Jump to content

Why, oh why, oh why..........


trees
 Share

Recommended Posts

That happened to a friend of mine in Dover.

She was travelling back from France for a gig in London, but it later transpired a jealous ex-girlfriend of her boyfriend made a call to customs saying she was transporting drugs.

At the time, she was running an antiques business in Nantes and buying a lot of furniture in the UK, so she had been making a lot of ferry crossings which made her look lore suspicious in their eyes.

They stopped her car off the ferry and literally took it to bits, dismantled the wheels, the doors, the dashboard, the roof lining... They kept her all night and never told her why [:'(]. She was not allowed to contact anyone and we only found out where she was the following day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't get me started on Spanish Customs.[:@]

At 19, (quite a few years ago then), a mate and I drove into Spain over the Somport pass, with my little MkI Escort loaded to the gunnels.

At the French border post we were waved through.

The Spaniards, however, came out in force and were very interested in us. This was back in the days of the General, so they were tooled up, too.

Finally, the one in charge indicated that we had a choice: spend some time with them, or give him the large copper twin bell alarm clock that was lodged on top of the luggage in the rear.

Needless to say, the alarm clock changed hands[:(]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Has anyone else been stopped and "interrogated" by the Police AFTER being cleared through customs at Portsmouth?

Very strange questions, the usual "where have you come from" - pretty obvious it was France.

"Where are you going" - Abingdon (Oxfordshire),

" Oh yes, they make carpets there dont they" - ???????????????

Was it a trick question or did Mr Plod really think Abingdon was Axminster?

Maybe if I had said "Dalton Barracks" he would have been happy ( or more suspicious)???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

About 3 or 4 years ago we were on holiday  near Cannes with our caravan, we were on our return journey to UK.  We had a puncture, luckily it happened at a service area,  we had  major problems with the spare wheel carrier being jammed and we ended up staying about 3 hours. We got underway again and pulled into to the next rest area to check everything was fine, only to be surrounded by 4 large white vans and about 20 Douane Officers all pointing either pistols or machine guns at us. Wanted to know why we had stopped so long before and were stopping again so soon, where had we been, where we were going, receipt for campsite, ferry tickets, passports, and were most interested  in what was my mobility scooter for and how it came out of the car. All  very scary at first with all those guns, but once they realised we were innocent tourists and put their guns down they were fine, not an experience we wish to repeat

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i totally agree, after spending the night on the ferry from roscoffe to Plymouth , leaving behind lovely french country side and beautifil towns , we hit Plymouth on a demolition site and tattooed students litter and grubby stree[:D]ts. Just reinforced the decision to continue house hunting in France ..jayne
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think we've all experienced similar numbskulls and pocket Hitlers at one time or another.

One incident I will never forget was checking in for the Harwich - Hook ferry one day when a spotty gangly yoof, complete with obligatory dayglo coat, flat cap and clipboard approched and asked in all seriousness "are we carrying any weapons of mass destruction today sir" [:-))]

are we carrying any weapons of mass destruction TODAY sir !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...I mean what the hell sort of question is that.

I soooo wanted to say "no, but if you'd asked me last week !" but I just couldn't imagine that someone who could conceive such a question could possibly be possessed of a SOH so I buttoned it.

Like you Colin we had some Baked Beans in the back, never mind 2 tins, we had 2 whole cases of them, but I didn't have the nerve to even make light of that, I just didn't need the aggro that this genetic throwback could potential visit upon me, and therein lies their "power".

I remember in the good old days of cheques and guarantee cards where it was common to be asked to put ones address on the back of a cheque. The was red rag to the bull for me. The conversation would go something like this:

Would you put your address on the back of the cheque please?

Why?

It's company policy.

And it's my policy not to give it.

Sorry sir but I need your address on the back of the cheque.

Look, you've got my cheque - you've got my card - you've got my name and signature on both. You either accept those or you don't and if not then I'll happily do my shopping elsewhere.

Sorry sir but I do need your address on the cheque.

OK then, here you go, I write, C/O Lloyds Bank, satisfied ?

Thank you sir.

On occasion I would write C/O Wormwood Scrubs and still have it accepted.

 

Marks & Spencer Currency Exchange was another recent one. Buying a few hundred Euros last year sometime.

Would you fill in this form please sir (name and address).

Why?

It's company policy sir.

Oh really, is it required by law?

No sir but it's company policy.

I take the form and write - John Smith, C/O Wormwood Scrubs, London.

Assistant starts typing into the computer. this isn't your name and address sir.

Isn't it, how do you know?

It cant be

What do you mean it can't be, I might be a prisoner on day release?

