Someone hit my car - What to do...

Hi all,

So this is a bit of a tricky one and I'm not really sure how to proceed. Basically, I sold my last Coupe in July last year and it's probably just as well I did (I'd hate for the following to have happened to the Coupe!)

Since then, I bought a 2007 Diesel Ford Focus and I think it must be invisisble to most because in the past 11 months it's been hit no less than 3 times! The first time (a week after purchase) in a car park at work, the front wing was hit and has a medium size dent. Then a couple of months ago it was hit on the rear bumper in a Tesco Car park. Both times I could't trace the culprits.

Now, at the weekend I was up visiting the Fiancee and future in laws. The car was parked at the side of their house on the drive which runs alongside the neighbours drive. On Sunday evening, we noticed the neighbours son reverse his almost new Ford Fiesta off the drive. He stopped suddenly and drove back in. He then closely inspected the rear bumper of his fiesta before glancing over at my superior Focus. I assumed he was admiring the gorgeous curves of my metallic black hatchback and thought nothing of it. He then got back in his car and drove off.

Next morning, I notice that the rear wheel arch of my focus is sporting several new scratches from where it has clearly been whalloped.

Normally, I'd report the SOB for hitting the car and doing a runner BUT as he is my future in laws next door neighbour, I've held back from doing so (I don't really want them getting any grief from the guy). Also, my car has 103K miles and isn't worth fixing. Even if he had come clean and admited what he did, I probably would have let him off.

What do you guys think I should do? Let him off or report him for not owning up at the time??

Easy one, post a turd through his letterbox. Everyone's a winner

I'd say cut of his goolies. It's thee only way to deal with the yoof of today!

As for reporting it I would forget it. Some pissed white van driver drove into my daughters car. We have independent witnesses and numberplate details. The police could not be less interested.

John

Go round to the house and have a look at the kid car then have a quiet word with the parents of the kid?

I'd go round next door and speak with the lad / parents.

Not worth reporting based on what you say, but the last thing we need are more people thinking they can get away without any consequences when they screw up.... IMHO..

Put it in a paper bag first, place on door step, set fire to it, knock door and walk away

Loosen off the valve cores on all of his wheels, then sit back and watch him try to re-inflate the tyres...

And we have a winner!! Can't wait to visit the future in laws again!! Never thought I'd say that!

P.S. They stay just outside Aberdeen Jimbob! That ain't far from you! Wanna help!?

I try not to partake in semi-legal activities these days, but i'll happily supply the deck chairs, beer and Benny Hill music for just after the deed is done.

Back OT, I agree the guy shouldn't be allowed to get away without reporting it.

A word with either him or the folks, doesn't have to be aggressive, suggesting it's going to cost you to repair it (if that's your intention) might elicit some favourable reaction - unless he's a murderous ned.

I was told of someone who put a can of creosote through a living room window, he says they had to evacuate the house for a fortnight to get rid of the smell, wouldn't like it In my car either

And unfortunately that is so true! And trust me, it doesn't matter who you are or what you are, they really couldn't be less interested!

Our brand new car was hit in the hospital car park, in clear view of a security camera, the time span was short, it was an easy job of reviewing the tape and getting the index number of the offender and doing them for careless driving, leaving the scene, and failing to report (it's always the same three charges).

But no. For some *bizarre* reason, hospital security wouldn't play ball and hand over the footage without a Data Protection request blah blah blah, and we ended up having to foot the excess and taking it on the chin(s)

Nope, things have changed since my day......

Seriously though and back to the OP, I'd knock the door, tell him he was witnessed and see what he intends to do about it and tell him he's facing the prospect of three charges. Now, you are bluffing a bit because a whole different set of rules come into play on private property which I won't go into here, suffice to say the burning bag of dog poop is probably the best course of action if he refuses to get it fixed. What you need to do is challenge his behaviour: if he's prepared to do that to you, as a neighbour's visitor then he'll do it when he's out and about and that could land him in a whole world of trouble that he doesn't want.

Tell him Stan is watching him, that should do it....

why didnt you make the dpa request, many people do it might cost a £10 fee if they levy it