Couple catches neighbours 'stealing' their garden on CCTV while in Australia! Here's how to protect your property
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Imagine the shock of returning from a relaxing holiday to find that your property has been encroached upon by your neighbours. This nightmare scenario became a reality for a retired British couple, Rosa Bell, 67, and her husband Murray, 72, who witnessed live CCTV footage of their neighbours 'land-grabbing' their garden while they were thousands of miles away.
The Bells had been visiting their daughter in Australia, whom they hadn't seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic, when they saw builders removing their boundary fence, digging up their patio, and tearing down their shed. The dispute began over a simple extension to the Bells' three-bedroom Surrey home and concerns about overhanging guttering, but it quickly escalated into a full-blown property war.
The neighbours, identified in legal documents as Huy Eng and Michael Myers, claimed a significant portion of the Bells' garden, measuring 1.2 metres at one end and 76 cm at the other. 'We saw everything they were doing on camera when we were on the other side of the world,' Mrs. Bell recounted. 'It was like they were teasing us knowing we were so far away.'
Upon their return, the Bells found their once-sturdy shed had fallen victim to the border skirmish, and their attempts to reclaim their land through the local council and police were unsuccessful. They were left with no choice but to pursue the matter through civil court.
The heart of the issue lies in the property's 'crude' deeds from the 1930s, which fail to clearly define the actual boundary lines. Both neighbours have since received their own boundary surveys, each suggesting different opinions on where the official lines are drawn. Mrs. Bell expressed her frustration, saying, 'We both retired and bought this lovely house that was going to be our forever home. But we have encountered such a nasty situation.'
The Bells' ordeal highlights the importance of understanding property boundaries and knowing how to protect your land. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your property:
1. Know Your Boundaries: Obtain a copy of your property's title deed and have a clear understanding of your boundary lines. Consider hiring a professional surveyor if the boundaries are unclear or disputed.
2. Document Changes: If you or your neighbours make changes to the property that could affect boundary lines, document them with dates, descriptions, and photographs.
3. Communicate with Neighbours: Maintain open communication with your neighbours about any concerns or changes to property lines. Attempt to resolve disputes amicably before they escalate.
4. Install Security: Consider installing CCTV cameras to monitor your property, especially if you plan to be away for an extended period.
5. Seek Legal Advice: If a dispute arises, consult with a solicitor who specialises in property law. They can guide you through the legal process and represent your interests in court if necessary.
6. Consider Mediation: Before taking legal action, explore mediation as a way to reach an agreement with your neighbours. It can be a less adversarial and more cost-effective solution.
The Bells' story is a cautionary tale for all homeowners. Property disputes can be emotionally and financially draining, and the outcome is not always favourable. By taking proactive steps to protect your property, you can avoid the stress and uncertainty that come with boundary disputes.
Members, have you ever experienced a property dispute or boundary issue with your neighbours? How did you handle it? Share your stories and advice in the comments below, and let's help each other stay informed and protected.
The Bells had been visiting their daughter in Australia, whom they hadn't seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic, when they saw builders removing their boundary fence, digging up their patio, and tearing down their shed. The dispute began over a simple extension to the Bells' three-bedroom Surrey home and concerns about overhanging guttering, but it quickly escalated into a full-blown property war.
The Bells caught two of their neighbours infiltrating their garden while on a holiday. Image Credit: Rosa Bell/SWNS
The neighbours, identified in legal documents as Huy Eng and Michael Myers, claimed a significant portion of the Bells' garden, measuring 1.2 metres at one end and 76 cm at the other. 'We saw everything they were doing on camera when we were on the other side of the world,' Mrs. Bell recounted. 'It was like they were teasing us knowing we were so far away.'
Upon their return, the Bells found their once-sturdy shed had fallen victim to the border skirmish, and their attempts to reclaim their land through the local council and police were unsuccessful. They were left with no choice but to pursue the matter through civil court.
The heart of the issue lies in the property's 'crude' deeds from the 1930s, which fail to clearly define the actual boundary lines. Both neighbours have since received their own boundary surveys, each suggesting different opinions on where the official lines are drawn. Mrs. Bell expressed her frustration, saying, 'We both retired and bought this lovely house that was going to be our forever home. But we have encountered such a nasty situation.'
The Bells' ordeal highlights the importance of understanding property boundaries and knowing how to protect your land. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your property:
1. Know Your Boundaries: Obtain a copy of your property's title deed and have a clear understanding of your boundary lines. Consider hiring a professional surveyor if the boundaries are unclear or disputed.
2. Document Changes: If you or your neighbours make changes to the property that could affect boundary lines, document them with dates, descriptions, and photographs.
3. Communicate with Neighbours: Maintain open communication with your neighbours about any concerns or changes to property lines. Attempt to resolve disputes amicably before they escalate.
4. Install Security: Consider installing CCTV cameras to monitor your property, especially if you plan to be away for an extended period.
5. Seek Legal Advice: If a dispute arises, consult with a solicitor who specialises in property law. They can guide you through the legal process and represent your interests in court if necessary.
6. Consider Mediation: Before taking legal action, explore mediation as a way to reach an agreement with your neighbours. It can be a less adversarial and more cost-effective solution.
The Bells' story is a cautionary tale for all homeowners. Property disputes can be emotionally and financially draining, and the outcome is not always favourable. By taking proactive steps to protect your property, you can avoid the stress and uncertainty that come with boundary disputes.
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