Police demand £150 from driver - after he finds his own stolen van

A driver who tracked down his own stolen van was asked by police to pay £150 for its return.

Darren Hands, from Birmingham, found the vehicle himself and reluctantly agreed to let officers take it away for forensic tests.

The 38-year-old soon received a letter demanding money and telling him his van would be sold if he failed to pay.

Darren, a carpenter, followed a tracker signal from his van after it was stolen from outside his home on May 27.

He discovered it in the Acocks Green area of Birmingham later that morning.

Police were called and Darren agreed to let officers take the vehicle away for forensics checks.

He then received a letter from a recovery company acting for West Midlands Police.

It said: "You are required to claim the vehicle and pay the above outstanding charge on or before 07/06/18.

"Unless those charges are paid and the motor vehicle claimed on or before this date West Midlands Police intend to dispose of it to recover the prescribed charges for the proceeds of that sale.

"If it is necessary to dispose of the vehicle an additional fee of £75 will be incurred and added to the outstanding charges."

West Midlands Police revoked the bill after Darren's case was reviewed by a senior officer.

A spokesperson for the force said: "A senior officer has reviewed the details of this case and it has been decided it would not be appropriate for the victim in this matter to pay the standard vehicle recovery charge."