I came home last week and noticed something odd—an extension cord snaking from my neighbor’s garage into the outdoor socket on my house. I unplugged it, thinking maybe it was a mistake. But then I caught him doing it again. When I confronted him, he laughed and said, “It’s only pennies!” That’s when I realized this wasn’t a misunderstanding—it was theft, plain and simple.
I installed a lockable cover over the socket to stop him. The next morning, I found a note in my mailbox. He claimed I’d blocked the “community socket” and demanded I leave my back gate unlocked so he could charge his e-bike inside my house when it rains. I was stunned. He wasn’t just stealing—he was escalating.
I tried to be reasonable and even offered to split the cost of installing a socket on his own wall. He refused. Now he’s telling neighbors I’m stingy and uncooperative. I didn’t want a war, but I won’t be bullied into giving away my electricity. This is my home, my meter, and my boundaries.
I’ve taken precautions, but the situation still feels surreal. How did a simple act of unplugging a cord turn into neighborhood drama and veiled threats? I’m left wondering if I overreacted—or if he’s just unbelievably entitled. Either way, I’m not backing down. Respect goes both ways.
