BY SOPHIE GALLAGHER

A businessman is in dispute with the police over the “theft” of an old London taxi.

Two weeks ago Tom Druitt, founder of The Big Lemon community bus service in Brighton, welcomed a man to his depot to buy a Mercedes van and a bus.

The man, who called himself Jim and spoke with a thick Irish accent, returned a week later to declare his interest in another purchase – an old London taxi – but asked for a discount because the bus he previously bought didn’t have an alternator.

Mr Druitt declined to offer a discount but left the office to find an alternator for the bus previously bought.

However he was left stunned when Jim jumped into a car transporter, which was already loaded with the London cab, and drove off without paying.

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Mr Druitt said: “I jumped in a van and drove up the road to see if I could spot him but he had already disappeared.

“The police were called and were able to get in touch with Jim, who left his mobile number with us.

“But the police have decided it’s a financial dispute, not theft, due to the van and bus purchases made last week.”

Mr Druitt added: “If I go to Tesco and buy a tin of beans that is only three quarters full, I don’t go back the next day and fill up a shopping trolley.

“I just couldn’t believe it. It really is black and white to me.”

The log books for all the vehicles, including the taxi, have already been sent to the DVLA as Mr Druitt believed the customer was going to buy the taxi.

Mr Druitt said: “We are a bit disappointed and I feel totally helpless.

“I can’t go looking for him myself – what am I going to do when I find him?

“This is a matter for the police.”

Mr Druitt has sent a letter of complaint to Sussex Police about the matter and is waiting for a response.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “It appears that full payment may not yet have been made.

“At this stage police would treat this as a civil matter until the seller comes forward to say he has not received the remainder of the payment.”