US Legal Forms
Legal Resources
Questions & Answers
Abandoned Property
Can I call the police to remove a suspicious car from my property?

Can I call the police to remove a suspicious car from my property?

Q: How much time do you have to report a car stolen?

You should report a car stolen as soon as you realize it is missing. There is no specific time limit, but the sooner you report it, the better chance the police have of recovering the vehicle. Delaying the report may hinder the investigation and could complicate insurance claims.

Q: What to do if someone won't give back your car?

If someone refuses to return your car, first try to communicate with them to resolve the issue. If that fails, you may need to file a police report for theft, especially if you did not authorize them to keep it. Keep records of any communication and agreements regarding the vehicle for your records.

Q: What happens if someone borrowed my car and won't give it back?

If someone borrowed your car and is not returning it, you should first attempt to reach out to them to ask for its return. If they continue to refuse, you may need to report the situation to the police as a theft. Ensure you have documentation of the borrowing agreement and any communication regarding the return.

Q: How to find a stolen car without a tracker?

Finding a stolen car without a tracker can be challenging. You can start by reporting the theft to the police, who can help locate the vehicle. Additionally, check local online marketplaces and social media for listings that may match your car. Neighbors may also help by keeping an eye out for it in the area.

Full question:

My neighbor was physically attacked by a guy. This guy left his car in my garden area. This car seems to be a stolen car. Can I call the police and get it removed now without trying to locate the owner or lien holder. I really don’t feel safe to be having this car in my private property. Please help.

Category: Abandoned Property
Subcategory: Vehicles
Date: 04/07/2025
State: New Hampshire

Answer:

Yes, you can contact the police to remove the suspicious vehicle from your property if you feel it poses a safety threat. The police will handle its removal and store it safely. Any reasonable costs incurred for the removal and storage will become a lien against the vehicle, which the owner or lien holder must pay when they claim it.

The police may attempt to identify the registered owner of the vehicle to notify them of its removal and where it has been taken. If they cannot determine the owner's identity or cannot provide notice for any reason, they will file a notice with the appropriate director, which will be available for public inspection.

Relevant laws include:

RSA 262:31: Authorized officials can take custody of a vehicle under specific circumstances.
RSA 262:32: Vehicles can be removed if they are left unattended, obstructing traffic, reported stolen, or abandoned.
RSA 262:33: Procedures for removal and impoundment, including lien provisions.

For further details, you can refer to the specific statutes mentioned.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Do police investigate stolen cars?

Yes, police do investigate stolen cars. When a vehicle is reported stolen, law enforcement will typically gather information from the owner, check for any surveillance footage, and look for evidence that may help identify the thief. They may also check local databases for sightings of the vehicle. If you suspect your car has been stolen, it's important to report it to the police as soon as possible.

What happens if my friend borrowed my car and won't return it?

If your friend borrowed your car and refuses to return it, you can ask them to return it directly. If they still won't comply, you may need to file a police report for theft, especially if you did not give them permission to keep it for an extended period. Document all communication with your friend regarding the car to support your case.