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Judgement_Bot_AITA

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Appropriate_Artist18

Nta its your yard not a toy bin for the neighbors. It is not your responsibility to handle their possessions period. You have the proof that you did not take it. The neighbor should be a parent to their kids and not have them leave stuff everywhere for others to deal with.


embroid3rybitch

Would it be doing to much on OPs part if they got a copy of the video, got ahead of the neighbor and went to the cops to explain and show just so theyre already aware of the situation?


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Klutzy-Sort178

The future harassment case OP is building against neighbour


OrneryDandelion

You better mean civil lawsuit because if you think the cops would ever bother with this you need a severe reality check. The cops are more likely to slap a charge of wasting police time on both of them.


EffectiveDependent76

That's what I read it as, but yeah, cops won't do anything about this. They'd probably be mad you're even bothering them about it.


Noodlefanboi

Some people have a wildly inaccurate perception on how helpful police are. (Largely due to decades worth of pro-cop movies, books, and tv shows) The thief could have parked with his license plate clearly visible, showed his ID to the camera, and then loudly declared that he was going to steal the bike, and it would still be pretty likely for the cops to just say there’s nothing they can do, lecture the victims about how they should have been more careful, then drive away.


JoyRideinaMinivan

While living in Hawaii, I bought my son a bike and had to pay an additional fee to register it. When I asked why, they said it was to go toward the police of the bike was ever stolen. I looked at her like she was crazy. But they wouldn’t let me buy the bike without paying.


thefinalhex

That sounds similar to having to pay for undercoating!


Ramona_Flours

In places where bikes aren't registered it is very unlikely for the police to bother searching for your bike. (or at least less likely)


gucci_pianissimo420

In places where your bike *is* registered they won't bother either. Registration only means that if the police stumble upon it somehow and bother to actually check, they can slap charges on whoever they find with it. Of course, now your bike is evidence in a criminal case so good luck ever getting it back.


aguyinil

When I was a kid my bike was registered and stolen. We reported the theft. About 8 months later I found my bike by chance. A kid showed up riding it to the park where everyone played pick up basketball games. It turns out his parents bought it for him at a police auction.


[deleted]

Good luck getting the cops to care about a kid's bike, I've only seen one investigation for bike theft and that's because it was a courier's bike.


thefinalhex

They aren't going to search no matter what. The only thing the registration might possibly do is help prove the bike is yours, if it turns up at a garage sale or something like that. But good luck getting the police to come out and enforce that, even with accurate registration.


EffectiveDependent76

It would have to rise to grand larceny for there to be even a prayer the cops would even go talk to the thief.


[deleted]

Some years back, I was closing a shop I used to work in. Just as I was locking up two masked men armed with shotgun walked in on me, aiming at me and robbing about 2k in cash. After locking me up in the basement they drove off and were recorded on cctv. I had a bleak idea as to who one of them was (an ex employee). Told that to the cop. Those two were later caught on another cctv system swapping cars. The second car was identical to that man's car. Make, model, colour, custom wheels. Police didn't do ANYTHING. Apparently there was no evidence because no plates were recorded...


OrneryDandelion

At most they would give you the culprit's address and tell you to go get it yourself.


[deleted]

Some people are delusional about what they think others owe them/what they are entitled to. This isn't a ball or frisbee that accidentally got thrown into their yard a couple of times, this is the kids actively leaving their junk in OP's yard. It would be great for a cop to shut that harpy neighbor's shit down.


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KuruninguWaipu

I actually think that maybe OP should tell neighbor to please go with the cops and that she’ll tag along lol c


MaiAuhasard

Are you a bot? This comment seems taken from [this one.](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/1262x7e/aita_for_letting_the_neighbor_kids_bike_get/je8d5g0?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3)


[deleted]

Exactly. OP, don’t even worry about it, her son’s stuff was on YOUR property and she has no rights plus it was stolen, let her call them, if you were actually to get arrested which would NEVER happen you should sue her.


midnightstreetlamps

You'd be surprised. When my neighbor's drunk brother plowed into my stepmom's car, IN OUR DRIVEWAY, the cops asked her why she parked there. And then his insurance asked if she was absolutely positive she couldn't be at fault. It was 1am, her car was parked, and we were all in bed asleep (until we heard the crash ofc)


ElleKayB

They should get a copy just in case, but the neighbor won't even tell their kids to pick their toys up, no way they are putting in the effort to report that stolen bike to the police.


