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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think this might constitute criminal damage?

18 replies

GloriaGaynor · 11/12/2016 10:32

In brief:

Neighbour from hell moved in next door.

My Virgin broadband cable runs up my front garden, some bits of the cable loop through the other side of the fence. We had lovely neighbours at the time so it wasn't an issue.

New guy has told me he's erecting a new fence and wants my cable off his property. Fair enough.

Except that he only told me this yesterday and is giving me a week to move the cable or he will cut it.

Virgin engineers can't come until 12th Jan.

Technically that cable is Virgin's property apparently. Does intentional cutting amount to criminal damage?

OP posts:

gamerchick · 11/12/2016 10:35

Its not that far under the ground. Do you trust yourself to dig it up and move it?

Its easy fixed anyroad even if he did. Who the fuck wants a new fence this time of year?

Prawnofthepatriarchy · 11/12/2016 10:36

I don't know but didn't want to click and run. I'd ring Virgin. They must have seen this situation before and will advise. I'd imagine it is criminal damage, but check.

Original poster

GloriaGaynor · 11/12/2016 10:37

It doesn't go underground at all. They laid it along the surface and looped it through the trellis fence.

OP posts:

Original poster

GloriaGaynor · 11/12/2016 10:37

Thx for the responses btw.

OP posts:

SVJAA · 11/12/2016 10:40

If he cuts your wire, he's cutting your phone line, so yes, it is criminal damage.
Also, you can't move the cable because if you do Virgin can complain about it.
He's just going to have to suck it up until the 12th January.

OurBlanche · 11/12/2016 10:40

So they didn't finish the job? And they technically trespassed, as are you, with the cable that encroaches his property for no reason other than it was easier to do it like that, than properly!

Ring them back, explain the situation and ask how long it will really take them and how long they will reimburse you should NN carry out his threat.

AndShesGone · 11/12/2016 10:47

It's just pinned to the wall? Then free it and pin it to your side ?

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 11/12/2016 10:49

They installed your wire onto his property?

I should think he's able to remove it with warning; 7 days may well be enough. Call virgin and let them know that the wire they placed on someone else's property will be removed within 7 days if they don't move it; I'd imagine they'll find time to move it themselves but if they don't; cover your back by sending something in writing too.

sandragreen · 11/12/2016 10:50

Agree with PP you should all Virgin back and explain fully what has happened and that NDN will damage the cable. Hopefully they will show a bit more interest?

SaucyJack · 11/12/2016 10:53

Would it be possible for you (WITH his permission) saw through his fence and untangle your cable from his property that way?

If he doesn't want to be an arsehole for the sake, and is going to bin the fence anyway, this might be the easiest option.

JellyBelli · 11/12/2016 10:56

Can't his builders cut the trellis?

VeryBitchyRestingFace · 11/12/2016 11:00

You say he's the neighbour from hell - is this the only instance of his hellish neighbourliness?

All things being equal, I'd let the cable stay in situ until 12th Jan.

But perhaps next week is the only free time he has to do the work?

It doesn't sound as if it's going to be the most challenging job for you to resite the cable yourself.

ChocChocPorridge · 11/12/2016 11:13

What kind of installer loops a cable through a fence trellis rather than pinning it! What a poor installation - of course someone is going to replace the fence at some point, of course they're going to need to unloop it!

Virgin need to fix this - the initial install wasn't fit for purpose in the first place!

Reality16 · 11/12/2016 11:15

I would just move it myself, or say to him when he removes the fence just to push it over your side and you will sort it when you can. Slightly over reacting to be thinking criminal damage when it's so easy just to say OK to him?

Original poster

GloriaGaynor · 11/12/2016 12:26

Sorry for disappearing. I took your advice and rang Virgin. And have written him next door a letter.

So Virgin said a) it wasn't my fault that the cable was installed the way it was so they will waive the fee to move it. Go Virgin! And b) cutting the cable intentionally would be criminal damage. (He stated his intention to cut it in writing to me so he can't pretend it was a mistake).

So thanks v much peeps.

OP posts:

Original poster

GloriaGaynor · 11/12/2016 12:29

You say he's the neighbour from hell - is this the only instance of his hellish neighbourliness?

Oooooh no. This is just one in a long line. Minor in comparison to some of the others.

He doesn't have to cut it, he just wants to.

OP posts:

whyohwhy000 · 11/12/2016 17:05

AnchorDownDeepBreath To save time and money, Virgin engineers will often extend their wiring from a neighbour's property instead of running a new one from the cabinet.

GladAllOver · 11/12/2016 17:17

Virgin Media do have certain rights as a Telecom Provider. Cutting their cable might have legal consequences under the Telecommunications Act. But VM probably wouldn't bother to enforce it in a minor case like this.
If he does cut the cable I would certainly call VM right away and insist on elevating the issue to one of the UK staff rather than the offshore call centre. They are usually much more helpful.

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