Can I jump into my neighbour’s garden to retrieve kids’ football? Full laws and rules

NOTHING says summer quite like a game of football outside but kicking a ball over the neighbour’s garden fence can be frustrating. So what are the rules on getting your kid’s ball back and is it really as simple as hopping over the fence? Kicking a ball is all fun and games, until it ends up in your neighbour’s garden Credit: portishead1 Six weeks of summer holidays have officially begun and parents are likely concocting any number of ways to keep their little ones entertained. So a kickabout in the garden might seem like perfect solution to keeping them busy – until they launch the ball over your neighbour‘s fence. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Now the question you might be facing is: can you legally hop over and grab it? In short, the answer is no, you do not have the right to enter your neighbour’s garden without their permission. Retrieving the ball from their property without explicit consent could be considered trespassing – and may even result in a civil case. Instead, consider asking your neighbour directly if they are able to throw the ball back, or allow you to enter their property to retrieve it. And if your kid has managed to damage your neighbour’s property with a flying ball, or two, then, you are liable to cover the cost of the damage, whether it be a broken window or a knocked down fence. Neighbours are even able to take the matter to a small claims court if you refuse to pay, so it’s best to be upfront about the damage from the start. Most read in The Sun But, if it’s been a few days, and your neighbour has refused to give your ball back, this can be considered stealing under the Theft Act (1968). In this case, you are able to pursue legal action – with a fine being the most likely outcome – if you can’t find a solution to getting your property back. Comment now