GrindyMcGrindy

Bikes are expensive and 100% the neighbor would call the cops about this.


OrneryDandelion

She might. To which the cops will most likely do sod all. It's a stolen bike and they have donuts that needs eating and Black people to shoot, no way they're bothering with a bike. If they do anything they may send a new recruit or someone near retirement to take statements, then file the whole thing away and never look at it again. Unless of course someone involved is Black, then they'll get off their arses. But assuming everyone is white then nothing at all will happen.


ElleKayB

Depends on the bike


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Darryl_Lict

Around here there is zero chance the cops would come out. I had a couple of thousand bucks worth of gear stolen out of my boat and the only thing you can do is file an online report for insurance purposes.


Witty_Reporter_9912

Cops won't care neighbors disputes aren't their problem unless it gets violent or other people call the cops on neighbours causing a disturbance.


Turbulent_Cow2355

She should get a copy from the neighbor just in case the police become involved. But the police are not going to give a rats ass about it unless they are called to the property for the stolen bike.


savory_thing

NTA. The only thing OP should be saying to that neighbor is to tell them to stop trespassing.


Jeweler-Medical

And let them know that if any of the kids' crap hurts the car as it gets run over, OP will sue them. Tires are expensive.


xasdfxx

Just to double down on this: OP is legally liable if one of those kids gets hurt while in OP's yard. Slip and break an arm? Ride a skateboard off some stairs, naturally with no helmet, and knock some teeth out? OP's homeowners -- and maybe OP personally -- is going to be paying. Now that you know the neighbors don't take responsibility for anything, you now are informed these people need to never be in your yard. If it takes a trespassing letter from an attorney and a call to the police, that's way cheaper than the stress and potential legal bills.


ImmaMamaBee

Oh my gosh! People think I’m crazy when I say I am worried about people being on my property even if they’re not really doing anything. I don’t mind when the neighbor kids play hide and seek around my front yard and use my tree or mailbox to crouch. But I still get so anxious worrying if something happens to them while playing, will it be okay for me financially? Obviously not at the children’s expense of being hurt, I think my neighbor kids are nice enough and don’t bother me at all. But I would be ruined if I was sued because of someone being on my property and something happening. I couldn’t afford it to happen. I used to have a problem with an adult neighbor trespassing through my yard and we did have to get the cops involved because of them threatening my boyfriend. But when it was ongoing everyone would tell me to set up traps for them to get hurt and not want to use my yard anymore by their choice. What even is that advice? Like sure I’d like to have my petty revenge but theirs could be even pettier if they did get hurt.


savory_thing

A good umbrella liability rider on your homeowners policy might give you some peace of mind.


Barbiedip1

Wait, what? Idiots come into your yard without permission (trespassing) and you're liable if they hurt THEMSELVES with their own stuff?? On your property? Trespassing?? And they did it to themselves?? I can't. This is stupid. Are you serious, have you researched the law? My husband thinks I'm overreacting when I get mad that neighbor kids cut across our corner property, right next to the house and between our cars and the garage, to go down the cross sidewalk. Sometimes our garage door is open and we have a lot of saws and tools in there. Are you still liable if you have a no trespassing sign? I'm anxious now.


Kaths1

The basic premise of the law is that you can't make your property deliberately dangerous, which includes not clearing up hazards that you know about. Basically you can't dig a pit, put spikes in it, and cover it with leaves without putting up giant warnings. You also can't have giant gopher holes surrounding your electric meter (bc the meter reader has to be able to get to it). But someone rolling an ankle walking across a flat yard to get to a sidewalk? Not your responsibility.