Please sir, I need your real name and address.

OK, give me another form.

I write on it - Jack Smith, 1 High Street Halstead, sorry I say, can't remember the post code.

Thank you sir!

You just don't know whether to laugh or cry [blink]

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Only had recent experiences of the SS at Portsmouth.  Husband accidentally left his hunting knife in the glove box - a brand new one at that with the reciept still in the box - but when he answered "Actually YES...." to THE question it was as if he had wheeled out a nuclear missile and aimed it at No.10.  We narrowly caught the ferry after all the performance at UK customs which ended abruptly when a particularly hacked-off copper said that it was "not an illegal weapon" and to let it through, but the joke was that the back of the truck was brimfull of knives, chisels and drills to be used on renovating our old house and any one of them was potentially as dangerous as one hunting knife.   My Lord, if they had checked the kitchen knives I brought out I would have been off to the Scrubs instantly!!

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It seems to be ok to have any number of lethal weapons in a toolbox or in the back, chisels, sythes, chainsaw etc but a Stanley knife in the glovebox is a problem.

I don't get any real sense of security from the process. I often respond with a "just tools in the back" which is given the nod and then when they use the swab to check for explosives they open the back and see the large machete and scythe in with the garden tools and say nothing.

I guess the problem is that the employees dealing with the public have been told what questions to ask but haven't been given any realistic guidance and have to make it up as they go along.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote user="BJSLIV"]

http://www.abingdonflooring.co.uk/about.php

As For Trees, I hope that I never have the misfortune to be behind him/her  at the port.

That kind of response to reasonable questioning only causes delays for other more intelligent travellers.

 

[/quote]

Sorry, I happen to believe that in the UK you are innocent UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

It's folk like you BJSLIV, who allow this attitude of the authorities to continue.

I hope for your sake you never have cause to regret having allowed them the liberties they now take.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry, I happen to believe that in the UK you are innocent UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

So who was accusing you of anything?

Do I have to declare the cash I am carrying when I enter or leave the country?

Before 15 June 2007, there is no legal requirement to declare the cash that you are carrying when you enter or leave the UK, whatever the amount or currency.However, as from that date if you are arriving directly from, or are travelling directly to, a country outside the European Union (EU)1, and are carrying 10,000 euros or more or the equivalent amount in another currency, you must complete a cash declaration form. These will be available at the port or airport of your entry to, or departure from, the UK. Please read the form carefully before filling it in. You will be liable to financial penalties if you fail to comply with the obligation to declare or provide incomplete or incorrect information.

There will continue to be no requirement to declare your cash if you are travelling to, or are arriving from another EU country.

Whether or not you are required to make a declaration, you must answer any questions that an HMRC officer may put to you about the cash that you are carrying.

Can HMRC officers seize my cash?

HMRC officers will not detain your cash if they have no reason to doubt its legitimacy and, where appropriate, the cash has been properly declared.

However, as with cash found by HMRC or police officers at any place within the UK, if it amounts to £1000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies), it may be seized if the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that it is either the proceeds of, or is intended for use in, unlawful conduct.

Source : Advice to travellers HM Revenue & Customs

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=86377&Rendition=Web

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote user="ErnieY"]

[quote user="Alane"]...the large machete...[/quote]If you need something like that in 27 I'm staying well clear [:-))]

[:D]

[/quote]

It comes in handy for keeping the natives in order [:)]      It also has its uses for clearing the mutant monster brambles in my garden but evidently doesn't phase the security staff at the Tunnel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many years ago during my time in the Royal Navy on returning back to the UK we always had to clear customs onboard (often embarked at Gib enroute to Devonport) and the advice given then still stands in good stead, If the customs officer (or whoever) asks a question it is always better to agree or give a polite answer. eg He says "this Seiko watch / Olympus camera / gold bracelet / etc. looks to me like a cheap imitation sir". You agree yes. Don't argue.

If an imigration officer asks where I have come from/been I'm happy to say "the Moselle Valley / Drome Provencal or whatever" - being pleasant to officious or otherwise officals costs nothing. Just because someone has a boring job shouldn't be a reason to get yourself (and others) uptight.

Either that or pressure your MP to get the UK to sign up to the Schengen agreement.

