Contacted by NSW Police about traffic incident which never happened

harthagan on 10/05/2020 - 07:40
Last edited 10/05/2020 - 08:19

At the end of last year my parents got a call from police stating they needed to speak with me regarding a traffic matter. My parents gave me the officers name and contact number and I called her up. She said that someone had reported being involved in a collision with a car that was registered in my name.

I explained that I had not been in any collisions and that no one else had driven my car on the day in question. She told me that regardless they (nsw police) needed to see me in person to take down my driver details. I told her that I wasn't going to give up my driving details when I wasn't involved in any traffic incident because I don't want to get a phony insurance claim against me for an accident I was never in.

Anyway I never heard anything further about it until 2 weeks ago I got a card left on my door from the police. On it was written to email the police officer otherwise I would receive a fine. I emailed him and he arranged a night to come over and "see me" but he never came. When I called the following day he said he was working at another station but that he needed me to come there that day or I'd get a "big fine". I went there and waited for over an hour for him before having to leave without getting to see him.

Anyway since then the original female police officer who I spoke to at the beginning is now calling me again and saying I need to go to any NSW police station immediately and give them my details.

I still don't see how I'm legally required to give over my details unless I was involved in the alleged incident/collision. Is there a law saying that I must comply with this request? The last time I spoke with her she threatened with charging me with something if I don't do what she says.

<EDIT>

I should have mentioned the original officer did give me some details of the “incident” just the date, time and location. It was in a suburb over an hour from where I live and somewhere I have never driven before, let alone on the day in question.

Automotive

Comments

                • ausmechkeyboards on 12/05/2020 - 07:26
                  +1

                  @ssquid: Did you miss the part where the cop has been banging on his door and yelling when he’s not home? The part where he’s getting threats for doing nothing wrong? Waiting hours on end to try to get this resolved?

                  If you think that is the cops doing their job then I suggest you go and try bang on your neighbours door in the same way - maybe this cop can come to your defence when you try to challenge the AVO and/or affray.

  • Seraphin7 on 10/05/2020 - 11:57
    +4

    Another police officer high on power? Strike me down with a feather!

  • CharityCase on 10/05/2020 - 12:05
    +3

    Better call Saul!

  • stumo on 10/05/2020 - 12:20
    +18

    SMH after reading a lot of these responses, I see how close we are to allowing a police state to thunderous applause.

    • peterpeterpumpkin on 10/05/2020 - 13:01
      -3

      Do you need a subscription to read the police state article or is it free? Saying that, I've already reached my limit of 5 for the day.

  • Herbse on 10/05/2020 - 13:23
    +3

    I'm very confused. Why is a police officer who was able to identify you using as the registered owner of a car, need you to tell them your details?

    • greatlamp on 10/05/2020 - 16:05

      Because you cannot charge a vehicle or an owner of a vehicle with an offence

      They want to put on record that the owner of the vehicle did not allow someone else to drive their car. Then they will charge the owner of the vehicle as having driven the car and caused a traffic offence.

      If they refuse to nominate a driver, the owner of the vehicle can be fined, but they can't be charged with a traffic offence, and lose demerit points. Some people intentionally refuse to nominate drivers of company owned vehicles and pay the fine, as no amount of money will remove demerit points. I am not sure of NSW traffic laws, if it is a privately owned vehicle I thought you would still receive a fine.

      • Herbse on 10/05/2020 - 16:10
        -1

        If that's the law then ok. But police fine owners of the cars without confirmation all the time. Speeding and red light fines etc.

      • whooah1979 on 10/05/2020 - 16:44
        +2

        They’re called summary offences which the registered operator may be liable for if they don’t nominate the driver.

  • FareEvader on 10/05/2020 - 13:27

    Lawyer up.

  • Blitz001 on 10/05/2020 - 13:33
    +1

    Imagine if everyone contacted about being allegedly involved in a crime just say “nah wasn’t me, I ain’t doing that, see ya”.

  • tata1 on 10/05/2020 - 14:11
    +3

    I do not think that there is an accident at all, Police is just fishing and would like to question you in relations to something else. Calling you to station and than let you wait for an hour and still no interview, something is smelly.