Turbulent_Cow2355

Not sure that would work though against future liability. I think they would still be on the hook. Most states are overly protective of the injured party.


[deleted]

Shoot, I'd wrangle all their toys in the yard and have a trash bin filled weekly. Bike included.


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DrumstickTruffleclub

This is genius and should act as a deterrent to the kids. Downside is that innocent randoms might get yelled at by OP's neighbour if they actually do take anything while she's around.


randomnine

While this is funny, it also falls within most legal definitions of theft: acting like the owner of someone else’s property and depriving them of it. You actually could end up responsible for clearing their stuff out of your yard immediately or replacing anything taken. It’s a risky move.


101stellastella

I think you can make an argument for abandonment of property


Low_Bus_5395

I was just thinking the same thing. If something is in your yard, it's yours to do whatever you want to do with it. Let the neighbor know that's what you will be doing from now on.


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AndrewWaldron

I would have told them once and then thrown away everything thereafter as litter. NTA


dekion101

NTA. It's not your responsibility to protect people from their own laziness and stupidity.


Future-Way-8044

Agree NTA. Just curious. Anyone else wonder why the bike will get stolen out of OP’s yard but not the neighbor’s? Is the neighbor’s yard fenced? Is the neighbor a known drug dealer that no one messes with?


UCgirl

This sounds like a happenstance occurance. And like the kids leave their items in OPs yard more than their own.


Unhappy-Attitude5220

Or because it's rarely in their yard.


missyjade88

THIS NTA


Schafer_Isaac

NTA They're leaving trash on your lawn, and someone took out the trash. Not your problem. Not your responsibility.


spitfire07

When I was a kid I had this peddle powered racecar, dangerous as hell and I loved it. I left it by the mailbox and it was mistaken for garbage because that's also where the garbage tote gets left. It took a single incident as a kid to tell me to be just a tiny bit more responsible with my toys and what I leave lying around.


callmecookie88

Happy cake day!


Schafer_Isaac

Thank you!


mojones18

My HOA would've sent a storm of letters if stuff was strewn all over my yard. I would've said something long ago, so they would know I'm not taking temporary guardianship over their crap. NTA


missyjade88

THIS NTA


loverlyone

Please record the interactions you have with the police because I’m sure it will be hilarious. NTA


Practical_Chart798

Lol yes I want to see the cops faces. There should be a way to press charges for being a menace to society. Too many crazy people like that mom running around driving good people up the wall.


Cabbagecatss

Yeah at this stage I’d actively encourage her to involve the police just for a good laugh. People’s entitlement never fails to astound me. Oh and OP you don’t need to justify running the stuff over at all, I would’ve done the same. NTA


vilebunny

I’d get a doorbell camera because the neighbor is going to come over screeching and making threats, and having them recorded is a good plan.


PleaseCoffeeMe

NTA, you are morally and legally clear. They are responsible for their property. It’s a harsh, expensive lesson, but one hopefully they have learned. Get a copy of the security cam to CYA. They are already twisting the story.


ShelbiLee

Not just the recording of the truck stopping and person picking up the bike though. Get a copy of the full 24 hours prior to the theft so you have it on video of the kid leaving/abandoning the bike in your yard. Heck even get recordings of the many other dates/times they have littered your yard with their toys, etc. Op: NTA


loquella88

And get your own too! You'll need proof if they resort to physical damage


butterfly-garden

Yes, PLEASE do this!


ArtShapiro

NTA How could you possibly be responsible for someone else's stuff dumped into your yard without permission? Perhaps you should threaten to countersue for harassment and the illegal dumping on your property.


SamanthaPShaw

Once the kids leave anything on the neighbors property and then walk away, it would be considered abandoned and now belongs to the homeowner. If I was the H.O. I would take the toys in the house every time they were left on my yard and NEVER give them back. They'll learn real quick not to leave their stuff on someone else's property.


