A BAR manager today spoke of his disbelief at being charged £181.38 to retrieve his stolen car after it was towed away for forensic examination.

Richard Walkden, 23, received the bill after his Peugeot 206 was taken by Triple A to premises in Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, where it was checked by police for finger prints and stored overnight.

Mr Walkden, of Wyfordby Avenue, Blackburn, was told that he could claim the cash back on his insurance -- costing him his no claims bonus as well as increasing his premium. He decided to just pay the bill.

Now he said he would "think twice" before reporting crimes in the future and added: "I am disgusted by the way I have been treated and don't understand why I had to pay when it was my car that was stolen."

His car was taken from outside his place of work, the Butlers Arms, in Pleasington Lane, Blackburn. A day later he was shocked to find the vehicle himself in Billenge End while receiving a lift home from work.

Mr Walkden contacted the police and two officers arrived around 40 minutes later. He was then told Triple A -- standing for Assured Auto Assessors Ltd -- would remove the vehicle and that he could pick it up the following day. After ringing Triple A, he was told to pay £181.38 to cover the tow and storage. Mr Walkden said: "I am dumbfounded as to why, as a victim of crime, I am being punished for being public spirited.

"Had I returned home with the car before informing the police, I would be £181.38 better off."

A police spokesman said the force was sorry to hear Mr Walkden was upset and added: "It's normal for vehicles to be removed for forensic examination.

"It's normal to be charged but people usually claim it through their insurance company.

"The police don't take any money from this and we do not set the price, but we need someone locally who can remove vehicles for us."

Triple A declined to comment.