Brian (again)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Strange how they all think that caravans will be loaded up with contraband ? ......back and forth 4 or 5 trips over a year with a big estate car ......never stopped and searched ....Brought the old caravan back that had been in the garden a couple of years ....jumped on at Poole !  After being asked about where I had come from ...the tobacco question ...how much was I carrying.?... Being told " I dont smoke and you wont find a cigarette with us... " Open the caravan " he went straight into the loo ...serched that and then told us to go ......The bed lockers were stacked with so much wine the caravan must have been on its weight limit  not that it would have been a problem bringing  that in .....and the back of the estate was also full up with boxes .......... could all  have been fags .... so do caravan owner smugglers .always hide stuff in the loo ?   
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's all a question of maintaing perspective.

There were no harmful consequences to my little spats with shop assistants, they could have even brightened their boring day in some miniscule way, whereas winding up that little twerp at Harwich could possibly have caused me to miss my ferry [:-))]

You gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em................[;-)]

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Update: Received a reply from Dover Harbour Board. "Not our fault, gov."[:D]

Now why didn't I expect that?[8-)]

The guy who replied to me DID say that I wasn't the only person to complain, and that they will make representations to UK customs at their next meeting, (as will P&O and Norfolk Line. Seafrance never responded).

He went on to say that they wished they COULD do as the tunnel does, but can't, since Dover handles ferries from more than just Calais, so they can't put UK customs in every port.

BJSLIV: Interesting, but did you read my OP? I was asked those questions on my way OUT of the country.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes.

As I reported before

Do I have to declare the cash I am carrying when I enter or leave the country?..............

 There will continue to be no requirement to declare your cash if you are travelling to, or are arriving from another EU country.

Whether or not you are required to make a declaration, you must answer any questions that an HMRC officer may put to you about the cash that you are carrying.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote user="BJSLIV"]

Yes.

As I reported before

Do I have to declare the cash I am carrying when I enter or leave the country?..............

 There will continue to be no requirement to declare your cash if you are travelling to, or are arriving from another EU country.

Whether or not you are required to make a declaration, you must answer any questions that an HMRC officer may put to you about the cash that you are carrying.

[/quote]

OK, next time I'm asked, I'll tell 'em the (cough) truth(cough).

Or take out every coin and note I have and start accounting for each one.

Unbelievable it is! If you DON'T have to declare it, WHY must you answer questions about it?

Bliar's Britain, eh?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Could not agree more with the Plymouth comment.I arrived there for the first time in 30 months recently and the top end of Union Street still looks just as run down as when I frequented it in the Royal Marines in the 60's(looking for the library of course).Unfortunately it didn't get much better when I got to Torbay, sad, run-down and in need of a serious injection of cash, culture and enthusiasm; not necessarily in that order.Can't imagine why I moved here to France in the first place but the pain of it is that I now have to move back and I'm not looking forward to it one little bit!! 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Reading through this thread, I wonder if you lot are the same people that whinge about terrorists and illegal immigrants seemingly being allowed unchallenged into Britain.

Now, I know I am not a terrorist and I hope the little old lady sitting next to me on a Ryanair flight is not packing an Uzi. But who's to tell? Terrorists don't put that on their passport under occupation nor have I seen anyone wearing a T-shirt labelled 'illegal immigrant' (doubtless someone will round to it though). So when I am frisked next time at Stansted or Dover, I will just grin and bear it.

I have to admit that travelling back through Stansted recently I made a complete idiot of myself carrying both bottled water and my mobile phone in my hand luggage by mistake, and the staff could not have been more pleasant when I apologised profusely for the oversight. As someone has said, you get back what you give out. We eventually all had a laugh about my friend's Arsenal T-shirt which he insisted was 'for a friend'!

P-D de Rouffignac

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think most people mind being subject to reasonable security measures, it's the petty, inane and unneccessarilly intrusive stuff which rankles. I think the sense of balance has been totally lost.

[quote user="P-D de Rouffignac"]I will just grin and bear it.[/quote]Your perogative of course, however this all too common attitude of unquestioning acquiescence is precisely why the UK has become the most surveilled nation on the planet. Some statistics to be proud of:

14.2m cameras, or one for every 14 people, and 20% of ALL sueveillance cameras worldwide.

The Biggest DNA database in the world with 3.8 million people, or 5.2 percent of the population, on it. By comparison, the US has the DNA records of 0.5 percent.

Example: there was a report in yesterday's papers about a student who, not deliberately, failed to buy a £2.40 ticket in advance for his train journey and now has his fingerprints and DNA permanently on record.

Councils who plan to use Google Earth or similar to spy into YOUR back garden to see if you have a nice patio or conservatory in order to increase your tax.

I could go on....................

As somebody said the other day, 1984 was a warning, not a template [blink]

Anyway, I'm (almost) out of it, but you feel free to carry on with your yes sir, no sir, 3 bags full sir [:D]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...