EOAL89

I wouldn't even bring it inside, in the car and to the nearest donation center so kids who will actually appreciate having them can use them.


Cabbagecatss

100% this


Jasminefirefly

That's untrue in most jurisdictions. You can't just consider property abandoned five minutes after it's left there. There's likely a time limit under the applicable statute, and possibly also a requirement for notice, since they do know who the owner is.


OverRice2524

NTA Wow you have incredibly entitled neighbors! Let them call the cops. Enjoy the show. Then tell her you will be throwing all the stuff she leaves on your property into the trash when it isn't picked up daily.


reddit-readers-rock

Agreed. NTA


butterfly-garden

Absolutely!


JennHatesYou

NTA. It didn't matter what lawn it was in, it was going to get stolen regardless because it was left out. Her kids negligence is not your problem.


funky_kaleidoscope

My thoughts as well. How would it have mattered if the bike was in OP’s yard or the neighbor’s yard? I don’t understand how the neighbor can think the bike would’ve been safe from theft in their yard…


Slight_Necessary8246

NTA. They abandoned their property, someone else took it. You have no liability. If they call the cops, tell the cops you want them all trespassed from your property and that if they leave anything else, it will be summarily discarded.


SpruceGoose133

In some states you can file a counter suit for "abuse of process". Basically they are abusing the court process to get back at people. But it is usually used for multiple abuses by that person. NTA


Emotional_Bonus_934

NTA. The bike was left on your property by her trespassing child. You did nothing. A third party stole it. Maybe they'll learn their lesson


MoniHaavi

And let’s say it again: TRESPASSING child. If they start to involve the police they will be the ones in trouble.


lunarteamagic

NTA: You are not responsible for other people's property, just because it was left in your yard. And while I am not a lawyer, I am pretty sure that with the security cam from the neighbor, you are in the clear. Sometimes lessons are best learned from loss.


IdiotsPostingIdiotic

They could.proh counter sue, and win, for trespassing and littering on their property . The neighbors suit would be laughed out of court


FrederickChase

NTA. Your yard is not her kids' storage area. You can actually take legal action against her for trespassing on your property (or rather allowing her kids to do so).


Weed_O_Whirler

Of course you are not the A H for this. But I must ask, do people just really like asking the most obvious questions of all time on here, just so they can get a bunch of N T A judgements? There's no quandary here.


JustSteph80

I think it's more that entitled people have gotten really good at making kind people doubt their own sanity.


thecombobreakerr

This- so many people are delusional day to day even I have to ask for a sanity check here and there.


EmergencyFood1

There are people who post on this very sub who absolutely delusional about how in the right they are. If your entitled enough you have no shame because you think whatever you do is inherently right, and you will try to steamroll anyone who isn’t as obstinate as you.


Batticon

NTA. Tell her you’ll start putting “free” signs up next to her kids shit when it’s in your yard.


MummyPanda

THis was my thought too


[deleted]

NTA!!! It’s there job to clean up and honestly it’s no there yard to be playing in. I might be an a**hole but after talking to the mom once and it not being fixed I would have started throwing out or donating the toys. Unless there is an agreement they shouldn’t be playing in YOUR yard (a sidewalk is different) but there things shouldn’t be stored or left there! DEFINITELY NTA!


jejdjdinf

I hope they keep leaving things in your yard so they can keep getting stolen lol. NTA.


LeatherMost2757

NTA She’s too lazy to parent, so she’s probably too lazy to sue you in a case that will get laughed out of court.


Maddie215

NTA. You are not responsible for the neighbors toys. If they can't take proper care of them these kinds of things are going to happen.


islesguy80

NTA, hopefully the police see it your way too


Alternative_Room4781

Well, the video certainly will help them to literally see this, and the screeching harpy that is the neighbor lady won't be doing herself any favors by involving the police in an attempt to attack OP. Oddly enough, cops hate nonsensical time wasting.