  • Heaps for Cheaps on 10/05/2020 - 14:16

    Did you have comprehensive or third-party insurance on the date of your alleged accident?

  • LoserScott on 10/05/2020 - 15:15
    +1

    Renegade police 🤭 it's like a box of chocolates you never know what one you get.

  • try2bhelpful on 10/05/2020 - 16:20
    +1

    Me, I would’ve seen the cops and got it sorted out in the first instance. The Cops want to chat to me, I’m willing to give them my side of the story.

    • Pantagonist on 10/05/2020 - 16:49
      +4

      My parents gave me the officers name and contact number and I called her up

      I got a card left on my door from the police. On it was written to email the police officer otherwise I would receive a fine. I emailed him and he arranged a night to come over and "see me" but he never came. When I called the following day he said he was working at another station but that he needed me to come there that day or I'd get a "big fine". I went there and waited for over an hour for him before having to leave without getting to see him.

      But no, you're right. OP should stop avoiding the cops and sort it out.

      • try2bhelpful on 10/05/2020 - 17:02

        Paragraph 2.

        “I explained that I had not been in any collisions and that no one else had driven my car on the day in question. She told me that regardless they (nsw police) needed to see me in person to take down my driver details. I told her that I wasn't going to give up my driving details when I wasn't involved in any traffic incident because I don't want to get a phony insurance claim against me for an accident I was never in.”

        At that point I would’ve made the appointment and got it sorted out.

        • Vote for Pedro on 10/05/2020 - 17:13

          Also, you do not have to provide ID to police because they demand it. They need reasonable suspicion and must be able to articulate that to you

          • whooah1979 on 10/05/2020 - 17:21

            @Vote for Pedro: ID no, name and address yes.

            • Vote for Pedro on 10/05/2020 - 17:29

              @whooah1979: With reasonable suspicion an offence has been committed by that person

              He said, she said is not reasonable suspicion

              • Euphemistic on 11/05/2020 - 07:12

                @Vote for Pedro:

                He said, she said is not reasonable suspicion

                But it is reasonable grounds for investigation.

                • Vote for Pedro on 11/05/2020 - 07:13

                  @Euphemistic: Yes. But not reasonable suspicion to be able to demand name and address. So your point is irrelevant and nothing to do with my comment.

                  • Euphemistic on 11/05/2020 - 07:19

                    @Vote for Pedro: In this case it could be ‘formal statement said’ which is a step above.

                    It’s kinda weird. The police knew the OPs address and identity. They wanted to talk to him/her. They obviously want something more than to know the identity. At this point I’m wondering if OP has English as a second language or isn’t telling us the whole story.

                    • Vote for Pedro on 11/05/2020 - 07:26

                      @Euphemistic: You come to “bad english” as a conclusion. Seriously?

                      If the police have something, they'd do something. Everything else is a fishing expedition on their part. Remember, the job of police is to resolve crime by arrests/fines. At this point this is just a stat ready to be counted. That’s all.

                      • Euphemistic on 11/05/2020 - 07:32

                        @Vote for Pedro: That op hasn’t concluded this otherwise simple procedure makes it seem to be there is something more to it. Either OP doesn’t understand it or is just being difficult for some other reason.

                        They do have something. Suspicion the OPs vehicle was in an incident, it’s not fishing.

                        You are sounding more and more like the sort of person that will go out of their way to not cooperate with police but then whine and complain they won’t do their job if a crime is committed against you. You can’t have it both ways.

                        • Vote for Pedro on 11/05/2020 - 07:40
                          +4

                          @Euphemistic: Nope. Wrong. OP has tried to be helpful. You’ve read the posts, right?

                          Threatening someone with serious penalties if they don’t show up to talk to police is abuse of power and intimidation. We live in a democracy. Police have no power to compel you to do anything unless you have done something wrong.

                          If OP has done something wrong, they should issue a penalty notice or if this is serious, arrest him. This dicking around is unreasonable.

                          I believe in Police doing their job in a legal and professional manner. I support the work of good hardworking law enforcement who know their rights AND responsibilities.

                          I love it how the attitude twists towards citizens having something to hide just because they are exercising their legal right.

        • Pantagonist on 10/05/2020 - 17:23
          +2

          At that point I would’ve made the appointment and got it sorted out.

