A storage container full of “stolen” bikes, skis and skateboards which police tried to reunite with their owners were not actually nicked.
The owner of the bikes got in contact with Brighton and Hove News after it ran the police appeal to say he had bought most of them from places like eBay or was fixing them for customers.
Derek Kindler said this was not the first time police had wrongly seized bikes of his – saying they also owed him almost six thousand pounds seized at the same time during a raid of his home in November 2022.
During that raid, a number of airguns were also seized, which Kindler was prohibited from owning because he had been released from prison in the last five years, along with cocaine.
He pleaded guilty to possessing these items, but was not charged over the bikes and police dropped a charge of owning criminal property – the cash – when he entered pleas to the other charges.
Sussex Police confirmed the bikes seized in September from the storage container in Brighton Marina were no longer considered stolen.
Kindler said he had or could get proof that everything found in that raid was either bought or given to him by customers for servicing, other than some parts that were donated or found.
He said: “I live an alternative life style to most, I take drugs but I haven’t a problem with taking them or with them. I don’t flaunt that fact and do respect others’ wishes.
“I do believe we need police in the society we live in but I don’t believe in police abusing their powers and harassment.
“I think people can make mistakes but can learn from them and I strongly believe in people being allowed to live their life if they are trying to better themselves and they are not harming anyone or breaking the law.
“Just as we are meant to live by certain laws, morals and ethics so should the police.
“I have paperwork to prove everything I’m saying and photos of all my belongings that the police have still got hold of.”
He said he was still trying to get back four bikes, an e-bike and six scooters seized in 2022. He said: “I phone and told I’ll be phoned back but nothing or I’ll go to the police station and told I will be phoned back and nothing.
“I was open and honest about my savings, they froze my bank account and could see I hadn’t earned more than I was allowed to on benefits.
“This has become a common theme.”
Kindler’s bank account, containing almost £29,000, was frozen for six months in August by a bench at Hastings Magistrates Court following an application by Sussex Police.
On benefits, got £29k in bank account & obviously, actively looking for work. I have no issues with living an alternative lifestyle but do object to taxpayers funding it!
I’ve got to admit it does sound a bit iffy
To get full means tested benefits (universal credit) the maximum savings is £6000.
If the DWP were aware he had £29,000 savings he would have received zero Universal Credit.
That’s true, surprised it’s up to £6,000 to be honest.
But he could live off it if is Bank Acc wasn’t Frozen or rhey will make him when they realise-or it’s an Acc he isn’t declaring to Job Centre-DWP
Ah I assume this is the same Derek Kindler whom in 2013 was sentenced for heroin PWI and again in 2019 was sentenced to 20 months in prison due to his alternative lifestyle. Glad he isnt a continued burden on society.
£29k in the bank and on benefits, its a challenging read.
With a legal history like his, I’m not surprised the Police check his containers. He sounds as dodgy as you can get.