# 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:** 4
**Author:** ![BwanaBob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bwanabob/32/2985_2.png) [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/61 "2012-08-07T13:57:28Z")
Does your neighbor drive a Chevy Volt? šŸ™‚ ---
**Author:** ![Student\_Driver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3da27b/32.png) [@Student\_Driver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Student_Driver)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/62 "2012-08-07T14:03:12Z")
Iā€™ve had neighbors do this to me several times over the years. Two patched into one of my outdoor outlets, one patched into my (then-)cable line, which killed reception of NTSC channels above a certain channel. Calls to the landlord took care of all of them; one of the reasons you ā€œhireā€ your landlords as landlords is to resolve tenant disputes like this. Didnā€™t even take an hour. Walked to the office, told the lease manager ā€œhey, dude upstairs is using my electricity,ā€ they walked over and saw the extension cords, and scary maintenance guys were sent over to yank the cords then yell at the neighbors. The electricity folks got eviction notices within days. The complaints called to the landlordā€™s notice that the tenants werenā€™t actually able to maintain their apartments to the lease specificationsā€¦ like vacuuming weekly. If they have to run their fridge, microwave, and alarm clock, then theyā€™re not able to provide for the maintenance of the apartments that they promised when signing their lease. The landlords also gave me small discounts on the next monthā€™s rent to make up for whatever I may have paid out in extra on the electric bill. Cable guy went out and got a satellite dish and installed it onā€¦ my balcony. Landlords loved that one. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/63 "2012-08-07T14:08:34Z")
Utility companies actually take theft of services a lot more seriously than most people do, so if you call your electric company there is a decent chance that they will be more interested in pursuing this and doing all the leg work than you areā€¦and as a big utility company they can probably get the police involved easier. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/64 "2012-08-07T14:15:03Z")
> [@BwanaBob](#): > > Does your neighbor drive a Chevy Volt? šŸ™‚ And keep it on his upstairs balcony? :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/65 "2012-08-07T14:18:07Z")
Admittedly my first reaction would have been simply to unplug it, but Iā€™d vote for telling the landlord/management company ASAP. You donā€™t want to start a fight with the neighbours directly. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/66 "2012-08-07T14:24:51Z")
Iā€™d call the power company ASAP. Since it isnā€™t some major repair, you might get lucky and they will send a work truck thats already out and about over your way to look at it. That way if the power company wants to get the guy in trouble they have one their own people as a witness, not you or the landlord. The guy might try to claim you or the landlord have a grudge against him. Heā€™s gonna have a tough time convincing somebody that random power company guy does. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/67 "2012-08-07T14:26:28Z")
I would immediately call the landlord _and_ the police. I donā€™t know if the police would be interested in the theft of power per se, but thereā€™s a decent chance that what heā€™s powering with that stolen energy is grow lights. And probably the electric company, too, if only to expedite the process of getting a refund on my too-high bills. ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/68 "2012-08-07T14:29:46Z")
I would, in order: - Report to the apartment complex management - Report to the electric company - Call the non emergency police number and report to them - After documentation has been collected, unplug and then - Install a lock box to the wall over the outlet. You have the key. Prevents future electrical intrusions. If you never use that outlet, a solid faceplate then, but he could switch that out with a screwdriver, so Iā€™m still for the lock box. Many years ago, my coworkers and I were having thermostat wars. Working with menopausal women can suck sometimes. I was the department manager and got sick of constantly putting the AC temp back where it was supposed to be. Finally, I got the maintenance guy to put a clear plastic box over it that locked at the bottom. You had to come into my office and kiss my ass if you wanted me to adjust the temperature. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/69 "2012-08-07T14:33:40Z")
I agree with **Student Driver**. (Say, when you get your license you can buy a BMW version of a classic British car. Then you can be **MINI Driver**.) 1. Take photos of the cord at the socket, and photos leading to the other guyā€™s apartment. Maybe shoot video where you follow the lead up. 2. Inform the manager, and have him/her witness the set-up. (Video the event if the manager will agree.) 3. Contact the power company and explain the situation. You may get some charges removed. 4. Follow instructions from the manager and power company. The theft may be relatively innocuous. Or he may be growing weed in his apartment. Nothing wrong with growing weed IMO, but it _is_,generally, against the law. Best not to be an ā€˜accompliceā€™. And it can use a lot of power. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/70 "2012-08-07T14:40:52Z")
