OAP couple at war with neighbours questioned by police for ‘kidnapping’ wheelie bin
AN OAP couple were questioned by police for “kidnapping” their neighbours’ wheelie bin.
Jan and Julian Smith seized the container, saying it had blown into their car and scratched it.
The disabled pair have vowed to keep it stashed in their garage until Cherie and Scott Dowie agree to pay for the “hundreds of pounds” worth of damage to the Suzuki Wagon R.
The couple were shocked when two cops called and asked Julian to return the “stolen” bin.
Former engineer Julian, 77, of Orpington, South East London, said: “I refused as we only retrieved it.
“It was scary.
“I fear they’ll return to get it by force.”
Mum-of-one Jan, 66, said: “It was terrifying for him.
“The bang on the door was like a raid.
“He felt very intimidated.
“Some people can’t get burglaries investigated yet we had police here over a wheelie bin.”
Florist Cherie said the Smiths should be prosecuted for theft.
The mum of two said: “The wind took the bin.
“I don’t know if it hit the car but they need to prove that.
“It’s pathetic.
“I do hope they give the bin back eventually because it’s £80 to replace it.”
A police spokesman confirmed officers had spoken to both couples.
He added: “This was a civil and not a criminal matter.”