoot you-(more than once, if you live in the US of A).

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 08:07 AM

Fortunately, unlike the insane USA, OUR POLICE OFFICERS DON'T CARRY GUNS.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 08:09 AM

Bugger, try again.........

Fortunately, unlike the insane USA, our police officers don't carry guns.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Ed T
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 08:22 AM

Typos encourage us to look up and discover the meaning of obscure and previously unknown words, like this one from the Urban Dictionary (an untrustworthy source):

Mour
The act of juggling hammers whilst nailing nails into the dry wall above.
"The man Moured the heck out of those nails"

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 08:25 AM

Nope? Now they can't shoot suspects on sight, they seem to be electrocuting them instead.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 11:16 AM

SPB wrote that

"This has got me so stressed, I can't sleep and I need to go to a consultation meeting tomorrow so I need to be very mentally alert."

He or she could use a little comforting or some good advice, but you don't give a damn about a fellow countryman, do you?

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Anne Lister
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 11:29 AM

You can't be prosecuted if you are not the person named as the owner of the vehicle and you have never owned the vehicle concerned. You can't be prosecuted for not giving information you don't have. All you have to do, as people have suggested further up this thread, is return the letter to the address it was sent from, marked clearly "not known at this address". If you want to go into more detail, then write a letter being specific about the fact that you have no knowledge of the person concerned or the vehicle concerned. That's all. No need to panic. No need to worry.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 05:54 PM

More info, I spoke to DVLA this morning and they confirmed that the vehicle is not registered at my address. However, as the letter says it was a speed camera offence, I am at a loss as how the letter was addressed to my home. I am thinking that it could be that the police wrote the wrong flat number if they looked up the address. Alternatively, it might just be a typo on the letter.

I do need to know that all references to my address are going to be expunged as when I get my next DBS (CRB) check I don't want it to show i, or my address has been subject to investigation as I work with organisations that work with vulnerable adults and children.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 07:03 PM

SPB, why on earth would a traffic offence, alleged to have been committed by another individual, be included in a DBS (CRB) check? It makes no sense.

Do as you've been advised by me and a number of others right from the top of the thread - return the form with a letter explaining that the person and vehicle are unknown at the address, keep a copy of the form and your letter, and post it by Recorded Delivery - and stop worrying!

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Rahere
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 07:16 PM

The first thing to be said is that the question of identity against address was dealt with some years ago: if you are not the person named on the warrant, it cannot be held against you.
The second thing is that the error of name and address may be a technical justification to get the case thrown out: it would be double jeopardy to change it.
On the other hand, there are circumstances where the question of innocence can be put in question by certain odd forms of resetting the record to where it stood beforehand. From the way you are talking, you may want to spend a hundred pounds or so to consult a solicitor and have them accompany you as your witness in taking the summons back to the issuing authority yourself. You will probably need a strong proof of identity, such as a passport, and proof of your address sufficient to assure the issuing authority that you have the authority to affirm that the person charged is unknown at that address. I specifically use the term issuing authority as it is usually a Court Officer who issues the warrant, and the correct procedure to get it annulled will probably be done out of your sight by your solicitor taking your paperwork before the magistrate or district judge and swearing that they have verified your identity and can affirm that the warrant has been served to someone unknown at the address in question. Although it is technically possible to speak for yourself in a Magistrate's Court, it is not advisable, and will cause no end of delay, whereas if you have a solicitor in town, they are usually known and can always be checked so it sails through on the nod, as far as you are concerned.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,.gargoyles
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 07:38 PM

RE: . "However, it was addressed to someone who I have never heard of, and who does not, and as far as I am aware, has never lived at my address."

WHY ? ? ? In the Good Lord's creation...' did YOU open mail addressed to someone else? ? ?

When you opened a letter, without your name, you opened "Pandora' s Box" and are guilty on multiple charges.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Mudcatter Richard Bridge ESQ appears to be a solicitor that may help you connect to various legal resolutions.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Troubadour
Date: 27 Nov 14 - 08:32 PM

"If you did not do anything illegal, the worst they can do to you is shoot you-(more than once, if you live in the US of A)."

But only if you are an unarmed black schoolboy, living in the Southern states of the USA!

Here, in the UK, you have nothing to worry about. Show ID (e.g. Passport, driving licence or Council Tax Bill), and they'll apologise and go on their way.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Elmore
Date: 28 Nov 14 - 02:07 AM

Young black males don't have to live in Southern states to get murdered by cops. A 12 year old was shot and killed by a policeman in Cleveland, Ohio the other day.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 28 Nov 14 - 02:42 AM

Is it really necessary to take potshots at the US because someone mistakenly gets a speeding ticket? Is it possible that someday you will get some sort of life?