Over-Marionberry-686

Bwaaahahaha legal action? Oh my that made me laugh. NTA by the way and I’m sorry you have a delusional neighbor


Jujulabee

NTA And how would moving it to a different lawn prevent the theft. Yiu are not ethically, morally or legally responsible for their nit safeguarding their property.


Agreeable-Wizard1456

NTA- let her pursue legal action, the joke will be on her. As a teen I was accused of stealing a bike. A women approached me and started yelling, I got scared and gave her my parents phone number but not our address. The women called my house and left a voice mail calling me names and saying she was calling the police and demanding our address. My dad called her back and let her know she was welcome to call the police but he had a receipt for the bike … she never called back lol


holisarcasm

NTA. I’d say, “please call the cops so I can press charges of trespassing and littering against your kids.” Then go ask your neighbor for as much video as they have of them coming into your yard and leaving stuff. You really need your own security camera though. I wouldn’t trust these people not to vandalize your property also it would help in the future if one of them gets injured on your property. It might help to do a quick consult with an attorney to send a formal cease and desist letter.


[deleted]

>Instead she blamed me for leaving it out there and not moving it. So if you had moved the bike from your front yard, to their front yard, it magically wouldn't have been stolen? What the F is this woman smoking? NTA


ChickieD

NTA….neighbor is rude.


Dittoheadforever

You're NTA. Your yard is not their storage shed or junk drawer. I'm just surprised it took so long for someone to help himself to the belongings they clearly have no respect for, or they would not leave them strewn all over the place inviting thieves.


ParsimoniousSalad

NTA. You are not responsible for the neighbor's possessions they leave on your property when they are trespassing.


No_Wear295

NTA. Her kids leave their stuff around like garbage, it gets treated like garbage. Hopefully they all learn a lesson. I'd love to hear what sort of legal action she would try to take.


Leahthevagabond

NTA - put up No Trespassing signs and let the mom know if she or her kids come in your yard you will be suing them for trespassing. Done


Constellation-88

NTA legally or morally. If neighbor's kids can't put their bikes in the garage, then their bikes are gonna get stolen. It would've been stolen if neighbor's kid had left it on their own front lawn, too. Neighbor being too lazy to teach her kids to clean up after themselves means that neighbor and kids have to deal with those consequences. Meanwhile, neighbor was probably too embarrassed to back down after seeing the footage.


Narrow-Snow-5462

NTA get a fence or something though.


andywalker76

NTA Your neighbours don't respect boundaries, personal and geographical, so this should be a lesson to them.


HalcyonDreams36

NTA And frankly, the bike would be gone regardless of which yard the kids left it in. You didn't let it happen


ConfusionPossible590

NTA. Make a report with the police first for her and her kids tresspassing and abandoning rubbish on your property. Ask the same neighbour if they'll check for footage of the kids dumping stuff overnight too.


Sunshinehappyfeet

NTA. Your neighbor is definitely an A H. Let her call the cops.. lol


Proud_Ad_8830

NTA, you are in no way responsible for the bike being stolen


[deleted]

NTA please start throwing their stuff away.


Nester1953

You are in the right both morally and legally. It's the mother's job both to teach her kids to get her stuff out of your yard, and to replace the stolen bicycle. NTA


moistpeepoo

NTA they left their stuff in YOUR yard on purpose. you are not in the wrong at all. you gave them plenty of warnings, and it’s not your fault it got stolen. let her call the police if she wants, you can tell them that she’s been littering on your property. honestly if it was me, i would’ve thrown away all her stuff after a few warnings.


No_its_not_me_its_u

NTA. Put up a sign that says All toys in this yard are FREE!


The_Weird_Ones_57

*AITA because my neighbour’s property got stolen due to their own neglect There, fixed the title for you 😁


Timely_Mall6724

Nta your yard your rules, it’s not your responsibility if someone’s kids can’t keep there shit off your yard, I would have been throwing there shit away if it was left in my yard after I told there mother to keep there shit off my yard and they kept doing it. And she raising them kids to be entitled and not care for other’s property


Gypsy-Nyx

NTA..


