Problems with new neighbour over septic tank drainage pipe

macman

They're making it up. If they were serious about this then you would have received a solicitor's letter, not an email!

pinkteapot

macman said:

They're making it up. If they were serious about this then you would have received a solicitor's letter, not an email!

Agree, but they could think of the same of OP. At this point, I'd be tempted to pay a solicitor to write them a "go away" letter. 

Alternative is just to ignore them. They simply disregarded everything OP said so there's no point replying direct to them. And don't hand over the neighbour's details! They can knock on the neighbour's door if they want! 

Bendy_House

Hi JFT.

Assuming what you said - "I have been informed by our solicitor that if you damage or remove the pipe which is our private property you will be liable for negligent damage not only to the pipe but any damage done to the two properties by the backup of sewage. We have also spoken to the police and because the pipe is private property you will also be liable for criminal damage" - is correct, then you should be covered. If they carry out their threat, then you will simply launch a civil claim for damages and should win.

And if the police really did say to you that such action would amount to criminal damage, then get on the blower to them right away - whilst recording what they are doing, and you very clearly telling them to STOP 'as this amounts to criminal damage'. You will then have evidence that you have told them to desist, and also what crime they are committing. If they carry on regardless, they'd be silly.

I presume they won't be doing this actual digging anyway?! They'll get a contractor in? In which case you record yourself telling the contractor the same - and then they'd be silly to continue. Most, at this point, would tell themselves "I didn't sign up for this aggro..." and depart.

Just make sure you collect evidence evidence evidence so's it's unimpeachable.

canaldumidi

I would contact your local Community Police Liaison Officer and after explaining what you've already been told by the police (exactly who?), ask him to visit them and warn them about their threats to commit criminal damage.

I would also contact Environmental Health again. OK, they've told you that currenly there is no problem with the pipe, but you now have evidence of a threat to cause environmental damage, as well as a threat to health caused by a failure of the sewage system. Hopefully they too would contact these idiots and warn them of the consequenes of following up their threat.

DB1904

canaldumidi said:

I would contact your local Community Police Liaison Officer and after explaining what you've already been told by the police (exactly who?), ask him to visit them and warn them about their threats to commit criminal damage.

I would also contact Environmental Health again. OK, they've told you that currenly there is no problem with the pipe, but you now have evidence of a threat to cause environmental damage, as well as a threat to health caused by a failure of the sewage system. Hopefully they too would contact these idiots and warn them of the consequenes of following up their threat.

It's not the role of a PCSO to go warning people committing criminal offences. 

JFT1

I have sent an email to the local community police asking if they can call and speak to them. I have tried to contact the environmental health no luck. I will try again tomorrow. Thank you for all your help.

Bendy_House

DB1904 said:

canaldumidi said:

I would contact your local Community Police Liaison Officer and after explaining what you've already been told by the police (exactly who?), ask him to visit them and warn them about their threats to commit criminal damage.

I would also contact Environmental Health again. OK, they've told you that currenly there is no problem with the pipe, but you now have evidence of a threat to cause environmental damage, as well as a threat to health caused by a failure of the sewage system. Hopefully they too would contact these idiots and warn them of the consequenes of following up their threat.

It's not the role of a PCSO to go warning people committing criminal offences. 

I don't know, but I think this could suggest otherwise. After all, this neighbour has effectively threatened to commit criminal damage to the OP's property.

"The role of a police community support officer (PCSO) is to reduce crime, fear and antisocial behaviour in the community."

Daily tasks vary between police forces. A PCSO's duties might include:

• Dealing with minor crimes, such as vandalism, graffiti, litter, abandoned vehicles and antisocial behaviour.
• Intervening at an early stage to try to deter crime.

Once the damage has occurred and a PCSO or Police Office is in attendance, quite possibly one of the first Qs they could ask would be "Why didn't you call us as soon as they threatened to carry out this damage..."

The OP has this 'threat' in writing.

Or perhaps I'm still living in the halcyon pre-B days...?

Section62

DB1904 said:

canaldumidi said:

I would contact your local Community Police Liaison Officer and after explaining what you've already been told by the police (exactly who?), ask him to visit them and warn them about their threats to commit criminal damage.

I would also contact Environmental Health again. OK, they've told you that currenly there is no problem with the pipe, but you now have evidence of a threat to cause environmental damage, as well as a threat to health caused by a failure of the sewage system. Hopefully they too would contact these idiots and warn them of the consequenes of following up their threat.

It's not the role of a PCSO to go warning people committing criminal offences. 

A Liaison Officer isn't the same thing as a PCSO.  If the area the OP is in has LO's then they are the best people to get involved in the situation, especially if there is a possibility of the new neighbours being 'known'.

WeAreGhosts

DB1904 said:

canaldumidi said:

I would contact your local Community Police Liaison Officer and after explaining what you've already been told by the police (exactly who?), ask him to visit them and warn them about their threats to commit criminal damage.

I would also contact Environmental Health again. OK, they've told you that currenly there is no problem with the pipe, but you now have evidence of a threat to cause environmental damage, as well as a threat to health caused by a failure of the sewage system. Hopefully they too would contact these idiots and warn them of the consequenes of following up their threat.

It's not the role of a PCSO to go warning people committing criminal offences. 

A threat has been made, so yes it is in their remit. We had the same thing, a PCSO warned my neighbours not to continue with their threats and intimidation or they'll be in more trouble. Early intervention does work ... and it's a lot less paperwork for the police so they're usually happy to do it!

DB1904

WeAreGhosts said:

DB1904 said:

canaldumidi said:

I would contact your local Community Police Liaison Officer and after explaining what you've already been told by the police (exactly who?), ask him to visit them and warn them about their threats to commit criminal damage.

I would also contact Environmental Health again. OK, they've told you that currenly there is no problem with the pipe, but you now have evidence of a threat to cause environmental damage, as well as a threat to health caused by a failure of the sewage system. Hopefully they too would contact these idiots and warn them of the consequenes of following up their threat.

It's not the role of a PCSO to go warning people committing criminal offences. 

A threat has been made, so yes it is in their remit. We had the same thing, a PCSO warned my neighbours not to continue with their threats and intimidation or they'll be in more trouble. Early intervention does work ... and it's a lot less paperwork for the police so they're usually happy to do it!

A crime has already been committed so it's a matter for a police officer not a PCSO.