          The police have failed to show up to two appointments that have been made subsequent to that point. When those appointments were made is irrelevant. The police have shown themselves to be unreliable twice. Whether the appointment was booked immediately or two weeks later was unlikely to produce a different outcome.

          • try2bhelpful on 10/05/2020 - 23:30
            -1

            @Pantagonist: I still reiterate my point “at that time I would’ve sorted it out”. Not let it sit until they contacted me again. The
            OP chose to not cooperate in the first instance, not how I would’ve handled it. Why not just get the whole thing sorted out ASAP.

            Maybe the cops had something important come up which meant they couldn’t see the OP. It may not have been “unreliable” just priorities. I have no idea what the timeframe difference affected, and neither do you. However, I don’t think it helps the OPs case to stuff the cops around. They, probably, would’ve been happy to just chat to the OP and get this sorted instead of having to chase things around. They can’t just ignore what happened because the OP decides not to co-operate.

            • Pantagonist on 10/05/2020 - 23:46
              +3

              @try2bhelpful:

              They, probably, would’ve been happy to just chat to the OP and get this sorted instead of having to chase things around.

              Evidently not.

              She told me that regardless they (nsw police) needed to see me in person to take down my driver details.

              Even if they'd organised a time on the spot, there's no guarantee that OP wouldn't have been stuffed around in the same way.

              If the police needed info from OP then they should have taken down the details when OP attended the police station. It can't be that urgent if they took two weeks to deliver a follow up note to OP.

              Everyone is busy. That doesn't excuse being sloppy and disorganised, even if you're in a position of power.

              • try2bhelpful on 11/05/2020 - 00:12
                -4

                @Pantagonist: As indicated they wanted to see the OP in person, who declined to do that, so evidently so.

                Sorry but, frankly, you have no idea on what the cops were doing when they couldn’t meet the OP; they may have been called out to a murder investigation for all you know. it is your interpretation they are sloppy and disorganised without any actual proof. I will, reiterate, myself. I would’ve taken the earliest opportunity to meet with the police at get this sorted out. I wouldn’t have fobbed them off. We can see that the OP has not been served well by his tactics.

                • Pantagonist on 11/05/2020 - 00:32
                  +3

                  @try2bhelpful:

                  it is your interpretation they are sloppy and disorganised without any actual proof.

                  Your honour, I present my evidence:

                  • Failed to meet OP at an agreed time and place.
                  • Basic clerical and factual errors in the note/letter to OP (wrong date of first contact noted, incorrect legislation cited).
                  • Failed to take a written statement when OP attended a police station as requested (surely this could have been done without a specific staff member in attendance).

                  Enough proof for you?

                  I don't agree that OP is in a bad situation now. They have taken reasonable steps to comply with the police's demands issued in the note that was left.

                  • Vote for Pedro on 12/05/2020 - 09:11
                    +1

                    @Pantagonist: On top of that, there is actually zero legal requirement for OP to attend police station or talk to the police at all. OP has tried to be helpful and they have been sloppy and inconvenienced him.

  • factor on 10/05/2020 - 16:51
    +5

    Personally I would call the station and ask for the duty commander. You can be keen to sort out their error, while also noting your intention to lodge formal complaint if the officer does not begin behaving professionally.

    When you're well in the clear, the officer has far more to lose but needs reminder of that from above.

  • Pantagonist on 10/05/2020 - 17:33
    +4

    OP, I found this snippet of information that might be useful for you.

    Traffic Cases

    Police also have the power to compel the owners of motor vehicles to disclose the name and address of a driver who is alleged to have committed an offence under the Road Transport Act 2013.

    This power is set out in section 177 of the current Road Transport Act, which says that the ‘responsible person, or the person having custody of the vehicle’ must immediately give a written and signed statement disclosing the driver’s name and address when asked to do so by police in circumstances where it is alleged that a person has used that vehicle to commit a traffic offence.

    Persons other than the vehicle owner or custodian can also be compelled to disclose any information that can help police identify the driver.

    In legal-speak, this is known as a ‘form of demand.’ Police must give the responsible person or custodian a specific time and vehicle registration so that the person can determine who the driver was at that time.

