Our neighbors are stealing our electricity, what can I do?

Question

Our neighbors have had no electricity since they moved in (maybe a month ago). And the people that lived there before them, I don't think they had electricity either, but I'm not sure.
Anyway, we have an outlet by our front door, and one window and doorhole that looks out toward the front. But part of our wall is in the way, so we can't even see our outlet. The neighbors' door right across from us is right by that outlet. They come outside in the middle of the night and charge their phones there, but they watch out there doorhole, and if they hear us come out, they quickly take it back. They also use it throughout the day when they think we're gone. (we can hear them opening the flap all day long). And any outlet locks we buy seem to go missing. But we can't catch them doing that.
We can't record them doing this (because of our stupid dining room wall in the way). And the police, I don't think can do anything, unless we have proof. If we shut off electricity for it, our AC goes out as well.
They just deny anything, so talking is of no use. In fact I think it made it worse, because now they've started having their friends park in our spot for an hour or so when they come over. And I'm pretty sure it was those same neighbors that spit chew spit all over our truck. Yuck.

I haven't called the electric company yet, but I don't know what good that would do, it probably only adds $15-20 to our bill every month, at most.

Help US!

ornery and mean · Accepted Answer

If you have tried locking the outlet and the devices "go missing" ... it might be time to have the outlet removed completely!  If you use the outlet (removal is nmot an option) maybe have a switch installed to control the outlet.  The switch would be in your house, behind locked doors ... if the switch is off the outlet is dead!  

Another thought ... You should be able to complain to the condo association (like a "vertical HOA") about the thefts.  Maybe the association would put up a camera to catch the thief.

Jdog619 · Answer

If you have a free night that you can stay up, hide just around the corner from the outlets to where they can't see you. Make sure that you are in a position that you can quickly and quietly move around to access the outlet, but you are still comfortable.  Again it will take a lot of patience, but wait about a minute after they plug something in, then go outside, snatch up all their things that are plugged in,run inside, and lock your door. If they knock, do not open the door. Dispose of the items how you see fit. Or cut them to pieces and leave they lying outside their door at some other time of the day.

Mariah · Answer

Can you get padlocked outlet covers from the hardware store? Do they have children living with them? If so--a call to child protective services is desperately needed. If they aren't going to give you any cash for using the outlet, I would call the utilities company. 
Oh! What about turning the power off to that outlet while you are gone--have you tried looking in the circuit breaker? Just turn the power off to the section of the house.

Anonymous · Answer

from the connection box, wire that outlet with a transformer.  Jack it up to about 300 volts 20 amps.  They will stop using your outlet.

Dan H · Answer

find the breaker for that outlet and turn it off except when you are using it.  Or have an electrician put a switch on it so you can control it when you aren't using it yourself.

? · Answer

Remove the outlet, or turn it off at the fuse box.

Anonymous · Answer

Take out the outlet. either that or confront your neighbors.

nas88car300 · Answer

call an electrician and have it removed or put a locking cover on it -
or turn the breaker off to it 
also film them doing what they are doing and turn it over to the police

HD · Answer

i would make a police report, i don't think the elec company can do anything. is there anyway you can set up a video camera? is this an apt? if it is tell the manager.

redgator · Answer

Call the power company.  One would think that would be the obvious first move.

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Our neighbors are stealing our electricity, what can I do?

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