When the weather is pleasant, millions of Brits are known to get outside and make the most of it, with some going for picnics or playing ball games in their gardens.
For football fans, it’s hard to beat a kickabout on a lovely summer afternoon unless it’s ruined when the ball you're using accidentally finds its way into a neighbour's garden.
While many have cordial relations with their next-door neighbours and can simply go over and retrieve it, some may have difficulties.
If you're having problems getting your football back, here is what the law states in the UK.
Can my neighbour keep my football if it lands in their garden?
“There are few things that cause a neighbourhood row faster than a football flying into the wrong garden, but homeowners should think twice before keeping hold of - or damaging - a ball that isn’t theirs,” said Jordan Kluth from John Fowlers solicitors.
The expert added: “In most cases, the sensible thing to do is simply hand it back.”
They continued: “Popping, binning or refusing to return someone else’s ball could land a homeowner in hot water, even if the item itself is only worth a few quid.
“And if it keeps happening, a polite word is far better than letting tempers boil over.”
While keeping or destroying a football could mean the police could get involved, an expert at housing association SettleParadigm said there’s likely little they can do.
Chelsie Gledhill, community safety team leader at SettleParadigm said: “Strictly speaking, if a neighbour were to keep or even destroy a ball that's come into their garden, under law it would be considered either theft or criminal damage.
“They can be reported to the police for this.
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“That said it’s unlikely the police could do much in response.
“The value of the item is relatively low, and from experience, the police try to keep people out of the criminal justice system for petty crime.
“Letters of apology or payment for a replacement are more likely, based on trying to achieve a community resolution rather than a court based one.
“All that said, like a painkiller for a broken bone, this can't solve the underlying problem.
“In our experience, escalating a row between neighbours never works well.
“If there's any way it can be done, trying to find a more lasting solution to those neighbourly relationships will work much better for all parties both now and in the future.”
Is it illegal to go into someone's garden to get your ball?
Entering a neighbouring property to get a ball is still considered trespassing, according to Nuisance Neighbours.
This is a civil wrong and could lead to legal consequences such as liability for damages.
Jordan explained: “Children or parents should ask before entering someone else’s property to retrieve it, and homeowners are under no obligation to let anyone wander in uninvited.”
The expert continued: “Parents should also remind kids not to climb fences or go into next door’s garden without permission.
“A moment of annoyance is rarely worth turning into a full-blown neighbour war.”
How to stop footballs flying into your garden
Those looking to stop footballs from leaving or flying into their gardens can use mesh netting.
This acts as a barrier, preventing balls from flying over and causing a nuisance.
You may also be able to talk with your neighbour to prevent the issue from happening as often.
Do you play games in your garden when the weather is nice? Let us know your favourites in the comments below.
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