    A person must comply with a form of demand and provide the name and details of the driver at the specified time. Failing to do is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of $2,200.

    However, if the ‘responsible person’ does not know who the driver was at the time, they can simply tell police that they do not know.

    This is because section 177 contains a defence where the person can establish that they ‘did not know and could not with reasonable diligence have ascertained the driver’s name and home address.’

    It is also important to bear in mind that while a vehicle owner may be compelled to tell police the driver’s name and address, they do not have any obligation to provide any other information about the alleged offence or answer any questions about the incident itself.

    In other situations police may, while acting in the execution of their duties, ask a driver or supervising driver, to produce their driver licence or state their name and home address. Failing to comply with such a request carries a maximum penalty of $2,200.

    https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/police-power-t…

    For whatever reason, it seems that the police believe that a car displaying your registration has been involved in a collision. I have no idea what evidence they have for this, but the advice above appears to suggest that you limit your contact with the police to simply stating that you do not know who was operating the vehicle at the time.

    • Euphemistic on 11/05/2020 - 07:07
      +1

      Although additionally in this case the OP denies the vehicle was in use at all. So just saying I don’t know who was driving isn’t going to help.

    • harthagan on 11/05/2020 - 09:58
      +2

      So saying "I don't know" is a valid defense.
      Seems like something that could be used by someone who was actually guilty of a hit and run!

      I just want this thing finalised. If I go in and say "i don't know" it's not going to finalise the matter.

      • Pantagonist on 11/05/2020 - 10:12
        -1

        I just want this thing finalised. If I go in and say "i don't know" it's not going to finalise the matter.

        Unfortunately this is one of those cases that you're likely to have to take to court to clear your name.

        As someone else stated in this thread, sometimes police will back off at that point if the evidence that they have is flimsy.

        All I can suggest is that you do what the law states that you're allowed to do, which is formally claim that you don't know the identity of the driver. If you do this and eventually have to defend yourself in court, the judge is more likely to rule in your favour if you've acted in the spirit of the law and can prove it.

        Before going down this path you should ensure that you are extremely certain that your car was categorically not involved in this collision. CCTV of the car parked in your driveway at the time of the alleged incident, someone who can vouch that you or another driver were not on the road in that area in your car at the time, photos of the car soon after the day in question showing no damage etc. - Anything that will help you defend yourself.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/05/2020 - 10:21

        A defence to a charge much be argued by the defendant. In other words, you would have to provide evidence you had no reasonable way of knowing who was driven (ie proof you reported it stolen or similar).

        It's not a simple "idk" and get off situation.

  • ausmechkeyboards on 10/05/2020 - 17:40
    +9

    Police are full of BS. Call legal aid and tell them what’s going on, get advice.

  • Kranbone on 10/05/2020 - 17:54
    +3

    This sounds so cliche but I have a friend who was in a similar incident. Long story short, friend owned a car (but was in his mother's name for insurance and cheaper registration, pension). He had an road rage incident with another driver and thought by ignoring the police, it would just magically go away. It didn't. His mother had to go to court who had to nominate him as the driver. Because he wasted the police's time and wasn't accountable it's now a complex legal matter.

    He's just finished university and he's facing a criminal conviction. Go in and "clear your name"/tell your side of the story.

    • Pantagonist on 10/05/2020 - 18:07
      +6

      OP hasn't ignored the police?

      • Kranbone on 10/05/2020 - 19:02
        -1

        Let me rephrase, OP didn't come in to give official statement to police.

        Also appears that I missed the original post being edited (left this open).

        • Pantagonist on 11/05/2020 - 10:25
          +2

          Let me rephrase, OP didn't come in to give official statement to police.

          OP tried to do this on two occasions and the police missed both appointments.

          Also appears that I missed the original post being edited (left this open).

          The original unedited post had all the information about attempts to set up meetings with the police (including attending the police station).

          • Kranbone on 11/05/2020 - 20:59
            -1

            @Pantagonist: I can't speak for the police so can't confirm or deny.

            When I originally had the page open at the time, not all the information was visible. I'd give you a screenshot but wasn't expecting this type of outcome :)

    • McFly on 10/05/2020 - 18:55
      +2

      The OP has never driven in the area stated, therefore it's a case of mistaken identity - not similar.

