Aibu to not tell them till they get back?

[Iambubbles86]

Lovely neighbours have gone abroad till Jan 2nd and I'm house sitting for them. Before they went their car was clamped due to non payment of tax. Neighbours paid it before they left and advised me at some point it will be unclamped. Last night at 9 two officials unclamped it. I've now noticed the cars gone. I didn't see it leave but ds1 advised me after it was unclamped it was towed away. He may be unreliable though as he's 5. Is this normal? What if its been stolen? Hell of a coincidence I know but it could happen? Should I call and let them know or wait till they return? I know they couldn't come back so it would ruin their holiday but if it has been stolen/taken by the council then surely neighbours need to know to look into asap? Advice please

This is one of the few times where I would advise you do ring them now.

Only because there may have been a mix up with the payment not going through, and by the time they return it could either be crushed, or the fine may have risen to really stupid levels.

It's not a nice thing to have to do, but I would ring them.

Meant to say, they may be able to sort it out now via card payment over the phone.

It would be a huge coincidence if it was stolen as soon as it was unclamped.

Argh not answering. I'm going to have to do it by text :-(

I agree with Worra let them know and hopefully they can sort it out over the phone. Don't leave it in case it's a mix-up that it's too late to sort when they get back. This reminds me of that episode of The Simpsons when Homer forgets to pass on Mr Burns's messages. "You have thirty minutes to move your car." "You have ten minutes." "Your car has been impounded." "Your car has been crushed into a cube." "You have thirty minutes to move your cube."

It hadn't even occurred to mW about crushing or charges. I Dont drive so have absolutely no knowledge of these things. The most ridiculous part is that I'm not 100% sure it is missing. There is a car parked in the same place but I'm sure its a different model and colour. Even ds1 says it's not theirs but I'm not 100% and am hoping I'm not panicking them over nothing

As your neighbours told you it was going to be unclamped, I think you should contact them on holiday to tell them what has happened.

When you contact your neighbours, just confirm the number on the number plate with them and the colour of the car, then they can be completely sure whether the one parked there is theirs or not. You have been put in an awkward situation but I think you are doing the right thing by contacting them.

Good idea damsel. I've tries calling twice but no answer so have text and WhatsApp them

Eek! I'd definitely tell them? Was it outside their house? Why was it clamped?

Very much tell them. This is something that they might well be able sort out from a distance.

I would let them know as it's not worth the risk that it may be crushed. You might call the council yourself and explain the situation, they may at least confirm if they have taken it.

Well other car has gone so definitely not theirs. Still no answer from them. Dont know their reg so doubt council could help :-s

Well she's got in touch and said she's not bothered and will sort it out when back so guess I've made a mountain out of a molehill

Better making a mountain out of a molehill and having proof, than doing nothing and later being accused of indifference.

True, thanks butterfly.