Feuding friends
Question
I had an argument with a friend which led to me moving out of the flat we shared. Now she's refusing to give me back the MP3 player that I left behind. What can I do?
Answer
If the MP3 player belongs to you then your friend is committing theft. It makes no difference that you left the item in the flat - the Theft Act (1968) states that: "A person is guilty of theft if they dishonestly appropriate property belonging to another with the intention to permanently deprive the other of it".
You can make a complaint to the police but it might be better to attempt to resolve the situation amicably first. If your relationship with your friend has broken down, is there someone else who could act as an intermediary?
If this doesn't work you then you could let her know that this it is your intention to contact the police within, say, five days, if she fails to return the MP3 player.
Updated: 09/06/2008
Question answered by CAB