      • Kranbone on 10/05/2020 - 19:03

        I don't know mistaken or not, I'm not the OP or the police but I was just providing a similar scenario where police requested a friend to come in and provide a statement (which they didn't, just ignored).

    • Eeples on 10/05/2020 - 18:58

      Could not his mother have identified her son as the driver before it went to court?

      • Kranbone on 10/05/2020 - 19:04

        I agree. Single mother, I think she was perhaps trying to shield him until she had to go to court.

  • Eeples on 10/05/2020 - 18:55

    Why do you remember exactly where your car was on Dec 29th around 1.45pm?

    Were you with your car around this time?

    PS. Maybe these are the questions plod want the answers to. They should just come here to get your statement.

    • harthagan on 11/05/2020 - 08:56
      +4

      I only remember it because the police contacted my parents that same day about it. So of course it would stick out in my mind after that.

      • Eeples on 11/05/2020 - 17:11

        How did the police get your parents phone number? (on the day of the alleged incident).

        Where was your car at that time? (1.45pm)

        Were you with your car around this time? (1.45pm)

  • imurgod on 10/05/2020 - 21:11
    +2

    This is a civil matter, not a criminal matter, despite the accusation that you left the scene of an accident without exchanging details.

    I can't see how they could force you to do anything but I would give them a statement and provide the details to my insurer with instructions to deny liability.

    The other party will need to substantiate the claim and provide proof of loss.

    I deal with this exact scenario a lot due to a niche I work in.

    The other person can also get into trouble for providing a false statement.

    • Kranbone on 10/05/2020 - 23:03

      It's also not a criminal matter because it's not gone before the court. The police just want a statement from the OP but the OP was in a different place at the time.

      I can't see the OP getting in trouble. Surely there's a camera which or some type of evidence which shows he should be cleared.

    • Pantagonist on 10/05/2020 - 23:24
      -2

      despite the accusation that you left the scene of an accident without exchanging details.

      I don't think this accusation has been made? They just want information about the driver which they are allowed to request under the legislation.

      I can't see how they could force you to do anything

      You can't be forced to do anything. If you fail to provide the information the police are entitled to request under legislation then you can be issued with a fine.

      The issue that remains is the police being unable to organise themselves well enough to obtain the required details, despite OP's reasonable efforts.

      • imurgod on 11/05/2020 - 09:12

        Yep. Let the insurer handle the lot. Easy.

        • Pantagonist on 11/05/2020 - 10:27
          -1

          Yep. Let the insurer handle the lot. Easy.

          How would getting your insurer involved help if you weren't involved in a collision?

          • imurgod on 11/05/2020 - 21:40
            -1

            @Pantagonist: You lodge a claim for denial.

            Otherwise, if the other party sues, you have to pay legal costs.

  • darkchoc on 10/05/2020 - 22:52

    Could this be an attempt at identify fraud by someone for you to reveal your details?

    Just be careful what you reveal on an incoming phonecall.

    • Pantagonist on 10/05/2020 - 23:26
      -2

      This has been dealt with already. It's not a scam, unless the person running it has an official NSW Police email address.

  • andyken on 10/05/2020 - 23:00
    +16

    It also happens to me 5 years ago in VIC.

    it is a long story but my advice to you. STOP TALKING TO POLICE, DONT SAY ANYTHING, You have the right to remain silent. YOUR WORD WILL BE USE AGAINST YOU IN THE FUTURE.

    Let the police send you the fine and challenge them in court. DO NOT DEFEND YOURSELF IN FRONT OF THE POLICE (interview). currently, you are their suspect, YOUR WORD will be used against yourself in the court of law.

    You can tho` (if you want to) file a report to your local police station, writing a stat dec about where are you at that time, etc and then say to your local police station that you want them to investigate the guy who falsely reports you. whether they want it or not it is up to them but you have a record for that.

    Once you got the fine, challenge them straight away and once you have received the court date, you can call LEGAL AID if you are want to, otherwise just present yourself in front of the judge and ask the police to show the prove it was you

    In my case, the case has been dropped soon I challenge them to court.

    • Samsungnote10 on 11/05/2020 - 00:32
      +1

      So did you receive a postal letter?