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Rahere
Date: 28 Nov 14 - 02:16 PM

We all presume the mail delivered to us is ours, and we don't always check. I sometimes get half a dozen letters, and I open them before looking at each individually. If someone sends something to this address in error, that's the price they pay: I could just as easily bin them unread as unsolicited mail. At least what's happened helps move matters forwards.
Opening a letter in error is no crime, and should not be punished as one.

Oh, and Stim, is it really necessary? Yes it is, because you've been exporting your shit here. A Nation can do as it likes as long as it doesn't interfere with its neighbours, but when it does so interfere, then it takes its lumps.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 28 Nov 14 - 07:51 PM

Don't know if I've mentioned this, before, Rahere, but you are a total idiot.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Rahere
Date: 28 Nov 14 - 08:35 PM

From you, that's a compliment...

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 29 Nov 14 - 05:36 PM

Just throw it away and be done with it. It isn't certified to you. Not your monkey, not your circus.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Mumbai Guy
Date: 29 Nov 14 - 06:43 PM

'A Nation can do as it likes as long as it doesn't interfere with its neighbours, but when it does so interfere, then it takes its lumps." It is very amusing, if not ironic to hear those words from Britisher, whose former empire not only interfered, but also exploited and oppressed the rest of the the world for 300 years.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: olddude
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 10:50 AM

Hell no tell them you will pay the fine if they give you your car back. That's a great car and you could get it really cheap :)

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 11:20 AM

lol There ya go, Dan. Great advice.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,Rahere
Date: 30 Nov 14 - 03:03 PM

An interesting viewpoint given that India followed the path of my mother's old boss, Krishan Menon, rather than his boss, Mahatma Gandhi!

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: GUEST,SPB at work
Date: 01 Dec 14 - 07:42 AM

Update - I got a message from Essex police on my answerphone - just about audible, it was on a terrible line, that sounds like they are asking me to just send the paperwork back so they can 'investigate further'. I think I need to type a covering letter restating what I said when I rang them, and the additional info that DVLA has provided me with - ie the vehicle is not registered at my address, never has been. Unfortunately, they would not tell me the correct address do to data security.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 28 Feb 15 - 12:56 PM

An update - last month I got another letter through my letter box, this time I put it back in a postbox unopened with return to sender addressee not6 at this address in large letters. Subsequently, yesterday I got another letter from and address in Oxfordshire. I've written the same on the envelope and will be returning this unopened.

So, what if this is a summons, and what would happen if the person does not attend court - the fact the police seem to be writing to my address, whoever it is wouldn't have received the correspondence.

Then if whatever court makes a judgement in his absence, and he doesn't pay, how will I know for certain that the Bailiffs won't kick my door down?

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Musket
Date: 28 Feb 15 - 01:30 PM

DBS??

I have enhanced DBS and as I work across many health and social care bodies when I do get off me arse and work, it is done at least twice a year.

If speeding tickets showed up, I couldn't have been a regulator, trust chairman or any of the interim director roles I have carried out.

I reckon you need to stop getting advice off weird blokes like us and as I said earlier, contact CAB.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Anne Lister
Date: 28 Feb 15 - 05:26 PM

You can't know for certain, but before bailiffs are instructed to kick anyone's door down they do have to establish that they're kicking the right door down. And if the individual hasn't been traced or contacted by post at this address it's unlikely anyone will regard the postal address as valid.
DBS checks are carried out in the name of the person concerned, using name, date of birth, NI number and so on. Not for the address.

Please try to stop panicking and creating fresh worries for yourself. Go and visit a CAB if there's one in your area or spend a bit of money on a solicitor (many these days will do a free initial consultation and that may well be all it will take) if you're not convinced by what we're saying here. You are not the perpetrator of the speeding offence, you didn't own the car and you're not the person named in the summons. They really can't make you guilty of this.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Mar 15 - 07:35 PM

What's the latest. SPB-C?

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: olddude
Date: 29 Mar 15 - 08:05 PM

Identify fraud I been there tell the police they will work it out nothing to worry about but check your bank account. I got clipped 4k but got it all back by the bank

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 29 Mar 15 - 08:22 PM

In this vein, I keep getting calls that there is a complaint and someone wants to serve me papers but needs my address, but I don't consider it my responsibility to help someone who's complaining about me find me, especially if they aren't smart enough to look in the phone book...

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Mar 15 - 09:55 PM

Around here people have been phoned and told that it was the Internal Revenue Service and there was a problem -- but the penalty of USD xxxx.xx could be taken care of by providing bank account info. Yes, some people have been taken.

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: Andrez
Date: 30 Mar 15 - 06:04 AM

On behalf of us ignorant, non UK lot in the southern hemisphere, what do the acronyms DBS and CAB stand for?

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: BS: help - I am starting to panic
From: BrendanB
Date: 30 Mar 15 - 09:07 AM

CAB stands for Citizens' Advice Bureau. DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. People who work with children or vulnerable people are required to obtain clearance through this organization. It has to be renewed every three years (not every 6 months as stated in a post above).