Neighbour problems, Police matter or Estate Agent?

McKneff

if he soaked your house inside and out it is criminal damage, whch is a criminal offence.
I cannot for the life of me understand why you have not called the police.

DandelionPatrol

McKneff wrote: »

if he soaked your house inside and out it is criminal damage, whch is a criminal offence.
I cannot for the life of me understand why you have not called the police.

Without getting too technical, to be criminal damage there needs to be some criminal intent. This is easily characterised as negligence [sorry sir, that is a civil matter]. It will be much harder to show that it is criminal if intent has to be shown.

sniggings

DandelionPatrol wrote: »

Without getting too technical, to be criminal damage there needs to be some criminal intent. This is easily characterised as negligence [sorry sir, that is a civil matter]. It will be much harder to show that it is criminal if intent has to be shown.

I have more respect for the police to think they would take spaying water at all the open windows as negligence

moneyistooshorttomention

DandelionPatrol wrote: »

Without getting too technical, to be criminal damage there needs to be some criminal intent. This is easily characterised as negligence [sorry sir, that is a civil matter]. It will be much harder to show that it is criminal if intent has to be shown.

I guess it would be easy for this little ****** to lie through his teeth and say "Whoops...sorry officer....I didn't realise those windows were open". So - unless there is evidence he did it deliberately (ie caught on film and voice recording obviously doing so deliberately) then chances are he will lie. The police would know and OP would know that ******* was lying - but that evidence might be necessary to prove it.

giddypenguin

I think this has gone beyond 'normal' bad neighbours and has escalated into harassment. I would try and contact the owners as others have suggested, I would have a casual chat with the neighbours and see if they have any complaints about his behaviour (especially the beeping which must affect everyone) I would also log the water incident with the police. There may not be proof, but at least it's on record. I would then start a harassment diary, be prepared to record any antisocial behaviour.

This sounds awful- I really hope it gets sorted soon and this horrible little man is dealt with as deserved

Red-Squirrel_2

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

I guess it would be easy for this little ****** to lie through his teeth and say "Whoops...sorry officer....I didn't realise those windows were open". So - unless there is evidence he did it deliberately (ie caught on film and voice recording obviously doing so deliberately) then chances are he will lie. The police would know and OP would know that ******* was lying - but that evidence might be necessary to prove it.

I'd give the police a bit more credit! Water sprayed directly at three open windows but not at any closed ones, on somebody else's house? Bit of an odd accident!

OP, the RSPCA need to know how those animals are kept, but (and this sounds awful) give it a bit of time to let the horribleness of the conditions build up again. Its alarming how the low the bar is set legally for looking after animals, so if they come when the cage is relatively clean they might not be able to do anything.

Davesnave

The owners' address may be available via a neighbour who has kept in touch, and I'd be out there talking to neighbours today. Bear in mind that some may not wish to 'get involved' and you will need to respect that wish.

Unfortunately, what Red-Squirrel says re the conditions dogs are kept in, is true. In country areas, working dogs are confined to cages or dark sheds for long periods and the RSPCA are pretty much powerless to act, unless and until the conditions become quite unsavoury.

I have a distant neighbour who is similar, although I believe his dogs are mucked-out on a daily basis. From interaction and talking with other locals, it appears that the dogs become a method of displacing aggression towards society as a whole - "It's your problem mate, my dogs are just being dogs."

When I decided to stand up to him in various ways, I had what you've received: low level vandalism, threats and verbal aggression, but nothing more.

Good luck!

Red-Squirrel_2

Did you tell the RSPCA that the dogs were walking around in their own mess? They don't look kindly on that, as its a health hazard. Are the dogs well fed and in good condition or are they thin with matted coats?

pickles13

Queen_Of_Dreams wrote: »

Just wanted to update, We called the police and they came out last night, they were here all of three minutes and did not go and talk to the neighbour. The police said it would be very hard for me to prove that he did what I am saying he did even with the pictures I took. How would I prove it was not an accident? They basically implied that it was his word against mine.

That is outrageous. You have made an allegation and he needs to be arrested or at least cautioned and interviewed regarding that allegation. Criminal damage can also be caused by recklessness, not just intent. Call them back and demand they come back and speak to you both.

WeAreGhosts

pickles13 wrote: »

That is outrageous. You have made an allegation and he needs to be arrested or at least cautioned and interviewed regarding that allegation. Criminal damage can also be caused by recklessness, not just intent. Call them back and demand they come back and speak to you both.

I bet you they won't ...
Our local plod wasn't bothered when we had some damage caused by a neighbour. Said it was our word against his, even though he pretty much admitted it in front of the copper.