# My neighbor is... stealing my electricity. In a really dumb way. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 7, 2012, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690 "2012-08-07T03:05:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/281 "2012-08-10T01:30:28Z")
I’m going to leave it on longer to see how extreme the hyperbole can get. By next week it will be the worst thing that has ever happened. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/282 "2012-08-10T01:42:46Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > I’m going to leave it on longer to see how extreme the hyperbole can get. By next week it will be the worst thing that has ever happened. Your recent actions, and also seeing the increase in your power bill and seeming willingness to continue might amount to some sort of \_\_\_\_\_\_\* permission. That assumes your neighbor is aware of your postings. - insert legal term such as defacto here Just sayin’ ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/283 "2012-08-10T01:47:10Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > I’m going to leave it on longer to see how extreme the hyperbole can get. By next week it will be the worst thing that has ever happened. Reading this long ass thread was worth it just for that. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/284 "2012-08-10T01:49:01Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > I’m going to leave it on longer to see how extreme the hyperbole can get. The power thief killed Mitt Romney? ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/285 "2012-08-10T01:52:38Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > I’m going to leave it on longer to see how extreme the hyperbole can get. By next week it will be the worst thing that has ever happened. Well, given that you’ve done everything (aka nothing) that might have actually solved the problem and or given you some insight into the thief… anything short of a zombie apocalpyse that results from this will have my ass laughing at your future trials and tribulations. ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/286 "2012-08-10T02:06:01Z")
I have to say there are some very creatively twisted minds around here. I like that. 🙂 I’m personally in the “notify landlord and possibly other authorities ASAP” camp, just due to worry about the possible fire hazard that cord might be creating. I freely admit I’m no expert on such matters and might well have an exaggerated mental picture of that hazard. I also like the “shut off breakers during month absence” idea. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Enkel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/df705f/32.png) [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/287 "2012-08-10T02:13:39Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > I’m going to leave it on longer to see how extreme the hyperbole can get. By next week it will be the worst thing that has ever happened. No, I think the magnetic poles of the earth are shifting next week. So, you’ll have to wait till the following week (that is if you aren’t living in an alley and using an extension cord to charge your iPad). 😃 ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/288 "2012-08-10T03:45:59Z")
Listen **SenorBeef,** If you don’t pull the plug within the next 24 hours, there’s a good chance the plastic jacket surrounding the wiring inside the cord could melt due to the August heat and the resistance from drawing all that current. The melted plastic could just drip on your patio, but there’s also a really good chance it can drip on a squirrel or a opossum and send it shrieking into your face, on fire, as soon as you open the door. Especially if it’s the evening, as Saturn and Mars are in very close alignment right now. I’m just very, very concerned your face doesn’t become fused with a smoldering opossum and a bit of extension cord. And I’d hate to see you cough up another $40, while you’re in the hospital getting a face transplant from an old, dead, homeless guy. Of course, the local law enforcement will have plenty of tough questions once you’re able to eat solid foods again. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/289 "2012-08-10T03:55:04Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > Well, given that you’ve done everything (aka nothing) that might have actually solved the problem and or given you some insight into the thief… anything short of a zombie apocalpyse that results from this will have my ass laughing at your future trials and tribulations. You guys need to pace yourselves. We should be well into next week, maybe the week after, before this situation escalates to zombie apocalypse. Right now we should still be on “stupidest thing to ever occur in the history of human conversation” or perhaps “dumber than anything ever done by a political office holder.” ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/290 "2012-08-10T04:04:18Z")
Well since the law is no longer on my side I will have to administer my own justice. I put a hand drawn sheet of notebook paper showing a thumbs up sign and a face winking above the socket. But I loosened the cable just a bit. Underneath the socket is a camouflaged bear trap. Connected to that is a lump of c4 on a timer. I’ve estimated the amount of time he can suffer and yell before his family comes to rescue him, at which point the c4 detonates and takes them all out. I tried to involve a giant vat of acid somehow but I didn’t have one handy. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/291 "2012-08-10T04:09:16Z")
Jesus man, what have you been doing all day? Go down to the local junkyard and I’m sure you can find a PVC acid-proof container for under a hundred bucks that’ll hold enough acid, within a few hours or so. Christ almighty. ---