      • harthagan on 11/05/2020 - 13:57
        +1

        No. Only a card on my apartment security door, and then a letter left under my apartment door.

      • andyken on 11/05/2020 - 17:15

        no, its kinda business card.

    • samfisher5986 on 11/05/2020 - 11:25

      Your suggestion relies completely on the fact that they dropped it before it went to court.

      It might not be the best suggestion if it did end up going to court, and you can't know that.

      • andyken on 11/05/2020 - 17:17
        +3

        well, if it is not your fault, why you scared? they police need to prove you are wrong in the court, not the other way around, if they have no enough evidence, they will certainly to drop it, if you pay the fine, then they will be insurance and possible civil sue. they will drop it if there is not enough evidence which is not. just tell the police, "IT WASNT ME, you can send me a fine and see you in court."

        • samfisher5986 on 11/05/2020 - 17:26
          +1

          Yeah because going to court is an automatic win and its super easy without a lawyer helping you…

          It can easily go very wrong.

          • andyken on 13/05/2020 - 22:55

            @samfisher5986: how cant you win when you are not even there in the first place. Unless the OP is lying, then it is different, you no need a lawyer for this case. the police will drop if they have no proof and only "I say you say".

            • samfisher5986 on 13/05/2020 - 23:16
              +1

              @andyken: Yes because an innocent person has never lost in court.

              • whooah1979 on 14/05/2020 - 03:29
                +1

                @samfisher5986: Innocent people can be found guilty of a criminal offence because there is enough evidence to support their conviction.

  • CalmLemons on 11/05/2020 - 00:15
    +1

    I have the most respect for the police force. Unfortunately, police are police, they aren't neurosurgeons or lawyers. Not that bright, and not that accurate.

    I think things like murder are rather important to get right. Civil matters they are absolutely lacklustre.

    There are different levels of police. Had bullets shot through my home, tbh we didn't realise until a week later when we saw the bullet impacts on the window. Normaly uniform guys came and trolled around. Then they send the detectives in a few days later and first thing they said once they walked in the door was why the (profanity) did they tell to come now and not a few days earlier when you reported it?

    I don't need to mention the 2-3 accidents we have reported when people have just hit our vehicles and driven off, or the large amounts of fraud from doing business. Sometimes it's easier to just move on with life.

    Sounds like a clerical error tbh and you'll have to spend the time fixing it. I doubt they will take you to court - as long as you're innocent and have everything documented, in e-mail, you don't have much to worry about. This is not legal advice.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/05/2020 - 10:04

      you have to be a certain type of unintelligent to be a cop

  • Vote for Pedro on 11/05/2020 - 07:26
    +1

    And some advice from legal aid nsw on talking to police:

    Questioning

    Can I be arrested for questioning?
    No. Police can ask you to accompany them to a police station for questioning, but you are not required to go unless you have been arrested for an offence. You should speak to a lawyer before you speak to the police. You may arrange for a lawyer or other person to be present during questioning. Legal Aid NSW does not provide lawyers for this purpose.

    • harthagan on 11/05/2020 - 09:03
      +2

      Yes I know that but in this instance I do apparently have to, unless I want a $2200 fine.

      The annoying part is the way they have handled it and now that they are threatening me like it's my fault that they've stuffed up on multiple occasions.

      • RockyRaccoon on 11/05/2020 - 09:33
        +2

        I have been saying this all the time.

        I totally sympathise with you being dicked around, but that doesnt help you. Ironically until this is sorted out, the person who believes you caused damage also isnt getting anywhere.

        Without a signed staement from you its not going away, and the only person that can sign the document is you.

        Going back over, he said she said, wont get you very far now.

        With Hindsight both you and the officers could have handled this better. But again that wont help you.

        The officers cant let you just walk away, so you have to sign.

        If you dont you will have to front court after being fined and go through waiting in court etc. Which BTW might mean a trip or two if something holds up the court. Its not worth it to try and prove how inconvienced you have been.

        Sympathies, but its now a case of extracting yourself out of this, and acting out others fanatasies of Rambo like revenge affects only you.

