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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that I can track this person down?

44 replies

jade80 · 05/07/2011 12:26

Right, to cut a long story short, a few month ago a group of idiots damaged something of mine beyond repair. I had pretty much given up on finding out who it was, but over the weekend I was given the name and description of a dog belonging to one of them. I was also told they live in my town (very small town, fortunately). Am I being unreasonble to think that if I ask enough people I will find them eventually? Or is there a better way to go about this? Help!

OP posts:
kreecherlivesupstairs · 05/07/2011 13:53

What happened obviously. Don't worry about being recognisible, I wouldn't know anybody and I live in foreign parts.
Just to the right of my name is message poster. Click that an let me in on your secrets.

Original poster
jade80 · 05/07/2011 13:54

I'm on the case with facebook...

OP posts:
Original poster
jade80 · 05/07/2011 13:54

Ah thank you, I see it!

OP posts:
kreecherlivesupstairs · 05/07/2011 14:03

Thanks for that [creating a web of Envy from those not in the know]

Original poster
jade80 · 05/07/2011 14:42

Thanks kreecher!

OP posts:
Tchootnika · 05/07/2011 15:01

My 2p worth...
I'd be a bit careful about 'lost dog' posters - I really don't think it's a good look in court (it looks mildly dishonest - and a bit nuts, tbh).
I would, however, casually ask other dog walkers in your area - if it's a smallish place, then generally dog-people do know a bit about each other (and you're likely to get an idea of the general flavour of the people in question, IYSWIM).
I really wouldn't do the posters thing. With the greatest respect, I think it's likely to make you look like a bit of a loon - not great where there's also oldish evidence, etc...

HellAtWork · 05/07/2011 15:20

Tchootnika Are you a lawyer too? Do you work in criminal? (I don't so bow down to your superior knowledge if you know this would be frowned upon in criminal courts - only deal with civil stuff here) I agree that I don't think putting Lost dog on the poster is a good idea - it's not about needing to mislead anyone - however the dog is a lead to a pretty bad crime that apparently the police aren't interested in investigating (am shocked by the damage that was done) that could have endangered life. However, asking for information on the dog's whereabouts could be useful. If I saw someone abusing an animal I might do the same thing in the hope I could save it.

OP - see here re the seriousness of criminal damage to property www.cps.gov.uk/legal/a_to_c/criminal_damage/#a14

Original poster
jade80 · 05/07/2011 15:39

Thanks for the link and your support!

OP posts:
Original poster
jade80 · 05/07/2011 15:59

Oh hell yeah!!!! The joys of facebook! I've found them, plus dated photo evidence of them actually doing the crime!!!!!

OP posts:
Tchootnika · 05/07/2011 16:14

Hell - ex-lawyer, mixed chambers; understood this as evidence gathering for small claims... Apologies if 15:01 post riled you. (Issues also re. photo of same dog, etc., - by all means PM me if you wish. But seemingly this isn't so relevant now anyway.)
OP - good!

SarahStratton · 05/07/2011 16:26

Screenshots jade, before they can remove it.

onehellofaride · 05/07/2011 16:35

What did the police say when it was reported? Generally criminal damage is taken quite seriously therefore the police should do the groud work for you. PM me the details if you prefer (i'm another one who works in criminal law Smile)

HellAtWork · 05/07/2011 17:04

Tchootnika No not riled! Sorry if terse tone! I wondered if you had experienced something similar in court? Am not remotely involved in criminal so wondered if I was advocating something illegal/inadmissible under criminal evidence rules. Yes OP is pursuing civil claim, but without giving too much away from OP's PM on damage done it could be made out as a reckless intention to endanger life because of the possible consequences, all due to what, how and where property was destroyed and what was used to destroy it. I am really surprised the police were not bothered. If OP gets enough evidence she may be able to hand it over to the police to pursue criminal case.

HellAtWork · 05/07/2011 17:06

Jade080 No way! They've actually done all the work for you - awesome! Any addresses apparent that you can serve your small claim on, on the way to the police with your dossier of evidence (ofc)?

Original poster
jade80 · 05/07/2011 19:50

I have taken screen shots and printed. I know the parents of at least two of them. Justice is served! Anyone got a job going as a PI for me?! LOL!!

Onehellofaride we just reported it and left it there as at the time had no evidence at all, but we wanted to log it. Will PM you.

Hellatwork- as above, I actually know relatives of tw of the little blighters! And now thanks to facebook have loads of evidence of the others. Including a tagged photo of all of them at the crime scene!

OP posts:
Pompoko · 05/07/2011 20:00

what did they do?
Glad youll make them pay, idiots. FB truely has its uses

Original poster
jade80 · 05/07/2011 20:06

Will pm you pompoko.

OP posts:
Pompoko · 05/07/2011 20:15

Blooming heck!! Not surprised you want to catch the blighters! If I found out that my dc had done that, theyd be strung up by their ears!
but am Envy at you owning a wood. Dont even have a garden here

Original poster
jade80 · 05/07/2011 20:19

Lol! Thanks pompoko! I am hoping at least some of their parents will feel like you!

OP posts:
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