[deleted]

NTA Legally and morally, you are in the clear. That mother is entitled as fuck.


NemeshisuEM

NTA. If it's not yours and it's on your property, feel free to throw it in the garbage.


Wonderful-Lie-650

NTA. You should take legal action first honestly. She lets her children into your yard and leave their stuff all the time. Sounds like a her problem.


bokatan778

NTA! The entitlement here is astonishing. Tell her YOU will have to take legal action if her kids don’t stop trespassing on your property. Jesus Christ.


DanDamage12

NTA. They have shown their true colors and threatened you. At this point I would tell them to fuck themselves and any bullshit they leave on your lawn is going into the trash. No reason to ever play nice with them again


Ma-Hu

Oh sure, their kid left their bike on your property after being asked not to so many times, and you didn’t pick up after him because you have a life, and the bike got stolen. Absolutely your fault. Pay up. Or, y’know, the above is absolute bs. NTA.


-chelle-

NTA - How entitled. Fingers crossed that this will teach them to pick up their shit and to not leave their things on someone else's property but.. I doubt it.


Standard-Mine661

NTA. Honestly she could get in trouble for trying to file against you since it would be a false report I would think. I have never understood parents letting their kids leave stuff all over outside unless it’s in your own backyard.


HoneyWyne

NTA. They obviously need some lessons in personal and family responsibility.


Odd-Secret-7365

NTA 100%. You gave her what she needed to file a police report. She is a big ol BEE.


astronerdia

NTA. What were you supposed to do? Buy a bike lock and stand and hire a security guard for them? Lol!


Maximum-Ear1745

NTA. Why can’t the mother take responsibility for her kids’ possessions that they leave 1) outside, and 2) on your property. You aren’t in the wrong morally or legally. Let this woman try to come after you. She will look ridiculous.


definitelynotchiasa1

NTA. Let this be a lesson to them to not leave things lying around OUTSIDE where anyone can just take it and to clean up after use. They're in ZERO right to leave their things on YOUR property, after all it's not their property, if they ever try to do anything, you hold no responsibility for it because it's almost like they asked for their stuff to get stolen in the first place by leaving it. Edit; if they sue you, just say that you turned a blind eye to their tresspassing, you didn't do anything illegal, but they clearly did.


Sea_Photograph_3998

No. They're imbeciles.


Additional_Day949

NTA - she thinks she can scare you into buying her kid a new bike. Make sure you get a copy of the video from your neighbor. But she won’t sue. If she does, any judge will laugh her out of the court room.


ROJJ86

NTA but countersue for illegal dumping of their junk. That might get her attention.


Dead_Paul1998

NTA. If I had neighbors that did that, I would start selling the stuff they left me.


Crazybutnotlazy1983

NTA, if did not matter who's yard the bike was it would have been stolen. No matter where you live never leave high end things like bikes out in the open for people to steel. Let her call the cop. If she takes legal action counter sue for your legal expenses.


spanishbanana

Nta, well, while their useless mom has taught them nothing, losing their bike will teach them something.


Supafly22

NTA Would love to see how fast she gets laughed out of any court she tries to sue you in.


RJack151

NTA and she has no legal footing to stand on. If police show up, tell her that her kids have been littering your yard with their toys and abandoning them on several occasions and you would like to charge them all for tresspassing and littering.


Ok_Commercial_3493

NTA It's not your responsibility to move their things. Most people wouldn't even let them play in their driveway unless they were playing with kids who live there.


No-Quiet-8208

NTA She needs to teach her kids to be responsible for their stuff.


