Update on my 'is this theft' post

Angelbones

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An update on my post of last night
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/5302178/an/0/page/3#5302178

Today I found out that two of my missing saddles are at the tack shop from when the saddler had use of their saddle stock, so am collecting them shortly. The third saddle (Kieffer) is nowhere to be seen and was never put on their inventory although it is on my receipt. They suspect that he has sold it from his van and not told me.

So, I have left a message for him asking for him to find it and let me have it back, or to refund me the £500 he put on the receipt for its value, or to provide paperwork showing what he sold it for if he expects to refund me less his commission. I know I stand no chance of getting the money or the saddle back which obviously sickens me but at least I'll have the other two Stubben ones back, and if I can sell them then I may have enough to buy a new saddle for my horse who cannot be ridden in the saddle supplied by the same saddle fitter at the start of all this! Phew. This gets my head in a state.

Any suggestions as to how to further investigate the missing Kieffer - or am I once again heading to the police station?

I did check out his company last night but he is not registered so am not sure if Trading Standards will be of much help in regard to a sole trader.

G&T all round if you are keeping up with this!
 
Is he registered with the SMS? If so, perhaps you could let them know what has happened and see if they can help. I'm glad you at least get two back, good luck for the third.
 
Trading Standards can most definitely investigate sole traders as well as limited companies. He's still trading as a business when all is said and done.
 
could also be fraud as he offered a service and by selling the saddle and not giving you the sale price less his commission, he has defrauded you. I remember a long time ago, a property management company taking rents off tenants and not passing it on to the landlords, they were done for fraud and your case sounds like a similar occurence ie: he's taken your saddle (which you gave him permission to do), but the important bit he has not given you the money for it....

I'd go to the Police - if they do class it as fraud, CID may get involved.
Even if its just plain theft, the police should be able to help...
 
no advice really, could just keep an eye out on ebay etc??? just in case you never know, I would also go to the police, did it have any distinct marks or was it coded?
 
also could you contact other local saddlers that are in your area incase someone trys to take it in to sell or part ex??

good luck I am annoyed for you but glad you are getting the other 2 back xx
 
thanks Donklet - no he's not registered. Apparently he was but was then asked to leave. He said he was, to the person who introduced us, and I didn't know any better at that time to check him out myself. Live and learn eh.
 
I would DEFO go down small claims - its REALLY easy, yu can do it on line. he has 30 or 60 days to reply and if he doesnt the courts "get him"
 
If it did have a serial number then I don't have it - it was one of mum's from a few years back that had been in storage and was brought out for him to see and he took it, without me even thinking to look for identifying marks. And yes, I could kick myself now. One possible good point is that it was one of 3 the same that mum had and I think the one I am now using on my horse is one of those so will check it out to see if I can identify it further. Sadly this was all in May 09 so I expect it is now long gone, and a new owner will be unaware of its history and I am sure totally unlikely to participate in any action against the saddle. Ho hum.

And please don't think that I only met the saddler on that day, and handed over my stuff so readily - I had been 'dealing' with him for a couple of years before that, all seemingly without event, and yes always for cash / part ex. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
 
Tifferss - I have contacted Consumer Direct and Trading Standards tonight to outline my probs and to see if they can point me in the right direction. Yes, Small Claims may be the best way. Will see what they come back to me with. Thanks.
 
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