do I have enough proof?

Question

I got into an argument with my best friend and we decided not to talk anymore. 2 nights later, my car was spray painted. I noticed it the next morning and called the cops. I told them about the fight with my x best friend but without evedence, I can't prove it was her. Today I had a note on my car from the neighbor that they saw a car pull in that fits the description of my x friends car to a t. He said it pulled in, drove around the lot twice and then backed in next to my car. 2 minutes later it pulled away. I told the cop that and he said that unless the neighbor saw someone do it, I can't do anything about it. I feel that's wrong. Is this cop right, or should I take this to someone else?

Answer 1

take it to someone else. you can sue someone without a police report.

Answer 2

Your neighbour can only offer what is called 'circumstancial evidence', which is not proof as such. I think the policeman is correct in saying this is not enough evidence for him to put a successful case together. The criminal law requires that a court find a not fuilty verdict unless the allegation is established beyond all reasonable doubt. A civil court can reach a guilty verdict on a balance of probabilities. However you would have to consult a solicitor experienced in such matters for an opinion on the chances of sueing for damages. Then you have to actually get the money, which is often even harder than obtaining judgement. To be frank a respray would be cheaper than an unsuccessful action. You could try confronting your ex friend withh the neighbours evidence, but I suggest you take an imposing and level headed person who is willing to get involved with you. If, if you manage to prevent it escalating into an emotional scene, you might be able to sort it out.

Answer 3

Cop is right, even if it was your friend, they could always claim they drove by to talk to you, and changed their mind.
My wife's ex held her nose and mouth her till she passed out and lost bladder control. A doctor field said that if that happens, you are seconds from death.
We called the police who said that since there were no marks on her body, it was his word against hers, so no action would be done.

If they cannot do anything with attempted murder, they certainly won't do anything about a spray painted car.

Answer 4

Wouldn't it be nice if life were like the movies. Then if someone disregards the law to upset you then your retribution would show an equal disregard for the formalities, Of course you would have to remember what your friend and the policeman already know. The only crime is doing something which can be proved afterwards.

Answer 5

The Cop could of at least asked for her whereabouts on the night in question to see if she could explane herself, but the Cops would probably regard it as a minor incident, and so wouldn't be bothered.

Answer 6

What did ye fall out about?It must have been something really bad,now not saying that it is any excuse to do that to your car .I think anyone who can do that to your property is not well!Thank your angels or whom ever that you believe in that your well shot of that person ,how could they ever have done that and said that they were your friend.i wouldn waist my time doing anything about it it will prob cost you more than it will be to get the car repaired...take care

Answer 7

Sad to say he is right. While it isn't to you (it was, after all, your car), the crime was pretty minor, and they don't have a lot of resources to spend investigating something like that. Unless they have a positive ID to go on, there really is not much they can do.

Get it fixed, write it off to experience, and find yourself a better class of friend.

-Dio

Answer 8

waste of time mate top barristers cant convict the criminal so why do you want to try put it down to experience and learn to say nothing let them get away with it as most British do could always give there a house a paint job?

Answer 9

May I suggest you do the same to her car 1 dark night!Revenge can be satisfying!

Answer 10

you could phone her and tell her your neighbour saw her do it and that if she pays for the damage you will not phone the police and press charges, she might pay up if she thinks you have a witness, how is she to know the neighbour didn't actually see her, if that doesn't work theres not much you can do about it.

Answer 11

If it continues, you might be able to get a no-harassment order. This is much easier to get than a criminal conviction. Then if she violates the order, she can be criminally prosecuted.