Stolen equipment

[appleguy]

I was involved with a business renting out computer gear when we got involved with another firm and rented out of their offices.
Our business began to fail and they offered to buy us out.
We eventually agreed to a set of terms and signed a provisional agreement awaiting the final one. We then discovered they were attempting to blackmail us and pulled out of the agreement.
They however still have the equipment and refuse to give it back.
We have little money to take them to court and I would like to know what our options are?
A friend of mine suggested he hire out the gear under his name and then we keep it again. Could they get us for theft even though we have all the receipts, etc and it's legally ours?

Help please.

 

[S-Marketing]

There are always two sides to every story like this. Without knowing ALL the facts no-one is going to be able to give much useful advice IMO.

 

[appleguy]

Well...I think your comment has probably stopped everyone from responding.
Thanks.

 

[S-Marketing]

Well...I think your comment has probably stopped everyone from responding.
Thanks.

Sorry, didn't realise I wasn't allowed an opinion.

 

[crossdaz]

You can't be prosecuted for stealing your own property provided you don't commit another crime in the process.
However, you certainly do run the risk of being arrested and suffering a lot of inconvenience - up to you at the end of the day?

 

[Minuteman Press]

Have you approached the police for advice? What opinion did they offer?

 

Have you approached the police for advice? What opinion did they offer?

Have you ever tried talking to the police about corporate crime? You will get blank looks and a crime number...

 

[S-Marketing]

Have you ever tried talking to the police about corporate crime? You will get blank looks and a crime number...

That post works equally well if you take out the 'about corporate crime'.

 

[Minuteman Press]

Our experiences have been far better than most it would seem! 100% success (three issues). I was told by a friend (and a former Chief Constable) from a different constabulary to here, that Corporate investigation is popular as it is often easier to get results (with better evidence / records / cameras / etc).

But, we may be the exception. I can only speak from experience.

 

[GGGSurrey]

Well...I think your comment has probably stopped everyone from responding.
Thanks.

Whilst Stretchy is correct that there are always 2 sides to every story, we can comment based on what you have told us.

It is only my opinion, but I can't see how you can be prosecuted for theft if you retain those goods after having got them back. The other company will/may ask for the goods back and they are at best just in the same situation as you are now.

Having said that, you know the facts, what you signed etc. Be sure that you haven't signed the goods over to them already and it is as clear cut as you say.

Notwithstanding the above, if there is any way that you can afford to take proper advice, then do so.

If there's any other info you can give, it may help in getting input here.

 

[Bri]

Whilst Stretchy is correct that there are always 2 sides to every story, we can comment based on what you have told us.

I third that, Stretchy was quite correct.

We're not banding together but expressing our reservations about one side of a story. We can make guesses, assumptions and give unnecessary advice on the info supplied and that may get you further into the mire, how would we look then?

 

[WarbyGK]

Wouldn't the company just chase your friend instead? It'll be his signature etc on the Hire Contract so therefore his liability?

 

[kulture]

I always thought that when you hire something you leave a deposit. Or your credit card details. You also sign a contract. If you don't return the goods you loose the deposit/get a charge on your card. So you end up paying for your own goods!

Its a silly idea to play games like this.