My son refuses to return my car which I lent to him. Do I report it stolen?

DANBOSPD

This will most likely be handled as a criminal trespass to vehicle - not a stolen auto.

My guess is that he routinely uses the car and either has free access to a key or even has his own. Although you can revoke the permission - this vehicle is not going to be entered into the computer as stolen - you want a gun screwed to your kids head when he gets stopped???

No States Attorney in my jurisdiction will touch this case. Call the police and have him tell them he won't return it. Maybe something may happen - but I hope he is not on the title or registration - if so your out of luck!

DN4CER

It's not stolen. You let him have it.

At the worst, your local agency MIGHT take a report for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.

Most agencies will advise you that it is a civil matter.

David S

no .
you can't be serious
you'd rat out your own child for that ?

Problem Child

Nope. You report him to the police and when caught, he will be charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, a different offense than Grand Theft Auto, which does not apply in this case as he had access to the auto and you did originally let him borrow it. He is not stealing your car, correct? He is merely using it without your current permission. (unauthorized use)

BRENT P

It is an option - in the UK his behaviour would amount to theft or taking the vehicle without the owner's consent. However, would you want to go down that road? Is there another member of the family or a friend that can mediate/intercede?
Another option is to write or get a solicitor to write on your behalf threatening to take civil legal action. You can seek the return of the car or damages thro the civil courts.
Or you could start charging him for its use, but local laws re car rentals may make that option impracticable.
Hope that helps.

Mud Killer

Call your local law enforcement and advise them of the situation. They may take an Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle report. It's not a stolen vehicle because he did not steal it. And to try to report it as such is filing a false police report, which can land you in hot water with the law.

CGIV76

You couldn't report it stolen unless you could prove that he was going to permanently deprive you of the vehicle.

Lela A

yes, press charges against him

avechm

Yes! You should tell your son that you will do that, let's say, give him 24 hours or so, but follow through with the consequences, and you'll have your car back (hopefully).