I wouldnā€™t bother with the KillAWatt, he may notice when you unplug it and attempt to remove the evidence. I would call the power company and let them deal with it. The power company would probably take care of pressing charges if that needs to be done and they think itā€™s worth pursuing. As others have said, after they deal with it, you may get a credit on your bill. After they have dealt with it, or at least while they are dealing with it, then you can let the landlord know about it. Eitherway, I would make sure the power company gets to see the extension cord before anyone else. There might even be an electricity theft or fraud number in their website. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/71 "2012-08-07T14:41:16Z")
Iā€™m a little confused at all the people not wanting to distress your thieving neighbor. The guy is a thief and a blatant one at that. Iā€™m with **Dogzilla** on the correct people to inform. Landlord, utility company and police. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/72 "2012-08-07T14:44:07Z")
Police. Police will involve building management. You have a paper trail and witnesses. Police will visit the neighbor. Heā€™ll stop. Itā€™ll be done w/out hostility, especially if you donā€™t press charges. Thatā€™s the proper way to do the right thing, cover your ass, be firm and no create hostility. . ---
**Author:** ![awldune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@awldune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/awldune)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/73 "2012-08-07T15:09:18Z")
Reporting to the landlord and power company is the best solution. If you donā€™t like conflict or canā€™t be bothered, simply turn off the breaker to the outside outlet. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/74 "2012-08-07T15:14:21Z")
> [@Dogzilla](#): > > Finally, I got the maintenance guy to put a clear plastic box over it that locked at the bottom. You had to come into my office and kiss my ass if you wanted me to adjust the temperature. I once worked for a guy who installed a clear lock box over the thermostat. It was winter and he wanted to save money on heat. The key was on his keyring which was in his pocket and he was at home. I was chilly, so I used an Ace bandage to wrap gel ice packs around the box.šŸ˜ƒ ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/75 "2012-08-07T15:17:38Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I once worked for a guy who installed a clear lock box over the thermostat. It was winter and he wanted to save money on heat. The key was on his keyring which was in his pocket and he was at home. I was chilly, so I used an Ace bandage to wrap gel ice packs around the box.šŸ˜ƒ Bonus points awarded for cleverness! šŸ˜ƒ Not enough heat would _never_ be the issue in Florida. ---
**Author:** ![Rich\_G7subs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85e7bf/32.png) [@Rich\_G7subs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rich_G7subs)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/76 "2012-08-07T15:24:21Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I once worked for a guy who installed a clear lock box over the thermostat. It was winter and he wanted to save money on heat. The key was on his keyring which was in his pocket and he was at home. I was chilly, so I used an Ace bandage to wrap gel ice packs around the box.šŸ˜ƒ Iā€™ve seen something similar done to get more AC, they put a cup of coffee on the lock box. I also saw a guy with a paperclip contraption get in thru the slots of the lockbox and change the setting on the thermostat. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Fubaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/77 "2012-08-07T15:43:53Z")
The electric company has a hard on for people stealing their electricity, but I doubt theyā€™d be interested in someone using your outlet. Same for the cops. They might come by and tell him to unplug it, but they have real crimes to worry about. The landlord is the person to have on your side. If you donā€™t show it to the landlord and you get into a argument, itā€™s the thiefā€™s word against yours and the landlord is likely to think youā€™re both crazy. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/78 "2012-08-07T15:46:46Z")
> [@GameHat](#): > > Just unplug it, then snip off the head with scissors or shears. Repeat until he gets the idea. Thatā€™s what I was going to suggest. Then throw the cut off plug up on his desk. Then if nothing else is on the breaker, just turn it off. ---
**Author:** ![Emtar\_KronJonDerSohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/58956e/32.png) [@Emtar\_KronJonDerSohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emtar_KronJonDerSohn)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/79 "2012-08-07T15:52:58Z")
> [@Rich\_G7subs](#): > > Me? Iā€™d unplug it, take a 220Volt whip (Like for an electric dryer) and splice it in to another extension cord. Plug THAT one into his cord and plug the OTHER end into the 220V outlet for your Stove or Dryer. Pop. > > Just kiddingā€¦ BTW. Thatā€™s my first inclination, too. Hot/hot instead of hot/neutral. Fuck his refrigerator or TV or whatever else he canā€™t be bothered to supply electricity to legally. ---
**Author:** ![LIONsob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/76d3ee/32.png) [@LIONsob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LIONsob)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/80 "2012-08-07T16:48:46Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > 1. Figure out how to make the power cable surge and blow up whatever he has connected to it Got a 220 outlet like a dryer or electric range? Make a jumper cable with a 220 plug on one end and a 110 outlet on the other end. I will leave it up to you to connect the dots Peace LIONsob aks sparky [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690.md?page=5)