The mum of a young man who had his moped stolen was shocked to find that he had to pay a fee before police would give them the vehicle back.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, contacted the Adver to speak of her surprise.

Last month, thieves allegedly hotwired a moped and took it for a joyride around a Walcot housing estate. After police received a call about the theft, they located the two-wheeler and temporarily held it in a storage yard.

Its owner was then told that he would have to pay £150 to get it back plus £10 for each of the two days it had been stored away.

Wiltshire Police say the charge is standard policy and that the costs should be covered by the vehicle owner's insurance, but the mum says the insurance is not going to cover it.

She added: "Our relief about the moped being found quickly turned to shock and disbelief when we received a letter from the storage facility that the police use saying 'you have to pay this much'.

"To be honest, I thought it was a joke or that a serious misunderstanding had occurred but the police confirmed that it was their policy.

"It's a hassle we should not have to deal with. Why would a victim of crime have to pay to get their own property back? It's disgusting and wrong.

"He'll already have to pay for repairs for the damage the little so-and-so's did to the moped because they jammed a screwdriver in the ignition and broke the steering, which will cost a lot to fix."

The family claim to have spoken to other people who shared similar stories about their experience in this situation.

The woman added: "The police were very defensive over this - one person said we didn't seem very grateful that they had got the bike back.

"We were dumbfounded - of course we're grateful, but we didn't think this would happen.

"I'm not trying to cause trouble but it's the principle of the matter. I think more people should be aware of this.

"It's a bittersweet feeling because we're glad it was found and returned but this fee feels like we're being punished."

A Wiltshire Police spokesman explained that this is standard procedure as the person paying the fee can then claim the cost back on their vehicle insurance.

The theft investigation is ongoing.