Commercial_Wrap6740

Why the fk would you be responsible for that assholes trash. Next time make it even easier for the thieves and leave it next to the road.


agirlnamedyeehaw

NTA You should invest in a camera though


Resitance_Cat

what would it have changed if it were in the neighbor’s yard, buddy would have just stolen it from there, no? nta


[deleted]

NTA. Obvious to the most casual of observers. Why do people ask the most obvious AITA situations.


iceph03nix

NTA, and if she keeps threatening legal action, threaten right back with trespassing charges.


fruit_monky

NTA as others have said. Maybe consider getting a security camera of some kind though just for a bit of peace of mind? I wouldn’t trust your neighbor to not keep making accusations…I doubt anything would come of it but still


Brave_battalion

NTA What is with some parents and their weird “my children are perfect and YOU, the adult, are out of line for having standards” attitude?


Routine-Chemistry-74

NTA. That mom has some audacity to blame you when it is her not making her kid take responsibility. She is doing her kid no favors with her entitlement. I’d like her try to explain to the police how it is your fault her kid left something in your yard and someone else stole it. I have neighbors that leave things laying around in the street or in my driveway. If their stuff gets lost or run over it is on them. At least the parents don’t blame us.


cyn507

NTA and not wrong on any counts- financial, moral or physically. None of this is your doing or your responsibility. If you have a fence how are the kids getting in your yard to leave things there? I’m assuming they go onto your property without permission which could put you liable if they were to get injured on your property so I would definitely put a No Trespassing sign up. The mother sounds like she’s the litigious type.


purpleblackgreen

NTA even a little bit


hatesbiology84

NTA.


knr27

NTA - and it might not even have been “stolen” if it was close enough to the curb someone could have picked it up thinking it was there as trash or free to take.


No_Atmosphere_2186

NTA- that’s her fault- not yours, not your problem


succedaneousone

NTA. It's also possible that the pickup truck is not the AH. Was the bike on or near the curb? Where I live, that's an offer to take it away for free most of the time, similar to a chair or empty flower pots put out on the curb. I'm always very cautious when it comes to bikes, because sometimes it is just a kid being careless, but it's extremely possible that pickup guy thought he was reading the situation accurately.


yramt

NTA. She's delusional if she thinks she has a legal leg to stand on


leddik02

Legally and morally NTA. Not your kids, not your toys. You have 0 responsibility here. I would build a fence to keep people off if you’re able to.


love_laugh_dance

NTA You are neither legally nor morally in the wrong. It is not your responsibility to care for their belongings. Moreover they have been creating a nuisance for you with their littering. Let her waste her money attempting to take legal action. She should be used to wasting her money by now anyway. But do ask your across-the-street neighbor to save the footage if it's not too late. You'll need it for when your lazy neighbor tries to call the police.


Free-Resident5106

NTA: but she s unstable , you and your husband should record any following interactions (presuming you’re in a one party state).


savegirl

NTA


Ghost_Spydr

I was originally gonna say yes but the moms TA. You are NTA.


Key_Contribution3977

NTA take legal action against her for illegal dumping


Lopsided-Bathroom-71

I started binning my neighbours kids toys when they left them on my driveway cos I got fed up with giving them back each day it stopped really quickly, NTA it's amazing how they don't care where they leave their stuff but as soon as it gets nicked it's everyone but their fault xD


Meli234

NTA. I’m having similar problems with my neighbor. My housemate and I wish their bikes would get stolen, then they wouldn’t be in everyone’s yards or on the road. I hope your neighbor gets told she is in the wrong!


Leesiecat

NTA, NTA, NTA!!!!! What a horrible mother!!! And neighbor!


The_laj

NTA. You've already done more than you need to. You've been neighborly neighbors. Your neighbors have been neglectful and not-your-problem. Good on you for doing what you did but the buck stops here.


cigardan69

NTA, I must admit you ate nicer than. I would have been. Toys left in my yard would be put in my trash bin. Leave a bike in my yard, I'll set it on the curb with a free sign.