**Author:** ![madrabbitwoman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c37758/32.png) [@madrabbitwoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madrabbitwoman)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/292 "2012-08-10T07:11:16Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > Well since the law is no longer on my side I will have to administer my own justice. > > I put a hand drawn sheet of notebook paper showing a thumbs up sign and a face winking above the socket. But I loosened the cable just a bit. > > Underneath the socket is a camouflaged bear trap. Connected to that is a lump of c4 on a timer. I’ve estimated the amount of time he can suffer and yell before his family comes to rescue him, at which point the c4 detonates and takes them all out. > > I tried to involve a giant vat of acid somehow but I didn’t have one handy. FINALLY! (but really - c4 - pffft. Nukes/orbit/only way to be sure etc.) ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/293 "2012-08-10T08:21:40Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > I tried to involve a giant vat of acid somehow but I didn’t have one handy. Yeah, piss poor effort on your part, I think. Plus surely you could find some acid-resistant sharks with frickin’ laser beams on their heads to swim in the vat. ---
**Author:** ![Uber\_the\_Goober](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/58956e/32.png) [@Uber\_the\_Goober](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uber_the_Goober)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/294 "2012-08-10T12:29:27Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > Well since the law is no longer on my side I will have to administer my own justice. > > I put a hand drawn sheet of notebook paper showing a thumbs up sign and a face winking above the socket. But I loosened the cable just a bit. > > Underneath the socket is a camouflaged bear trap. Connected to that is a lump of c4 on a timer. I’ve estimated the amount of time he can suffer and yell before his family comes to rescue him, at which point the c4 detonates and takes them all out. > > I tried to involve a giant vat of acid somehow but I didn’t have one handy. I’m sure it was missed in the din of replies - but I still think you should just replace the end of the cord that is plugged into your outlet with a female end. Leave it hanging there by the tape he’s using too. He’ll either pull it back up to his balcony, or come down and look at it. Much confusion will ensue - once it sinks in, he’ll get the point, and won’t be able to say anything to you without admitting he was stealing your electricity. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/295 "2012-08-10T12:45:24Z")
> [@madrabbitwoman](#): > > FINALLY! (but really - c4 - pffft. Nukes/orbit/only way to be sure etc.) I think we’ve been through this before :rolleyes: ;). The OP has to live there too, nukes/orbit would make that pretty damn difficult. C4 might blow a hole through the wall but if carefully placed and the amount carefully calculated, would do relatively little other damage. After all, you don’t need to _kill_ the thief, just damage 'im a bit. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/296 "2012-08-10T13:45:07Z")
I would start by releasing a rabid skunk into his apartment. I’d thought about rats, but considering you share space, that might not work too well for you. Put a tripwire on his door frame, so when he rushes out he’ll fall flat on his face. Video the fall - if you can get a picture with the skunk in the background, that would be even better. Submit to America’s Funniest Home Videos and win $10,000. Profit! ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/297 "2012-08-10T15:11:42Z")
> [@cmyk](#): > > Listen **SenorBeef,** > > If you don’t pull the plug within the next 24 hours, there’s a good chance the plastic jacket surrounding the wiring inside the cord could melt due to the August heat and the resistance from drawing all that current. > > The melted plastic could just drip on your patio, but there’s also a really good chance it can drip on a squirrel or a opossum and send it shrieking into your face, on fire, as soon as you open the door. > > Especially if it’s the evening, as Saturn and Mars are in very close alignment right now. > > I’m just very, very concerned your face doesn’t become fused with a smoldering opossum and a bit of extension cord. And I’d hate to see you cough up another $40, while you’re in the hospital getting a face transplant from an old, dead, homeless guy. > > Of course, the local law enforcement will have plenty of tough questions once you’re able to eat solid foods again. If I change my dopername, I want _ **Smoldering Possum** _. Unless the events predicted above come to pass, in which chase **SenorBeef** may want to use it. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/298 "2012-08-10T15:35:44Z")
Perhaps this isn’t some grand scheme to power up an entire apartment at your expense? Maybe the guys outdoor receptacle is broke and the landlord is ignoring repair requests? Using yours without permission is just rude and tacky. But, there might only be one small device drawing power. One indicator is the size of the extension cord. A cheap $5 cord will only power a lamp or radio without getting too hot. Running a space heater or window AC requires an extension cord the size of your pinky finger. Feel the cord with your hands. If it’s warm then its drawing too much power. Hot??? Unplug it immediately before a fire starts. My solution? Kill the breaker. Remove the receptacle and put on a blank cover plate. Turn breaker back on. Few months later, reinstall receptacle. > [@SenorBeef](#): > > I’m not usually an MPSIMSer but this was so weird I felt I had to share it. > > I live in a 2 story apartment building on the first floor. I went out on my patio today and I noticed that there’s a white cable plugged into my outdoor power outlet that goes up to my upstair’s neighbors patio and dissapears. It’s not temporary and improvised either - he taped it on multiple points along the wall so it would stay in place. > \ ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/299 "2012-08-10T15:45:15Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > One indicator is the size of the extension cord. A cheap $5 cord will only power a lamp or radio without getting too hot. Running a space heater or window AC requires an extension cord the size of your pinky finger. Feel the cord with your hands. If it’s warm then its drawing too much power. Hot??? Unplug it immediately before a fire starts.. I’ve told the OP that now 2 or 3 times. Apparently he can’t even be arsed to even do that complex task. Now I am hoping his lazy ass finds out he is living next to a Honey Badger. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2012, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/300 "2012-08-10T18:09:56Z")
> [@Uber\_the\_Goober](#): > > I’m sure it was missed in the din of replies - but I still think you should just replace the end of the cord that is plugged into your outlet with a female end. That I like, it has a ‘voodoo like’ characteristic taking away his manhood. More effective if the person stealing is male, less effective if that person is female, not advised if that person is a voodoo priest 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690.md?page=16)