Keyed my car and I have CCTV proof

joshuadeacon94

Hi

So Monday 17th Nov I went to my new car to noticed it had been keyed all along the drivers side and bonnet. I made an initial police report via 101.

I went to work for my nightshift that night and then went home to review home CCTV footage on the morning of Tues 18th. I found footage of a neighbor crouching round by the car, and then scratching something along the sides where the keying exists, he then looks back at the damage and puts the offending object (key) into his other hand. I don't have any issues with this neighbor and we are on talking terms (although I have not made any contact with them since finding out it was them).

I then rang back 101 on the 18th and told them I had this footage and was asked to bring it into the station.

I have a crime ref no and I have provided them with statements/footage etc. However I am concerned that they only want to 'caution' the offender as he has no history of criminal acts. As it stands I am awaiting an officer to come and view the damage done to my car.

I spoke to my insurance and they said I have to pay the initial excess, which is fine...

I suppose the question is what is the best way I ensure I hold him accountable for costs and liability, I don't want to have to declare this as an 'at fault claim' for the next 5 years on my insurance (My insurance have said that as it stands it is currently a disputed liability).

I have motor legal expenses, and my insurance said there may be a possibility of claiming against his personal motor insurance...

Any info/experience or knowledge would be great and recommendations please

Thanks!

dealer_wins

Your neighbour sounds a right psycho. On talking terms yet he keys your car.

Round here the police visiting him would be the least of his problems, he would be lucky to ever be physically able to key another car in his lifetime

hollydays

In the statement, do you remember seeing anything like " I agree to abide by any decision taken by the police in this matter"?

Here is a link to victim support about compensation
You could maybe speak to them for advice.
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-victims/practical-information/compensation
Where was your cctv? In your car? Why did you feel the need for it?

You could be right, if he admits it , it might not go to court .
Speak to him after and suggest he pays you or you may have to take a private prosecution?
I gather your main concern is your insurance premiums.ask the insurers that once he admits it , and is cautioned,does it make a difference?

Could it be you have upset them by parking outside their house in " their" parking space or disturbing them returning from work at unsocial hours? Badly controlled pets...?

tykesi

OP has posted in motoring section as well and is getting advice over there also, not sure why the need for two threads but might be best if we stick to answering in just one of them.

browneyedbazzi

Does the neighbour have money/property? If so, you (or your insurance) could take a civil action against him to recover the cost of repairing the car. Any civil action would be separate to whatever action the police take.

Keep the CCTV and details of the crime reference number/any notification you get from the police of the outcome etc (if he admits the offence and accepts a caution he's admitted causing the damage and the court would likely hold him liable for repair costs).

joshuadeacon94

All - thanks for info. Was supposed to close this one as had reposted in motoring.

Thanks for advice - insurance have said they will try and hold him liable.

Fortunately he has come to my door today to apologise - as I told his wife we caught him on CCTV.

The reason for CCTV was we were offered it second hand cheap and decided why not - best decision ever looking back now.

Gavin83

Did he offer any explanation as to why he did it?

I'm assuming along with the apology was the offer to pay for the damage. I'd probably take this option rather than taking legal action. Naturally if he doesn't pay take him to court.