        Sorry but like legal aid have told you, move on and save yourself further grief

        At least I have enjoyed the journey with you and thanks for making isolation move on faster. Good Luck

        • harthagan on 11/05/2020 - 09:51
          +3

          Yes I agree, this stalemate situation will not serve me well. Ill make one final attempt at a police station to sort this mess out once and for all tonight.

          The most infuriating part is their attitude, every time I've spoken to them they have made out like it is the most urgent matter in the world and that it is imperative that I comply otherwise I will get this big fine for not doing so. And yet on 3 separate occasions that I have actually designated time to sort it out with them they have appeared to be either "too busy" or just otherwise unmotivated to do so.

          • RockyRaccoon on 11/05/2020 - 10:28
            +3

            @harthagan: Just take a few deep breathes, relax and tell yourself that its going to be ok, and it will. Forget the past and start it with a fresh outlook 🙏.

            There are more important things like bargains etc

            Remember some of the advice.

            When making the appointment ask the officer.

            1. Is it possible they come to you
            2. If not when you go to the station, if they arent available can they let you know who else can take the statement (like as others said - the desk officer)

            Yes I know that this can be seen as capitulating etc etc, but whats your objective, fight the system or get on with bargains.

            Good luck 🍀

      • Vote for Pedro on 11/05/2020 - 12:52

        Let them fine you. They have no evidence to do so (unless you are not telling us something). They will be laughed out of court.

        Of course, my suggestion is to get legal advice.

        Also I’m a little confused at your post. You have 2 options. Talk to them, or don’t.

        • harthagan on 11/05/2020 - 14:08
          +2

          I don't want this to be an ongoing drama.

          It seems going to the police station and telling them the info they need is the only way forward.

          Of course i can let them fine me and then take it to court and win. But what does that get me, just a whole lot of wasted time.

          • Cliche Guevara on 11/05/2020 - 15:05

            @harthagan: Yes, and if the event really is a hit-and-run there's possibly an innocent victim, out there with no justice so far, and a possible perpetrator who's gotten off scot-free so far…

          • Sandez on 11/05/2020 - 16:45
            -1

            @harthagan: You are required to provide Police with the drivers details of who was driving at the time of the allegation. If it wasn’t there and no one was driving, that’s what you tell them, proof of this will help your statement.

            You own a registered vehicle, therefore it is a legal requirement for you to do this, under the road transport act, otherwise you will receive a fine. The fine is failing to comply with the form of demand, not the accident, whether you were involved in it or not. The evidence is the lack of form of demand by you, won’t be so easy getting out of that one. It must be in writing, signed, not over the phone.

          • Banville on 11/05/2020 - 17:32
            +1

            @harthagan: If you use android then you can use maps.google.com/timeline as a way to remind you where you were at a particular time, just so you can have your story straight in case someone is trying to make a false claim using your details.

            EDIT: should have spotted someone already suggested this. Worth noting though it can help you remember all the details though.

        • burningrage on 11/05/2020 - 16:39

          Or go to A Current Affair or Herald Sun / Daily Telegraph

          :-)

  • backpaqer on 11/05/2020 - 07:50
    +1

    Just use Google location history to prove where you were on the day in question

    • samfisher5986 on 11/05/2020 - 11:27
      +1

      You can modify the timeline though, but yes it can help.

    • ssquid on 11/05/2020 - 14:28
      -1

      So leaving your phone at home gives you an airtight alibi, does it?

  • haimrevolution on 11/05/2020 - 07:52
    +2

    Write up a stat dec with all your details and that you were never involved in the incident that the police are describing to you. Have this signed and witnessed and drop it off at a police station. Make sure you take a photo and ask for a receipt or a note to say you have dropped it off.

    If you do get a fine don’t worry you can always go to court and fight it which will make them look stupid if they can’t prove it was you.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/05/2020 - 08:34

    Facial recognition or police nanny state? What would you prefer, as there are trade offs.

    Police cannot be there at every time (meaning you'll always be searched or asked be it for no reason) where facial recognition puts every person on notice so everyone suffers and less likely to be bothered by police.

    So what ladder would you prefer.

  • ESEMCE on 11/05/2020 - 08:41

    Sounds pretty scammy to me.
    I would expect that Police have sufficient resources to attend your home or workplace across the past 4 months to ask you questions face to face.
    I would be taking the time to go to the police (not to any random number that says they're police) and make a statement.
    If you get further calls and threats, then you can refer them to the statement. If they're genuinely police, then they can proceed or not after evaluating the statement.
    If they're scammers that might throw them off.

