Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Should I pay for this damage?

110 replies

whaaatthe · 26/11/2018 01:53

Last night I had a few friends round for drinks that I’ve known for a long time. This morning I’ve woken up to messages of a neighbour saying they have CCTV footage of 2 of the people I had round smashing their car mirror and demanding I pay for the damage. I’ve spoke to them and they are adamant they haven’t done anything and why would they, They aren’t like that whatsoever and it was just a quiet few drinks. They said they would love to see the CCTV because they know it’s not them, I’ve asked neighbour and they have said they don’t have my friends on camera damaging their car. But another neighbour has a camera that’s seen them stood outside my house? I don’t know what to do, I’ve suggested they call the police they replied that wasn’t an option you need to pay for it, as I've brought trash to my house apparently Shock like I've said I've known these people for years I certainly don't associate with people that do shit like that.

OP posts:
Returnofthesmileybar · 26/11/2018 04:22

I'd reply that actually you don't associate with people like that, you don't appreciate the threatening tone of the texts, your friend doesn't appreciate being accused in the wrong so you have gone to the police yourself. And do go to the police too. Don't say no CCTV no proof, that totally sounds like they did it but aren't paying until they see proof

paintinmyhairAgain · 26/11/2018 06:49

some conflicting advice on here, if they speak / text you again, i would repeat to go to the police about it with the cctv evidence. if they refuse and continue to harass then speak to the police about that.
if your friends did damage the car mirror they would be liable, not you.
i certainly wouldn't engage in a lot of long winded text / verbal nonsense with the neighbours over this. 'not my concern, speak to the police'. end off. here's hoping your friends didn't damage it though, you only have their say so.

brizzledrizzle · 26/11/2018 07:01

You've got absolutely no obligation to engage with these people and even less obligation to pay up. Let your friends know what they are claiming and then leave them to it - it's entirely up to them to ask to see the CCTV and up to them if they want to engage with your neighbours.

Personally I think they are trying to pull a fast one.

creamcheeseandlox · 26/11/2018 07:08

Pahahaha. And what does she think the police will do with cctv that shows 'nothing' Hmm? They will take a report and then promptly close it with no evidence!!! She'll just have to suck it up and get it fixed. It may be a ploy...maybe it was already damaged and she's trying to get you to pay for it so she doesn't have to?! 🕵🏻‍♀️

GottaGoGottaGo · 26/11/2018 07:14
  1. Even if your friends did damage their car, it is not your problem. They cannot ask you for money for something your visitor may have done. Keep all evidence of them demanding money from you. If they escalate into more threats you will need it.
  2. They need to report it to the police and give them the "evidence". The police will then decide whether to pursue or not. It is not a crime to be seen standing outside a friends house and is proof of nothing.
and more importantly:
  1. Why does the other neighbour have CCTV of YOUR house? I would be popping round to demand ask to see the footage and see what they can see.
Pinkyyy · 26/11/2018 07:15

Funny that the CCTV doesn't show anything isn't it. I'd be inclined to think they're just trying it on to get money from you. Very nasty individuals, in any event do not pay, especially after their behaviour.

LakieLady · 26/11/2018 07:21

Cheeky fuckers!

They probably saw your friends standing outside their house and thought they had a chance of getting you to pay up for damage that had already happened.

llangennith · 26/11/2018 07:25

Even if your friends were guilty of this why would YOU have to pay for the damage to their car? Bizarre!

Jimdandy · 26/11/2018 07:27

I would tell them that you are not responsible for other adults damage, even if it was your friends and if they have proof to let the Police and their house insurance or car ins deal with it.

ThanosSavedMe · 26/11/2018 07:29

Can only agree with others. Why on earth would you pay for damage your friends have alledgedly done? Your neighbour is nuts

Petalflowers · 26/11/2018 07:31

Even if they had smashed the car up, it still would not be you responsibility to pay.

They need to contact their insurance company.

creamcheeseandlox · 26/11/2018 07:33

Also btw. Tell your other neighbour that to have private CCTV of other people/the street beyond their front garden is illegal and breaking data protection unless they have signs up saying they have cameras filming. So 🖕🏼to them.

Should I pay for this damage?
HSMMaCM · 26/11/2018 07:37

Just tell them your friends wouldn't have done it, but you'll ask them if they saw anything while they were leaving.

Twisique · 26/11/2018 07:39

It's a police issue.

Twisique · 26/11/2018 07:40

Tell them you are very concerned and have reported it to the police.

CaMePlaitPas · 26/11/2018 07:46

Tell them you are very concerned and have reported it to the police.

This.

TheSerenDipitY · 26/11/2018 07:47

you didnt go out and smash any mirrors did you? so not your responsibility
if they have CCTV of the vandalism then they should go to the police, if they dont wish to not much you can do about that
if they only have CCTV of people leaving your home ( i would ask why their cameras are aimed at your house) but not showing them doing any damage, not much proof they did any thing is there... also in the however many hours since the car/s were parked and the damage was found how many people walked past the camera, and does it cover the entire street as in both sides, does it show the car/s in question?

nope i wouldnt pay, if they have proof your friends did it then they can go to the police and insurance

bengalcat · 26/11/2018 07:48

How ridiculous - any normal person would surely just replace their mirror - two people standing outside of your house is not evidence of the same two people breaking a mirror - if they have an issue and evidence they need to present it to the police - tell them this and keep a record of any further harassment from them and tell them any more from them will result in you reporting what's happening - also surely them having CCTV of what's going on outside you're house breaks some law ?

bengalcat · 26/11/2018 07:48

Your not you're !

Miscible · 26/11/2018 08:12

If the neighbours continue to pressurise you about this, you will need to report it to the police anyway as a blatant attempt to extort money from you.

Original poster
whaaatthe · 26/11/2018 08:12

They have actually said going to the police isn't an option, probably because there is no evidence. But to message me speaking to me like shit demanding I should pay for it Is just Shock. I won't be paying for anything suppose I'll have to put up with the evils now

OP posts:
zingally · 26/11/2018 08:17

Firstly, I'd be saying, "what has this got to do with me?"

Your involvement in any potential actions of your friends, ended the minute you shut your front door on them. Absolutely NOT your problem.

Respond to your neighbour one time only, asking to see the CCTV. If they refuse, then they need to take up the complaint with the local police to investigate. It's got nothing to do with you.

NewPapaGuinea · 26/11/2018 08:21

Innocent until proven guilty. If they cannot prove your friends did it then can go jump. They’re just trying to intimidate you into paying up.

mummmy2017 · 26/11/2018 08:23

Sorry, not my friends.
I suggest you call the police report it as a hit and run, then contact your insurance company.
Good luck, sorry can't help more.

sparklepops123 · 26/11/2018 08:28

I'm sure they'd of contacted police by now if they had evidence, tell them your friends are disgusted at the allegation and are considering going to police themselves. I bet they soon backdown

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Join Mumsnet Log In

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.