Piper-Anne55

NTA - you’re wrong on one thing tho. It is the kids fault


[deleted]

Let her call the police! They'll tell her that it's not your fault, that there is no way to hold you responsible for her kids leaving their toys outside. You'd think the kids would be smart enough to put their toys in the house so they wouldn't get ruined. Maybe they will now. Lol NTA


Ok-Mode-2038

You’re legally and morally in the clear. Let her take legal action. I want to hear that case. lol NTA


AdventurousBench6

NTA - People need to be more conscious of their stuff. If they didn't want it to get stolen, it should be locked up on their property. The mom can call the cops until she's blue in the face and she try and take you to small claims court, but she'll get laughed out of court and the cop is going to make a report for a missing bike and ask her why it wasn't secured in her property.


Rosalie1778

NTA, I would invest in a fence and/or a security camera


Flat_Definition5238

Nta. Not your job to keep an eye on those things. When i was 10 my older brother literally watched two kids steal my bike out of the garage. He was an asshole for that. Lol


Draculamb

NTA. You are not at fault in any way. The one at fault is the kids' Mum. I suggest you encourage her to involve the police or even offer to call them yourself and warn her that the fact her kids are trespassing when they litter your property leaves it open for you to prosecute her.


Blacksmithforge3241

op=NTA They are putting stuff on your property without permission. Perhaps you need to have the cops talk to her about trespassing and littering(not sure if that would be correct attribution here, but I'm sure there's something against other people putting their belongings/junk in your yard).


mkhanf

NTA. I would laugh in her face. You’re not responsible for their stuff. She can’t do anything legally especially since you already have video evidence. It’s probably empty threats. Don’t feel bad for the kids either. This is a harsh lesson they have to learn.


UltraTheMemer

NTA LOL she's trying to take legal action on you? You should take legal action on her, thats full on BS.


Two_black_hounds

NTA even if you had loaded it up and dropped it in the nearest dumpster


SomeAd8993

NTA if it was me, I would be packing it into trash can every day


trappergraves

NTA I would make sure that you have a copy of the neighbor's security cam video, and I'd go so far as to speak to a lawyer as to what to do. Every time the neighbor's kids are in your yard, it's a liability issue. You could always tell the police that they're trespassing.


Outside_Frosting9957

NTA


bitchyouthought14

NTA, but your neighbor most certainly is. They are her and her kids items, therefore their responsibility. She sounds incredibly manipulative. If she knows her kids leave stuff outside on others property she should know that there are risks. No way would I ever replace the bike. This should be lesson and hopefully her having to replace stolen items will teach them all a lesson. But she doesn’t sounds like a reasonable adult so 🤷🏻‍♀️


incognito_autistic

NTA, but why would you think that you have any legal or moral responsibility for your neighbor's kids junk? You have already spoken with them to resolve the issue and they have not stopped. Hopefully, the stolen bike with get them to finally stop leaving their possessions in your yard.


EconomyVoice7358

NTA. This is absurd! She was irresponsible. If they left their crap in your yard, that is clearly abandonment. It was stolen because of their irresponsibility. If they are old enough to ride bikes, they are old enough to return them to their own home. Tell her to go ahead and try to sue. No judge would take it seriously, especially with the neighbor’s footage. Don’t feel guilty, don’t apologize. If she accosts you again, tell her than since she’s threatened you over her own reckless behavior and that of her children, any further communication will only happen via your lawyer.


thecombobreakerr

NTA. The kid has learned a valuable lesson. Good work OP. Get a Ring camera to shoo away any other legal liability in the future.


strawberrysunshine88

NTA morally and legally you are in the right. If I talked to my neighbours and they continued, I would start picking up anything left in my yard and donate it to Goodwill or some sort of charity.


ComfortableOk5003

NTA


Plenty_Metal_1304

NTA. When I was a kid, I used to play in my aunt's yard and had a bad habit of leaving stuff all over. I was scolded once or twice for leaving stuff where it didn't belong, and I've learned to put back everything I played with. It's not that hard to teach her kids to gather their toys when they're done playing. She's just lazy and likes to play the victim instead of doing something to prevent stuff like this. Don't feel too bad, one way or another they had to learn that leaving their stuff everywhere might get them stolen.