  • DroppedAxis on 11/05/2020 - 08:47
    +5

    My Father had the same thing. Someone claimed he changed lanes into her, damaging drivers side door and front panel. As my Father had no idea this happened (as it didn't) I got the phone call from the police (car under my name) for his details. This was so the details could get passed onto the insurance and then its not a police matter any more. I took photos of the car, which happened to be only a month old, so still looking good, no damage at all, and pass this onto our insurance agent, also with a stat dec from my Father saying he didn't hit anyone on the day in question. The insurance agent handled the case, and we didn't hear about it again.
    The Lady did contact my Father, to try and work out some cash payment, so it didn't go to the insurance, but told him to never speak to her again, and the insurance company will deal with it.
    I have since put a dashcam into the car, just so something like this will be easy to prove what really happened.

  • ShannonIngram on 11/05/2020 - 09:25
    -1

    Forest Lodge is a suburb you've never driven before? I found something in your post history that may tell a different story - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/430882 states location in Hurstville or Pyrmont. Forest Lodge happens to be in the middle of those so I find it a bit funny that you've never driven there before? Hurstville to Forest Lodge is only 15.2km according to Google so not like it's completely out of the area that you may have travelled to at some point if you commute between Hurstville and Pyrmont and is certainly not an hour from home at the time the offence was alleged to have occurred.

    That said, I actually believe you and it does sound like the police are messing you around here over the last couple of weeks. AS others have suggested I'd contact someone more senior at the police station as it sounds like you are dealing with someone who may be a bit new to the role, insist on making a statement and be done with this instead of it getting progressively worse over time.

    • harthagan on 11/05/2020 - 10:05
      +3

      Forest lodge may well be in between many places that I have been to. Not to mention that I've changed locations since that post and well before this whole saga.

      BTW not me who negged you, I actually admire your sleuthing efforts!

      • ShannonIngram on 11/05/2020 - 10:07

        All good OP. I don't mind a few negative imaginary internet points :) Good luck getting it sorted out.

  • lint on 11/05/2020 - 10:04

    If somebody sues you frivolously and you get a court summons and you decide to not show up in court, you'll get a default judgment against you. Basically, if you refuse to cooperate, they've only got one party's account of events and it's not in your favour.

    Seems pretty foolish to me.

    Just give a statement to the cops. If there's not enough evidence or the evidence does not match the other party's claim, they will drop the investigation. If your vehicle hasn't been in any collision, there won't be any damage on your vehicle matching the description of the collision the other party alleges. That's evidence enough for them to drop the investigation.

    But given that you've left it for so long, now it may not be possible for them to tell if you've gotten any damage repaired… Good luck!

  • this is us on 11/05/2020 - 10:13
    +2

    I'd say someone saw something and reported it with the wrong registration number (if you are so sure it was not your car).

    I got a reminder letter from a City Council, last month, with a parking fine. As it was a reminder, I imagine the first notice with the photos and details was delivered somewhere else. The reminder had no information whatsoever, only the infraction number and date, and payment details.

    I checked my calendar… I hadn't used my car on that day.

    I went to the City Council website and entered the infringement number just to see a photo of a lady removing her car from a parking bay… The registration number was similar to my car's registration but the last letter was different. The model and colour were both different. The local was about 10km from home, somewhere I have never been.

    So I created an online request explaining that my car was not the one on the photos and that the notice had been registered with the wrong registration. I received an apologetic letter by post last week asking to ignore the notice.

    Someone who drives more often could have just paid the fine.

  • sarahlump on 11/05/2020 - 10:22
    +3

    So many boot lickers in this thread. The police are not your friends. I got a pair of boots that are getting a bit grimy if anybody wants to lick them too?

    • RockyRaccoon on 11/05/2020 - 10:37

      Good one luv, why not help by offering to fund a legal team to help, that way you put a kick into the boots with meaning.

      Considering all your replies, you missed the one where the OP has sort legal advice and said

      After their advice

      Yes I agree, this stalemate situation will not serve me well.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join