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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Neighbour has stolen my clogs

239 replies

MongoAkimboAGoGo · 30/07/2021 08:26

I had a decorative pair of clogs outside my front door and this morning they have disappeared and a pair of old trainers put in their place. I only have 3 neighbours - I messaged the one I thought had done it saying “haha great joke, can I have my clogs back now and you can have your trainers back” and she read the message, put a laughing face on it but never replied. I went around kept it friendly, said my kids had found it very amusing but seriously, can I have them back now and she made out she didn’t know what I was talking about but was clearly trying to hold in laughter. I just want them back. I never found it funny to begin with, I was just trying to stay light hearted but I’m getting annoyed now.

OP posts:
Atalune · 31/07/2021 10:34

@LynetteScavo

I would ignore it and wait for the clogs to return and observe my children’s joy. And I would take joy from their joy. Because it is a silly prank meant well?

I couldn’t get worked up about it as the op said the kids think it’s hilarious. So I would try and see the funny side. It’s silly. (It’s also a bit annoying i can see that too) and they like it. I’d feel like a crummy old stick in the mud if I couldn’t tolerate this.

However if it’s a big deal to you then I would go round and explain that it’s upsetting you and to please stop.

And if she doesn’t. Put some cat shit in her wheelie bin. Grin

LouLou198 · 31/07/2021 10:38

She sounds awful op. What a strange thing to do!

Original poster
MongoAkimboAGoGo · 31/07/2021 10:57

The cloggs have been returned!! Albeit with a sock stuffed with paper into each one. Do I message neighbour with a “thanks” or just leave it?

OP posts:
Bridezillamaybe · 31/07/2021 11:04

How insanely annoying. I've a not close friend who does pranks. They are usually a bit odd. She also won't drop a joke of any sort (like for example a nasty nickname for a person) when you clearly don't find it funny. She keeps pushing and pushing and it becomes stressful because there is the subtext "come on, admit you find it funny and I'll drop it."

I wouldn't message thanks and I would probably avoid her as much as possible.

thesunwillout · 31/07/2021 11:04

Leave it.

Don't pander!

TheOneWithThe · 31/07/2021 11:09

I'd egg her house, she obviously likes pranks 🤷‍♀️

TrueRefuge · 31/07/2021 11:11

If she does it again, I'd getup at 4am and ring her doorbell till she answers and ask for the thing back!

That'll teach her.

WorriedWishingWell · 31/07/2021 11:15

Thank her? Definitely not, you have nothing to thank her for.

EmeraldShamrock · 31/07/2021 11:16

She is silly knowing you don't like pranks.
Echoing pps give her a taste of her own medicine people don't like that or be very firm it is not funny touching your things.

DrSbaitso · 31/07/2021 11:19

@MongoAkimboAGoGo

The cloggs have been returned!! Albeit with a sock stuffed with paper into each one. Do I message neighbour with a “thanks” or just leave it?
Leave it. Do not thank her for returning your own property! And do not give her any reason to think she's a good person. Ignore.

Maybe fix them in place so they can't be removed again, if you can. Less to protect them and more to point out that you're not a willing participant in this tedious shitshow.

DogsSausages · 31/07/2021 11:21

Oh well you have got a free pair of socks now, how bizarre, I would steer well clear. Block her number and ignore the silly behaviour.

Mrgrinch · 31/07/2021 11:22

I wouldn't leave it. She can't keep messing with your stuff.

EmeraldShamrock · 31/07/2021 11:28

I'd put a mouse trap set in the shoes every night.

DrSbaitso · 31/07/2021 11:29

If you're feeling charitable (I wouldn't be), you could maybe send a message saying "if you want to have positive interactions with people, you don't need to do it this way. It may feel safer to you but it doesn't inspire any warmth in people. Try just being yourself. You may well find people like that."

Based on your other post, it does sound as though she does this because she's not confident about interacting in normal ways. Doesn't make it ok, but might explain it.

AutistGoth · 31/07/2021 11:33

I'm glad you have your clogs back, at least. What a performance!

NinaGonk · 31/07/2021 11:41

Leave it. Dont mention it. If she brings it up say "please dont touch my property in future" do not be polite or smile or be pleased the kids were amused. She needs.to know shes a twat.

Iwantamarshmallowman · 31/07/2021 11:43

You're neighbour is a massive prick. You need to tell her next time she touches Your property you will take her to court.

TSSDNCOP · 31/07/2021 12:00

Play the long game. Freezing winters night, bucket of water dropped over her drive Wink

TSSDNCOP · 31/07/2021 12:03

I should've thrown a lighthearted after that one.

She's a wanker.

I would consider booby trapping anything else you put out. Can you put out a planter that looks portable but has got bricks in the bottom/is pinned down so when she tries to pinch it she goes flying backward?

TheSunShinesBrighter · 31/07/2021 12:05

@MongoAkimboAGoGo

The cloggs have been returned!! Albeit with a sock stuffed with paper into each one. Do I message neighbour with a “thanks” or just leave it?
Leave it. Don’t give her ANY attention. She’s an idiot.
TheSunShinesBrighter · 31/07/2021 12:07

AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken

I don’t believe you.

Timetoreflect · 31/07/2021 12:09

I think there’s something not quite right with her. Mentally running through all my neighbours, all different characters but not a single one would do this.

TheSunShinesBrighter · 31/07/2021 12:11

I’d love for this woman to read some of the posts on this thread.
Apart from a few absolute morons who think it’s a great laugh most people think she’s an absolute tool.

OhRene · 31/07/2021 12:29

No fucking way would anyone truly be okay with someone they dislike removing their property, practical joke or no so I'm calling bullshit there. That said, it's MN. Some people come here to be contrary no matter the thread content. If you say you got slapped someone will come along to either tell you it didn't really happen or that it shouldn't bother you because they wouldn't mind it at all. Hmm

OP, don't write any notes, don't thank her and don't engage with her again.

And buy a damn cctv camera! Amazon do one called a Blink XT2. It's battery powered, no wires, is motion activated, had night vision (though it's better to leave it on day mode if the street has streetlights onto your garden/door/drive), two way speakers with excellent audio and you have lots of free recording storage. No fees at all other than the small outlay. It also takes just a couple of minutes scrolling on your phone to find particular footage. It's usually on offer for less than £70. I was near skint when I bought mine so paid it up from a catalogue over three months interest free.

TheSunShinesBrighter · 31/07/2021 12:32

OhRene

No fucking way would anyone truly be okay with someone they dislike removing their property, practical joke or no so I'm calling bullshit there. That said, it's MN. Some people come here to be contrary no matter the thread content. If you say you got slapped someone will come along to either tell you it didn't really happen or that it shouldn't bother you because they wouldn't mind it at all.

You are right. I shouldn’t engage with them.
As attention seeking as the OP’s neighbour.